barcode

An identification code that can be read by an optical scanner. A barcode contains binary information about the object to which it is affixed. There are two types of barcodes, linear (1D), and matrix (2D). Linear barcodes consist of a series of vertical bars and spaces of differing widths. Linear barcodes provide a maximum data capacity of 20 characters. Matrix barcodes consist of geometric patterns of vertical and horizontal shapes and spaces. Matrix barcodes provide a maximum data capacity of 7,089 characters.

Itron affixes barcodes to many of its manufactured devices, such as meters and endpoints. Many Itron software products support the use of barcodes for tasks, including inventory management.