Overview
ISO/IEC 15423:2009 specifies test equipment and procedures for determining the performance of bar code scanners and decoders. It applies to scanners as integrated reading systems and as discrete units, defining performance for a given configuration (for example, a specific model) regardless of component sourcing. The standard includes normative operational parameters for test equipment and informative guidance on classifying scanners.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 15423:2009, bar code scanner performance, decoder testing, AIDC, automatic identification
Key topics
- Scope and purpose: Establishes uniform test methods and reporting to assess scanner/decoder capability and ensure consistent performance evaluation across manufacturers and test labs.
- Scanner categories: Defines three reading-diagram categories - single-axis, two-axis and three-axis - and distinguishes continuously operating vs triggered scanners (see Annex B for classification).
- Test requirements and methods: Covers selection of equipment for testing, controlled test conditions, test charts and test equipment needed to perform repeatable measurements.
- Performance parameters: Specifies parameters to be tested such as reading distance (minimum/maximum and depth of field), resolution (smallest readable element), raster width/spacing, reading angle (tilt, skew, pitch), scanning rate/speed, and symbol contrast/ambient light conditions.
- Test criteria and reporting: Defines test criteria, decodability concepts, pass/fail conditions and the required content of a test report to document results reproducibly.
- Certification and labelling: Provides guidance on certification, labelling and how to present measured performance for a given configuration.
- Equipment specification and interfaces: Addresses human and computer interfaces, digital I/O, programming/configuration and scanner/decoder interface requirements.
Keywords: reading diagram, reading zone, depth of field, scan attempt, decodability, test charts
Applications and users
ISO/IEC 15423:2009 is intended for:
- Scanner and decoder manufacturers - to validate and publish performance claims during product development and quality control.
- Test laboratories and verification bodies - to perform standardized performance testing and issue comparable reports or certifications.
- Systems integrators and end-users - to select appropriate scanning equipment for retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and other AIDC applications by comparing standardized performance data.
- Procurement teams - to specify measurable scanner performance criteria in tenders and contracts.
Practical benefits include improved interoperability, reliable equipment selection, and objective benchmarking of bar code reading systems.
Related standards
Keywords: bar code testing standards, AIDC standards, ISO/IEC 15423