Meaning
International printing standards for two-dimensional barcodes define the industrial quality grading methodology for printed multi-row and matrix symbologies. System operators use ISO 15415 to evaluate barcodes under fixed lighting conditions, generating an overall numerical grade from zero to four. This measurement guarantees that the printed codes can be read by standard commercial scanners across different supply chain nodes.
Performance Evaluation
The evaluation protocol measures specific parameters such as symbol contrast, modulation, grid non-uniformity, and unused error correction. Each of these parameters is graded individually, and the lowest score among them becomes the overall grade for the symbol. By using ISO 15415, trade partners obtain an objective, repeatable measure of barcode quality that does not depend on the specific scanner model.
This standardization ensures that both the supplier and the buyer use the same criteria during quality audits.
Purchase Obligation
Distribution agreements between manufacturers and retail networks often incorporate these grading levels directly into the product specifications. A typical contract may dictate that all incoming shipments must bear barcodes graded at a minimum of 2.0 under ISO 15415. If a shipment falls below this threshold, the buyer can reject the delivery, return the goods at the seller’s expense, or apply a labor surcharge for manual handling.
Adhering to these specifications prevents costly distribution bottlenecks and maintains the integrity of the supply channel.
Print Rectification
Achieving the necessary grade requires careful selection of substrates, ribbon chemistry, and printer maintenance routines. Low grades are resolved by adjusting print speed, correcting heat levels, or replacing worn print heads to restore symbol contrast and edge definition. These adjustments ensure that the packaging conforms to the retail contract.
