Most scanning problems come from four things: barcode size too small for the scan distance, poor print contrast, missing quiet zones and labels placed on curved or glossy surfaces. Fix those and first-pass scan rates go up fast.
Quick fixes
- Keep clear margins (quiet zones) on both sides of linear barcodes.
- Increase darkness gradually, not speed, for crisper bars.
- Use 2D codes like Data Matrix or QR when space is tight.
- Choose matte labels where glare is an issue.
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