Introduction of Planet Barcode

A Planet barcode, also known as a Postnet barcode or Postal Numeric Encoding Technique, is a type of barcode used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to encode zip codes and other routing information for mail sorting and delivery. The barcode is printed directly on the envelope or package and can be scanned by USPS sorting machines to automate the sorting process. In this article, we will provide an overview of Planet barcode, its structure, encoding, and its benefits.

Posted By:Tech Solution | Last Updated On: 13/05/2023

Structure of Planet Barcode

TAGS:

Planet Barcode: Length, Read, Advantages and Limitations

Generate, Print, Scan, and Print Planet Barcode

A Planet barcode consists of a series of vertical bars of varying thickness, with each bar representing a number from 0 to 9. The barcode is made up of 62 bars and spaces, which are grouped into 5 bars per character. The barcode also includes a 2-bar frame, which helps to identify the beginning and end of the barcode.

The height of each bar is determined by the value of the number it represents. The first two digits of the barcode represent the delivery point ZIP code, followed by a delivery point code (DPC), which is a 2-digit code used to identify specific delivery points within the ZIP code. The final digit of the barcode is a check digit, which is calculated based on the other digits in the barcode to ensure accuracy and readability.

Encoding of Planet Barcode

The encoding of a Planet barcode is based on the use of a binary system, where each bar or space is assigned a value of 1 or 0. The thickness of each bar or space is used to determine its corresponding binary value. For example, a thick bar may represent a value of 1, while a thin bar may represent a value of 0. The barcode is then read from left to right, with each group of 5 bars representing a single character.

DOWNLOAD

The encoding process of Planet barcode is based on the following steps:

Convert the numeric ZIP code to binary code

Append the delivery point code to the binary ZIP code

Calculate the check digit

Encode the binary ZIP code, delivery point code, and check digit using the binary values assigned to each bar and space.

Benefits of Planet Barcode

The use of Planet barcode offers several benefits for both the USPS and mailers, including:

Improved Mail Sorting Efficiency:

Planet barcode allows USPS to quickly and accurately sort mail by zip code and delivery point, leading to faster delivery times and reduced errors.
Enhanced Tracking:

Planet barcode can be used to track mail from the point of origin to delivery, allowing mailers to know the exact location of their mail at any given time.
Cost Savings:

The use of Planet barcode can reduce the cost of manual mail sorting and improve delivery times, resulting in cost savings for both USPS and mailers.
Increased Accuracy:

The use of Planet barcode reduces the likelihood of errors or issues in mail sorting and delivery, resulting in fewer lost or misrouted packages or shipments.

Conclusion: Planet barcode is a type of barcode used by the USPS to encode zip codes and other routing information for mail sorting and delivery. The barcode consists of a series of vertical bars and spaces that represent binary values for each character in the barcode. The use of Planet barcode offers several benefits for both the USPS and mailers, including improved mail sorting efficiency, enhanced tracking, cost savings, and increased accuracy.

Components of a Planet Barcode Structure

The structure of a Planet barcode consists of a series of vertical bars of varying thickness, with each bar representing a number from 0 to 9. The barcode is made up of 62 bars and spaces, which are grouped into 5 bars per character. The barcode also includes a 2-bar frame, which helps to identify the beginning and end of the barcode.

The height of each bar is determined by the value of the number it represents. The first two digits of the barcode represent the delivery point ZIP code, followed by a delivery point code (DPC), which is a 2-digit code used to identify specific delivery points within the ZIP code. The final digit of the barcode is a check digit, which is calculated based on the other digits in the barcode to ensure accuracy and readability.

The structure of a Planet barcode can be broken down into the following components:

Frame Bars:
The frame bars are the first and last bars of the Planet barcode. These bars are always tall-thin-tall and are used to frame the barcode. The frame bars help in identifying the beginning and end of the barcode and are essential for scanning and decoding the barcode.
Delivery Point Code (DPC):
points within the ZIP code. The DPC consists of a two-digit number, which is added to the ZIP code to form a 12-digit number. The height of each bar in the DPC section corresponds to the value of the digit it represents.
ZIP Code:
The next 10 bars represent the ZIP code. These bars are divided into two groups of five bars each, representing the first and second digits of the ZIP code, respectively. The height of each bar in these groups corresponds to the value of the digit it represents. For example, if the first two digits of the ZIP code are "93", then the first group of five bars will consist of three tall bars and two short bars, while the second group of five bars will consist of nine short bars and three tall bars.
Check Digit:
The final bar of the Planet barcode represents the check digit, which is used to ensure the accuracy and readability of the barcode. The check digit is calculated using a special algorithm that takes into account the values of the other digits in the barcode. The height of the check digit bar corresponds to the value of the check digit.

The structure of a Planet barcode is designed to be easily read and decoded by USPS sorting machines. The barcode can be read from left to right, with each group of five bars representing a single character. The height of each bar in the barcode is used to determine its corresponding numeric value, which is then decoded to reveal the ZIP code, DPC, and check digit.

