PACKAGING TEST PROCEDURE (DEVELOPMENT & QA)

PTP# 01-12 “Testing of Bar Code Scanning

Acceptability”
DOCUMENT VERSION NUMBER: EFFECTIVE DATE: REVIEW BY DATE:
NUMBER: 7 FEB 8, 2016 FEB 8, 2018
RD-PKG-PTP-01-12
PREPARED BY: TITLE: SIGNATURE: DATE:
PACKAGE TESTING
ROBERT BOLOMEY MAY 11, 2016
ANALYST
DOCUMENT
APPROVER: TITLE: APPROVAL SIGNATURE: DATE:
DIRECTOR PACKAGE
SHERRI KELLEY MAY 11, 2016
TESTING

1. Scope

1.1 This procedure is utilized to determine if a UPC bar code is readable. All
Evaluations are under the “Traditional Analysis” only. (The Axicon Software
reports both traditional and ANSI/ISO related data).

2. Evaluation Criteria

2.1 Print Contrast Signal (PCS)

2.1.1 The PCS for each scan must be considered acceptable by the verifier.

2.2 Average Bar Growth (Average Bar Gain)

2.2.1 The ABG must consider acceptable by the verifier.

2.3 Check Character

2.3.1 The character check for each scan must match the numbers on the bar
code.

2.4 Quiet Zone

2.4.1 The Quiet Zone for each scan must be considered acceptable by the
verifier.

2.5 If any of the above four criteria is Rejected on any one of the ten (10) specimens
tested, then the test is considered Rejected.

2.6 If bar code is smaller than 80% magnification, it is outside of the UPC spec, and
cannot be verified. In these cases, lab will scan the code and report success or
failure to scan, but standard pass / fail criteria will not be reported. Test will be
completed as either “Rejected” or “See Results”

3. Apparatus
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PACKAGING TEST PROCEDURE (DEVELOPMENT & QA)

PTP# 01-12 “Testing of Bar Code Scanning Acceptability”

3.1 The Axicon Bar Code Verifier 6025-S and Verifier Range Software or the PSC
Quick Check Scanner 200 or 600 / 800 / 810 or equivalent scanners which will
give a Traditional Analysis. These are gun style verifiers. When scanning a
curved surface, a jig may be required to ensure correct angle of scan.

4. Test Specimens

4.1 A minimum of ten (10) specimens are required for testing.

NOTE: If testing a translucent or semi-translucent package for barcode scanning, test 10

samples without product as they would be inspected by Quality Assurance, then fill the packages
with the intended product and retest for bar code scanning acceptability to see if the color of the
product affects the readability of the bar code.

5. Conditioning

5.1 Conditioning of the test specimens is not required.

6. Test Procedure

6.1 Perform all tests at standard laboratory conditions.

6.2 Turn the bar code scanner on and calibrate it in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

6.3 Lay the symbol to be scanned on a flat, vibration free, clean surface.

Note: If necessary the UPC code of an empty tube can be cut from the tube and
placed on a flat surface before scanning.

6.4 Record the following reflectability characteristics:

6.4.1 Print Contrast Signal.

6.4.2 Required PCS.

6.4.3 If the average Bar Growth is within tolerance.

6.4.4 If the leading and trailing Quiet Zones meet specified requirements.

6.4.5 If the Check Character is correct.

6.5 Confirm that the bar code magnification level is 80% or above. If lower than 80%
please refer to section 2.6.
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PACKAGING TEST PROCEDURE (DEVELOPMENT & QA)

PTP# 01-12 “Testing of Bar Code Scanning Acceptability”

6.6 Repeat steps 6.4 - 6.6 until a total of ten (10) specimens have been tested.

7. Calculations

7.1 No calculations are required

8. Report

8.1 Report the identification of the packaging components.

8.2 Report the supplier’s name and decoration identification and/or any number
designation used by the supplier for identifying the ink and decoration process.

8.3 Report whether the reflectability characteristics obtained in 6.7 are Approved or
Rejected.
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PACKAGING TEST PROCEDURE (DEVELOPMENT & QA)

PTP# 01-12 “Testing of Bar Code Scanning Acceptability”

Testing of Bar Code Scanning Acceptability Quick Reference

# of Pieces Needed & Environments – 10 @ RT

NOTE: If testing a translucent or semi-translucent package for barcode scanning, test
10 samples without product as they would be inspected by Quality Assurance, then
fill the package with the intended product and retest for bar code scanning
acceptability to see if the color of the product affects the readability of
the bar code.

*NOTE: Please refer to appropriate setup and usage documentation in accordance with
the model of verifier being used for testing.

Evaluation – REJECT if:

 If Bar Growth is out of Tolerance
 If Magnification is below 80%
 If leading and trailing Quiet Zones are out of spec
 If the Check Character is incorrect
 If the scanner does not read the UPC
 If PCS is out of spec

REVISIONS
Revision 6 June 2013 Added note to section 4 regarding testing
with product in translucent packages.
Rev 7 Feb 2016 Changed the PTP to account for all
verifiers in use by the company.