Code verification vs. inspection: which one your line needs

Code inspection and verification sound similar, but they address different needs. Confusing them can lead to buying the wrong solution. Here we clarify the difference and help you decide what your production really needs.

What code inspection is

Inspection checks that the code is present, readable and contains the correct information. It answers: “can it be read and is it the right code for this product?”. It is essential to avoid traceability errors and product mix-ups.

What code verification is

Verification goes further: it measures the code’s print quality against international standards and assigns it a grade (from A to F). It answers: “how well is it printed and will it pass retail controls?”. It is a requirement in regulated sectors.

When to use each

If your goal is to ensure no product leaves with a wrong or unreadable code, you need inspection. If you also have to demonstrate that print quality meets standards such as GS1, you need verification.

The standards involved

Verification is governed by ISO/IEC standards and GS1 guidelines, which define how to measure quality and what minimum grade is acceptable. Meeting them avoids penalties from the distribution chain.

AIS solutions

AIS offers both inspection and verification inline. The OMRON V275 system verifies the quality of 1D and 2D codes directly in production, and VerifAIS optimises report generation for traceability and compliance.

  Inspection, verification or both? Tell us about your case and we’ll recommend the exact solution.