Introduction
Data Matrix codes make a huge impact in situations when not much space is available and are useful within various sectors. Their peculiarity is that a considerable amount of information is located in a rather small space. Such codes are very often used in logistics and manufacturing, as they perfectly encode numeric data as well as text.
Data Matrix codes are essential for business. After such a code is scanned, the buyer sees the path of their item from the producer to the shop, and the number of counterfeit goods is significantly reduced.
If you have ever been interested in business topics, you have probably heard about Odoo—a package of business applications that are fully integrated with each other. This system completely covers all aspects of your company, including coding goods with Data Matrix codes. When you simply scan the code, Odoo immediately distinguishes the correct product and inserts its batch number and best-before date into the fields.
Data Matrix codes significantly simplify many business processes and become a key constituent of modernized companies. Therefore, you should also be aware of modern product coding in order to achieve success and overtake your competitors. Read on and you will discover plenty of useful information!
Data Matrix Codes: What Are They?
This is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that consists of black and white cells.
As a rule, it is arranged in the form of a square, but it may also be rectangular. Data Matrix code uses the lower structure: on the left and bottom it is bounded by solid lines that form an “L”. Such a code may accommodate a maximum of 2335 alphanumeric symbols; its visual extent may be 10×10 pixels, and this property provides a huge advantage.
Traditional Barcodes vs. Data Matrix Codes
Traditional barcodes are 1D (one dimensional), and they are presented in the form of a rectangle that is comprised of parallel black stripes and white spaces, which may have different widths. The most widespread type of a traditional barcode is EAN, which is composed of 13 numeric symbols, containing a country code. EAN barcodes, in comparison to Data Matrix ones, accommodate significantly less data and comprise only basic information, which is their drawback. Traditional barcodes are actively used in asset tracking, healthcare, and logistics.
QR Codes vs. Data Matrix Codes
QR codes are two-dimensional codes (2D), as well as Data Matrix ones. Normally, they look like squares with black and white cells and have a characteristic arrangement of three large squares in three corners. QR codes are able to reserve a lot of data (a maximum of 4296 alphanumeric symbols), which is why they are perfect for connecting URLs, text, and data. In contrast to Data Matrix codes, QR ones are not compact enough, and this often becomes their drawback, making them unsuitable for encrypting small goods.
There are benefits and drawbacks to these types of barcodes, but each are effective in their own ways. Which one to choose depends only on your purpose. To come to an ideal decision for your production needs, you will want to consider:
- the data specification (QR codes will be great for encoding URLs, whereas Data Matrix codes will be suitable for compact data storage)
- the capacity that is allocated for the code (when it is small, the choice should definitely be on the side of Data Matrix codes)
- spheres of application (QR codes are more common in marketing, entertainment, or goods packaging, and Data Matrix codes are actively used in manufacturing and healthcare)
Aztec Codes vs. Data Matrix Codes
The Aztec code is a 2D barcode and is shaped as a square that contains a matrix of square parts. In the center of this matrix is a bullseye, which, in turn, consists of concentric squares. It may contain a maximum of 3067 alphanumeric symbols and is actively used for encoding numbers, text, and binary data.
Data Matrix codes exceed Aztec codes with reference to coding efficiency when there are more than 298 symbols in the text.
Data Matrix Codes: Key Features and Benefits
High data volume: Easily encode a large quantity of symbols in a really small space, which is crucial for small-sized items.
Economy of space: Use up less space, as these codes have a high data concentration. Moreover, sometimes Data Matrix codes are so tiny that they may be noticed only when looking closely. In view of the fact that these codes are compact, they are quite economical: less ink is wasted and smaller labels can be used.
Correction of errors: Data Matrix codes are quite fault-tolerant as they provide automatic error correction up to 30%. Just imagine, that if ⅓ of the code is corrupted, you will still be able to read it. A huge benefit of such codes is their readability, which is possible with a contrast of only 20%. As a consequence, some manufacturers allow themselves to experiment a little with colors and enrich packaging design.
How Do Data Matrix Codes Work?
You have probably at least once wondered how Data Matrix codes work. In fact, the process is not so simple, and complex coding is used here. Code characters are composed of modules that are located within the boundaries of the search pattern. The data areas that make up a symbol have modules in the form of a periodic array. Interestingly enough, there are no standards for the form of the module, so they may be either square or round.
The latest variant of the Data Matrix codes, ECC 200, uses Reed-Solomon codes to prevent errors or restore erased information. The majority of characters are square, and their size fluctuates from 10×10 to 144×144 modules.
