What's Important When I Create a HIBC Barcode?

The Asterisk '*' within the HIBC Standard

Depending on the bar code type the * character is used specifically. Code 39 utilizes an asterisk character as a start and stop indicator - in this case TBarCode generates the asterisk character automatically. With Code-128 the asterisk character is not encoded into the bar code symbol but displayed in the text below (according to ANSI/HIBC 2.2 - 2006).
Important: The barcode scanner does not transmit the start and stop character, only the raw data.

That means

• According to the HIBC standard the raw data does not contain any * character.
• TBarCode optionally allows to enter the barcode data with '*' start and stop character when using a code 39 symbology. But this option is not available for the Code 128 symbology.
• The * character is always displayed in the text line below no matter if the character is encoded or not.

Once you choose a HIBC barcode symbology the TBarCode software complies with these guidelines.

Check Digit

The HIBC format requires a check digit. If a HIBC barcode symbology was chosen, TBarCode calculates and attaches it automatically. Normally you can enter the data WITHOUT the check digit. If the data already contains the check digit just disable the check digit in the TBarCode options. Otherwise two check digits are attached and you will get a faulty barcode!

Data Format

The HIBC standard distinguishes between the LIC and the PAS data format. The barcode data is validated according to the HIBC type. If needed an error message will be displayed.