Bar codes have been seen on boxes, packages, and other containers. Just what is a bar code? A bar code is a printed series of parallel bars or lines that may be of varying widths. These lines are used to enter data into a computer system. The bars are programmed using the binary digits 0 and 1. When the numbers are translated by a computer, they represent the numbers 0 to 9. Bar codes are used in correlation to scanners, especially document scanners. They are used to store numbers for the purpose of inventory and other purposes. Bar coding is used in industrial automation many times for various reasons. Usually when parts are applied to a product on an assembly line, that part may be scanned in so inventory can be updated on a daily basis.
Bar codes can also be part of the manufacturing process. If there is a big demand fro bar codes, the manufacturing facility may have the responsibility to produce bar codes for use in certain industries. But most of the time bar coding is used by the factory itself to keep track of stock.