Scanning barcodes is necessary at different stages of the logistics network, for example, during receiving or sale. Two-dimensional scanners are suitable for reading Data Matrix codes.
They are capable of recognizing 2D encoding and transmitting data to the online cash register. Fortunately, many modern scanners have already been created for such codes. They recognize a code at a distance of 10–20 cm and have minimal contrast, high reading speed, and a broad scanning angle.
These codes are actively used in many different spheres, and Data Matrix code examples are widespread in retail, manufacturing, and logistics. However, they are most useful and widespread in the field of pharmaceuticals.
As a rule, medicine packages are quite small, and other types of barcodes may simply not fit on them, while up to 2 KB of information may be entered into the Data Matrix code, saving much space in the packaging. Moreover, such codes were introduced in the medical field in order to protect medicinal products from falsification. The labeling of medical drugs includes the name of the product and dosage, serial number of the product, batch number, product code, and the drug’s shelf life.
The Place of Data Matrix Codes in Business
Modern businesses are increasingly utilizing Data Matrix codes and are gaining huge benefits from this: The codes are economical, but at the same time they contain all the important information.
You may be surprised, but such codes are actively used even in the banking sphere. They are applied to payment documents in order to later enter the information into their database. Corporations that manufacture electronic elements, such as personal computers or microprocessors, also benefit from Data Matrix codes, as most often such products are tiny in size while encoded information is still required.
A huge benefit of Data Matrix codes is that a unique code is issued for each unit, thus eliminating all inaccuracies. Another reason why modern businesses choose these codes is their ease of use. They can be read at different angles as well as in mirror form.
Many companies use these codes as their business card. For example, Data Matrix codes are often seen the entrances to restaurants, shops, and even hotels. As a rule, they encode the name of the establishment, telephone number, and sometimes the website address. Other examples of Data Matrix code usage in real life include clothing and footwear labels, cigarette packaging, cosmetics, and food products. Because of such widespread usage, Data Matrix codes are much closer to you than you might first think!
How Odoo Supports Data Matrix Codes
Odoo is a system used by a great number of various modern companies as it easily covers all their needs. By the way, barcodes are not the exception. They help to significantly speed up processing for many goods. The Odoo system assists in automatically generating barcodes, along with downloading them from other systems.
Data Matrix codes considerably simplify and accelerate the identification of goods at almost all stages of processing. For example, Odoo Inventory supports these codes, and then inventory processes are much smoother and more automated, which makes for well-managed warehouse activities. The process is simple: scan the code and see all the details about the item; no need for seeking it out manually.
Also, operations at the manufacturing stage, as well as at the retail module, are more fluid due to the fact that Odoo supports Data Matrix codes. As mentioned before, each product has an individual code, and retailers can watch the entire journey of a particular product while making sure that it is original and meets all standards.
If you want to start using Data Matrix codes in Odoo, you will need to set up barcode readers. This process is easy and doesn’t require much time. Three types of barcode scanners exist in the Odoo system, and you need to choose the most suitable one.
- USB scanner
This type is an ideal option for scanning goods on the computer. All you have to do is to connect it to your computer.
- Bluetooth scanner
This type allows you to move freely throughout the room and scan the desired goods. You simply connect this scanner to a mobile phone or a tablet.
- Mobile scanner
This type is considered to be most convenient and has a wide variety of models. Used through a computer with a barcode scanner in it, this is a perfect option for heavy use.
It is highly important to note that with USB scanner usage, the scanner keyboard layout must match with the layout of your operating system; otherwise, there is a risk that the characters will not be translated correctly.
Practical Example: Implementing Data Matrix Code in Odoo
Implementing Data Matrix code in Odoo will give your business many benefits, but it is important to do it correctly. Below, we are sharing a step-by-step guide on creating and managing these codes.
Step 1. Open “Inventory”
Step 2. Go to “Configurations”
Step 3. Open “Settings”
Step 4. Click “Operations” and then “Barcodes scanner”.
Step 5. Click “Save” and then return to the previous tab to click “Configure products barcodes”
By the way, you should be highly attentive to adding the code to the item itself, but not to the template—otherwise, differentiating between them will be impossible.
