Smaller World (Bar Code Inspection)

Sharkey notes normal quality practices should ensure accurate reproduction of RSS, though its smallest X dimension—6.7 mil—is a departure from the 10.4 mil X dimension typical for UPC.

When it comes to inspection and verification, converters may have to adapt current systems or invest in a new approach altogether. "Unlike standard linear bar codes, new codes such as RSS require equipment that can evaluate the entire code from top to bottom," notes Urvan. "In most cases, that means new verifiers with rastoring laser scanners or imagers that can evaluate the entire bar code."