Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is a type of liner barcode which is encoded with numbers only. Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode encode numeric digits in pairs. For example the first bar will represent the odd number and the following space encodes the even number. As interleaved 2 of 5 encode data in the form of pair of numbers, it can only encode even number of digit. If user wants to encode odd number of numeric digits and white space is padded to the left of the barcode. It is a high density barcode but its length has to be increased in order to store large amounts of information.
History and Purpose
Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is an evolved form of the simpler code 2 of 5 barcode. Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode have an added advantage over code 2 of 5 as it has shortened the length of the barcode by utilizing the white spaces between the barcode. Basic purpose of this barcode was to devise a compressed form of code 2 of 5 which could encode numeric numbers and can be easily encoded and decoded with simpler scanner.
Advantages
· Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is a linear barcode and like other linear barcodes it is easier to encode and decode data in such barcodes.
· Simple encoding mechanism, encodes numbers only. Can be scanned by any traditional scanner.
· Optional security mechanism through checksum digits.
Limitations
· Very limited fault tolerance as is the case with linear barcodes. Not easy to decode data once barcode is damaged or distorted.
· Can encode only numeric digits, that too in the form of pair which makes this barcode extremely monotonous in terms of encoding.
Usage
· Interleaved barcode is commonly used in warehousing industry.
· Some small stores and POS systems also employ this barcode standard for identifying store products.
· It is mostly used for small and simpler data encoding as complex data encoding requires variety of encoded characters.