Overview
ISO/IEC 15419:2009 - "Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Bar code digital imaging and printing performance testing" - defines how to characterize, test and report the performance of bar code digital imaging systems. The standard covers both the software that generates barcode artwork and the hardware/imaging devices that produce the physical barcode (printers, imagesetters, imaging tools). It specifies attributes to be controlled, minimum requirements, and test methods to assess conformance. ISO/IEC 15419:2009 is intended to be used alongside barcode quality standards such as ISO/IEC 15416 and does not apply to Bar Code Masters (see ISO/IEC 15421).
Key topics and technical requirements
- System categories and attributes: Defines categories of bar code digital imaging systems (e.g., dedicated barcode printers vs general-purpose printers) and the attributes that must be controlled.
- Test methods and conformance: Specifies procedures to evaluate whether imaging and printing attributes meet minimum requirements and how to document results in a test report.
- Design and software requirements: Covers data input validation (check characters), quiet zone handling, and software formatting algorithms for symbol generation.
- Addressable resolution and element adjustment: Requires adjustment of target module widths to match device addressable resolution (dots per millimetre / DPMM) to avoid rounding errors and preserve quiet zones.
- Operational considerations: Includes guidance on consumables, maintenance, and printing device operational requirements (see informative Annexes on maintenance and supplies).
- Documentation and traceability: Recommends recording design attributes (e.g., output resolution, adjusted module dimensions) when transferring digital barcode files between systems or parties.
- Annexes: Contains normative and informative annexes for sample test layouts, software/imaging category classifications, programmer examples and production software functions.
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO/IEC 15419:
- Barcode equipment manufacturers (printers, imagers, imagesetters)
- Barcode production software developers and integrators
- Print service providers and label converters
- Quality assurance teams in retail, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare
- System integrators implementing AIDC (automatic identification and data capture)
Practical uses:
- Establishing controlled test procedures for barcode generation and printing
- Ensuring barcode symbols meet symbology and application requirements before deployment
- Improving interoperability between design files and printing hardware
- Reducing scanning errors and rework by addressing resolution, rounding and quiet-zone issues
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 15419, bar code digital imaging, barcode printing, barcode quality testing, bar code printers, imaging systems, barcode performance testing.