Global Vision, an industry leader in the development of innovative proofreading technologies, announced the addition of barcode verification for PDF files as well as Bar Width Reduction (BWR) and magnification measurement to its BarProof software module.

Traditionally, barcode verification required printing a PDF file at high resolution then verifying it with a hardware device. BarProof is designed to eliminate the extra step of printing the PDF file in order to check barcode quality before it goes to print, saving time and money.

BarProof is reportedly the only barcode decoder and verification tool for PDF files that provide grading, bar width reduction and magnification measurements, guaranteeing scanable barcodes at the checkout counter.

BWR is critical during the pre-press process in order to compensate for different packaging materials and ink spread during production. By verifying BWR values in PDF files upstream in the process, brand owners can be assured that barcodes will achieve expected quality levels.

 “An unreadable barcode may be costly for brand owners in terms of product recalls, liability and loss of reputation,” explains Reuben Malz, president of Global Vision. “BarProof provides assurance to the brand owner and printer for barcode quality in order to avoid errors earlier in the process — before it’s even printed.”