ISO/IEC 15417:2007/Amd 1:2026

Overview

ISO/IEC 15417:2007/Amd 1 is an important amendment to the international standard specifying the Code 128 bar code symbology under the umbrella of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques. Published by ISO and IEC, this amendment primarily introduces corrections to Annex D and updates terminological references, ensuring enhanced clarity and accuracy in the application of Code 128 barcodes.

Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology extensively used in information technology for representing alphanumeric data efficiently. This amendment strengthens the foundation for businesses and technology providers implementing Code 128 barcode specifications by refining related documentation and underlying definitions.

Key Topics

• Annex D Corrections: The amendment revises and replaces the entire Annex D to provide clearer instructions on the relationship between symbol character values and ASCII values, which are critical for barcode encoding and decoding processes.

• Terminology Update: The amendment removes outdated references to ISO/IEC 19762-1 and ISO/IEC 19762-2 and replaces them with a consolidated reference to ISO/IEC 19762, the standard providing harmonized vocabulary for AIDC technologies.

• Code Set Specifications: Clarifies how symbol character values correspond to ASCII values through specific formulas for Code Set A and Code Set B of Code 128. This update enhances interoperability and accurate data representation.

• Implementation Notes: Addresses the impact of the FNC4 character on ASCII values, emphasizing its role in modifying the ASCII value of subsequent characters by adding 128, as per the updated annex.

• Standard Maintenance: Details about the editorial process and collaboration by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31, responsible for AIDC standards, signifying ongoing commitment to evolving barcode standards for global applicability.

Applications

ISO/IEC 15417:2007/Amd 1 has practical implications across various sectors utilizing Code 128 barcodes for automatic identification and data capture:

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Ensures accurate product identification, tracking, and inventory control through standardized encoding.

• Retail and Point of Sale: Facilitates quick product scanning and checkout processes by guaranteeing barcode consistency and readability.

• Healthcare: Supports patient identification, specimen tracking, and medication management systems requiring reliable barcode data encoding.

• Manufacturing: Enhances traceability and quality control by standardizing barcode symbology used on parts and products.

• Document and Asset Management: Enables precise labeling and retrieval through compliant barcode generation and reading.

This amendment ensures that software developers, hardware manufacturers, and end-users can implement Code 128 barcodes accurately, reducing errors and improving data interoperability.

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 19762: Provides harmonized vocabulary related to AIDC, replacing earlier versions and serving as the definitive terminology source referenced in this amendment.

• ISO/IEC 15417:2007: The principal Code 128 symbology specification document that this amendment updates, forming the basis for Code 128 barcode implementation.

• ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 Standards: A collection of standards related to automatic identification and data capture techniques, including other barcode symbologies and RFID systems.

• ISO/IEC 646 IRV: Corresponds to the character set equivalent to ASCII values referenced in the amendment, important for understanding character encoding within Code 128.

By following ISO/IEC 15417:2007/Amd 1, organizations involved in barcode technology can ensure compliance with international best practices, optimize barcode readability, and improve the efficiency of data capture systems worldwide. This update is essential for maintaining the reliability and universality of Code 128 barcodes across diverse applications.