ISO/IEC 15434 is a specification and syntax for automatic identification and data capture techniques commonly used in 2D barcodes such as Data Matrix. This FAQ focuses on formats of the ISO/IEC 15434 specification that are commonly used with IDAutomation products. Implementation of the ISO/IEC 15434 specification may require additional data formatting. Always refer to the ISO/IEC 15434 specification before implementation in a production environment.
Popular ISO/IEC 15434 Barcode Formats
The ISO/IEC 15434 barcode specification defines a header, group separator, and trailer to use when encoding data in a barcode for specific purposes. The <RS>, <GS>, and <EOT> are non-printable ASCII Functions, which can be identified when scanned with the free Barcode Data Decoder Verifier App or Scanner ASCII String Decoder. Refer to the links provided in the chart below for implementation examples.
Format | Header | Separator | Trailer | Purpose and Example Links |
01 | [)><RS>vv<GS> | <GS> | <RS><EOT> | Transportation, such as UPS MaxiCode and FEDEX PDF417 |
05 | [)><RS>05<GS> | <GS> | <RS><EOT> | GS1 AIs, including MIL-STD-130 UID |
06 | [)><RS>06<GS> | <GS> | <RS><EOT> | ASC MH 10 DIs, including MIL-STD-130 UID |
12 | [)><RS>12<GS> | <GS> | <RS><EOT> | Structured data, including ATA and CEA UID |
vv represents the version of the symbol being used. Usually, this is version 96.
Verifying Proper Encoding
IDAutomation suggests verification of symbol encoding to ensure compliance. IDAutomation recommends using the Barcode Decoder Verification App because it reveals the hidden RS, GS, and EOT ASCII characters.
Data Matrix DOD UID Symbol:
Format 06 Example:
[)><RS>06<GS>17V98897<GS>1P4L0014-163B<GS>SSA10197<RS><EOT>
Format 06 using IDAutomation Data Matrix products:
[)>~d03006~d02917V98897~d0291P4L0014-163B~d029SSA10197~d030~d004
Format 06 Barcode:
Result when scanned with the Barcode Decoder Verification App.
Result when scanned with the IDAutomation 2D Scanner and the Scanner ASCII String Decoder.