Remember that to read the code correctly, the default nomenclature must usually be “GS1”. In “General Settings”, the Developer mode needs to be activated. Then open “Configurations” and go to “Barcode Nomenclatures”. You will be able to open the list of rules after you click “Default GS1 Nomenclature”. Keep in mind that the rules can be modified or added, depending on how the data is encoded on the barcode. The most useful rules in GS1 Nomenclature include:
| Rule Name | Type | GS1 Content – TypContent – Type |
| GTIN | Unit Product | Numeric Identifier |
| Expiry | Expiration Date | Date |
| Batch | Lot | Alpha-Numeric Name |
| Serial Number | Lot | Alpha-Numeric Name |
Data Matrix in Odoo: Product Tracking
Remember that in the Odoo system, there are two main ways to monitor products: by using serial numbers or lots. As a rule, lots display a certain batch of an item that was received, is still stored, or was delivered from a warehouse. Serial numbers exclusively differentiate the exact product from other items.
Advantages of Using Data Matrix Codes in Odoo
This ERP system is a wonderful key to a profitable business in general; it helps to run all the business processes efficiently and significantly increases a company’s profit. In this part, we will focus on the key advantages of using Data Matrix codes in Odoo and prove that they are really worth implementing.
Improved Traceability
As we already mentioned, this encoding system allows for the ability to seamlessly trace the entire path of the product from the moment of its production to its final sale. For better traceability, the Odoo system allows for independently grouping items by serial numbers or lots. The first step is to reset all the default filters by clicking on the search field in the top right corner of the screen. Then, open “Group By” and choose “Add Custom Group”, and you will see a mini pop-down menu—this is exactly what you need. Next, choose “Lot/Serial number” and “Apply”, and you are all done!
Enhanced Inventory Management
Implementing Data Matrix codes greatly speeds up the identification of goods at the Inventory stage and beyond. The Odoo system allows for automatic barcode generation and for transferring existing codes from other systems. This makes inventory management better and easier, as all necessary product information is seen immediately by simply reading its unique Data Matrix code.
Error Reduction in the Scanning Process
The format of these codes is standardized; thus, they may be read easily by barcode scanners. The Odoo system uses GS1 barcodes for items identification and workflow automations, as are useful for receiving, packing, and shipping. Each code contains all important item data and considerably reduces errors.
Challenges and Limitations
Implementing a Data Matrix in Odoo is a complex process, and sometimes some problems may occur. The point is that the barcode must be formed in accordance with clear requirements. If some errors were made during the code-generating process, you will definitely see information about them on your screen as soon as you complete the scanning process. The most widespread errors may be as follows:
- Insufficient data in the scanned code
- Accidental use of another barcode instead of the Data Matrix code
- A GS symbol instead of FNC1 at the beginning
Sometimes it happens that everything is fine with the code, but the scanner doesn’t read it. To avoid such situations, you should study in detail the types of scanners that are designed for such codes.
But, of course, there are also great solutions to the implementation problems. First of all, in order for process management to be fast and problem-free, employees must know how to use the Odoo system and Data Matrix codes. When training employees, it is important that they know the benefits and purposes of implementing codes. You also need to provide them with a detailed training plan, so they understand the main stages and full scope of the new material. Remember, conducting assessments before and after training is crucial in order to monitor the improvement of employees’ knowledge and skills in the field of Data Matrix codes in Odoo.
There are many barcode scanners available, and each one has advantages for specific use cases. To read barcodes in Data Matrix format, you will need a classic scanner with the technical ability to recognize two-dimensional codes.
Conclusion
As you can see, Data Matrix codes are a great option for any type of goods, and nearly every successful company uses them. Proof of this may be the huge list of advantages of this type of coding, despite the fact that it is only gaining popularity.
One of the most important features of Data Matrix codes is the ability to read information even if up to 30% of the code is damaged. In addition, such codes take up little space and can fit even on the smallest packages, making them universal. They are used in almost all areas of activity from advertising and industry to entertainment. In everyday life, you can most often find Data Matrix codes on medicines, shoes, fur, or tobacco products.
Data Matrix code usage in business is becoming extremely widespread, as these codes save not only space but also a company’s money. Additionally, text encoded in this type of coding may be also include a web page, email address, SMS, or phone number.
These codes are supported by the Odoo system, and this is great news! Odoo ERP is a program solution for businesses that have different modules integrated into each other. As an ideal solution for companies, all business processes can be gathered in one place.
Having studied in more detail the features and properties of the codes, we can confidently say that these are the codes of the future. They fit a large amount of information into a very small area, and this is what modern businesses need. Moreover, in some countries, Data Matrix codes have already been announced as mandatory, so it doesn’t look as though they will become less popular anytime soon!
