B-13 2D Symbology White Paper

This document explains the recommendations of AIAG's Automatic Identification Project Team for two-dimensional symbologies to be used in various applications. Added Quick Response Code to the recommended symbology list. Product Demographics Product Description Foreword Introduction Two Dimensional Symbology Applications within the Automotive Industry Selection Criteria Selection Process Symbology Recommendations

This white paper documents the results of two years' efforts by the Symbology Work Group. It contains recommendations for two-dimensional (2D) symbols. These 2D symbologies have the potential to meet a broader variety of data collection requirements than the linear symbologies such as Code 39, which have served the industry since the early 1980s. Not only do the 2D symbologies provide the ability to capture more data, they are sophisticated enough to provide the capability of error correction. And, due to their ability to provide data in a very small space, they provide the potential to mark directly on parts. This opens a whole new world for marking small parts such as electronic components. The need to track parts throughout their life cycle to aid processes such as warranty, quality, safety, and so on has increased as our processes and products become more complicated. Version 2.00 brought QR Code as a second symbology to use under the Part Marking Category. This white paper presents the study methodology used by the AIAG team and provides information about the symbologies that were chosen. It is an informational guide only. Application-specific guidelines for functions/operations such as parts marking and shipping labels as well as symbol quality and data structure are documented in other AIAG publications, including: Table of Contents

• Foreword
• Introduction
• Two Dimensional Symbology Applications within the Automotive Industry
• Selection Criteria
• Selection Process
• Symbology Recommendations