Summary:

The structure of a Planet barcode consists of a series of vertical bars of varying thickness, with each bar representing a number from 0 to 9. The barcode is made up of 62 bars and spaces, which are grouped into 5 bars per character. The barcode also includes a 2-bar frame, which helps to identify the beginning and end of the barcode. The height of each bar is determined by the value of the number it represents, and the barcode includes the ZIP code, DPC, and check digit.

Download Now

Applications of Planet Barcode

The Planet barcode is primarily used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the routing and sorting of mail. However, there are also several other applications of the Planet barcode, both within and outside of the postal service.

1 Mail Sorting and Delivery: The primary application of the Planet barcode is for the sorting and delivery of mail by the USPS. The barcode is used to encode the ZIP code and delivery point code (DPC) of each piece of mail, allowing sorting machines to quickly and accurately route mail to the correct destination. The use of Planet barcodes has greatly improved the efficiency and speed of mail sorting and delivery, helping to ensure that mail arrives at its destination in a timely manner.

2 Package Tracking: In addition to its use for mail sorting and delivery, the Planet barcode can also be used for package tracking. Some shipping carriers, such as UPS and FedEx, use a modified version of the Planet barcode for tracking packages. The barcode is printed on the shipping label, and can be scanned at various points along the shipping process to track the package's location and delivery status. This is particularly useful for e-commerce retailers and other businesses that ship large volumes of packages.

3 Address Labeling: Planet barcodes can also be used on address labels for non-postal mailings, such as invoices, bills, and other business correspondence. By including a Planet barcode on the address label, mailers can ensure that their mailings are routed and delivered more quickly and accurately. This is particularly useful for large-scale mailings, such as direct mail campaigns, where speed and efficiency are key to the success of the campaign.

4 Inventory Management: Planet barcodes can also be used for inventory management in retail and other industries. By using a barcode scanner to read the Planet barcode on each product or item, businesses can track inventory levels, monitor sales, and reorder products as needed. This can help to streamline inventory management processes and reduce the likelihood of stockouts or overstocking.

5 Library Books: Some libraries use Planet barcodes to track books and other materials in their collections. By including a barcode on each book, librarians can quickly and easily scan the barcode to check books in and out, track overdue materials, and maintain accurate records of library holdings.

6 Access Control: Planet barcodes can also be used for access control in secure buildings and facilities. By encoding employee or visitor information in the barcode, businesses can use barcode scanners to quickly and easily check people in and out of the building, monitor access to restricted areas, and ensure the security of the facility.

Conclusion: The Planet barcode has a variety of applications, both within and outside of the postal service. Its primary use is for mail sorting and delivery, but it can also be used for address labeling, package tracking, inventory management, library books, and access control. By encoding information in the barcode and using barcode scanners to read the barcode, businesses and organizations can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance security.

Difference Between Planet Barcode and Other Barcode Types

The Planet barcode is a unique type of barcode that is primarily used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the sorting and delivery of mail. While it shares some similarities with other barcode types, there are several key differences that set it apart.

Encoding Format:

One of the primary differences between the Planet barcode and other barcode types is the way in which information is encoded. Unlike linear barcodes, which encode data in a series of vertical bars of varying widths, the Planet barcode encodes data in a series of horizontal bars of varying heights. These bars represent the ZIP code and delivery point code (DPC) of each piece of mail.
Error Correction:

Unlike some other barcode types, such as QR codes, the Planet barcode does not include any error correction or redundancy. This means that if a barcode is damaged or unreadable for any reason, the data it contains may be lost or misinterpreted. As a result, it is important to ensure that Planet barcodes are printed clearly and accurately to avoid errors in the sorting and delivery of mail.
Barcode Length:

Another key difference between the Planet barcode and other barcode types is its length. Planet barcodes can be up to 62 bars in length, with each bar representing either a full bar (tall) or a half bar (short). The length of the barcode depends on the length of the ZIP code and DPC being encoded, and can vary from piece to piece of mail.
Barcode Placement:

The placement of the Planet barcode on mail is also different from other barcode types. Rather than being printed on a label or directly onto a package, the Planet barcode is typically printed directly onto the envelope or other mailpiece. This allows sorting machines to quickly and easily read the barcode as mail moves through the sorting process.
Postal Use:

While other barcode types, such as Code 128 and QR codes, are used for a variety of applications in a range of industries, the Planet barcode is primarily used by the USPS for mail sorting and delivery. As such, it is not widely used outside of the postal service.

Summary: The Planet barcode differs from other barcode types in several key ways, including its encoding format, barcode length, barcode placement, postal use, and lack of error correction. While it shares some similarities with other barcode types, such as the use of a barcode scanner to read the barcode, it is primarily used for the sorting and delivery of mail by the USPS.