High Technology and Electronics

Two-dimensional (2-D) barcode symbologies are increasing in usage in the high tech and electronics industry as technology advances and electronic components shrink. These barcodes offer greater data storage capacity than linear barcodes and are increasingly used to track parts and work in progress, provide traceability, and more. In particular, the Data Matrix symbology is widely used for its ability to be read even when damaged, its ability to be read omnidirectionally, and its legibility even when printed in a very small space.

Linear barcodes continue to be used on circuit boards and other parts where appropriate, but the industry as a whole is moving toward 2-D symbologies.

The Electronics Components Industry Association (ECIA) establishes standards for the electronics industry. They have developed EIPG 114 2D Barcode Specification to define the use of the Data Matrix symbology. For more information, refer to https://ecia.identificationlabs.com/.

Many high tech and electronics manufacturers and suppliers also use the GS1 system of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) for the high tech and electronics supply chain.