QR Code Serialization Details
QR Code printing can be done using 3 different methods: C.I.J, T.I.J, and Laser.
C.I.J, Continiuous ink jet, stands for continuous inkjet. These are less commonly used and have lower resolution. Printing costs are low. However, they are not widely preferred due to being solvent-based, limited printing speed (not exceeding 30 m/min), and issues with barcode sizing.
Laser printers work based on the principle of burning the black or dark-colored surface of the product to reveal the underlying white part. They have difficulties in absorbing the smoke generated by the burning process, for which special filters are used. Although the printing cost of this system is low, it is not widely preferred due to the requirement of the surface to be coded in a dark color. The most commonly used method is T.I.J, Thermal ink jet printers. They use ink cartridges similar to those used in desktop printers developed by HP. It is the most practical printing method that requires no maintenance, but it has the highest printing cost due to ink cartridges.
Regardless of the method used for printing, the accuracy and readability of these codes need to be verified. For this purpose, an intelligent camera system is used. Each printed code is read by the camera, and the following checks are performed: Is the code successfully read? Is the read code one of the codes that should be printed? Is the read code a previously printed code? Does the read code meet the quality standards of GS1 (rated between A and D)? Were two boxes stuck together during printing?
If the printed code does not meet these criteria, it is rejected by an air or piston mechanism on the production line and directed to the Reject box. At this stage, a photosensor also checks whether the rejected product has fallen into the waste bin. Similarly, the level of the waste bin is also monitored to ensure it does not overflow. In HP Cartridge coding, water-based ink is commonly used. However, depending on the application, alternative options such as solvent or alcohol-based inks are also available.
One of the most important aspects to consider in the printed/printed barcodes is the uniqueness of each serial number, referred to as serialization. If a repeated serial number is printed, the product will not be accepted by the IEGM and cannot be sold. The serial numbers to be printed can be up to 20 characters long, with the most commonly used range being 14 to 16 characters.
To ensure the reliability of the printed codes and the proper functioning of the system, the entire system needs to be validated. This involves conducting step-by-step checks and tests on both the software and hardware, using the validation file created for this purpose. Once all components pass the validation process, the system is approved for operation.
The valid codes that are read are recorded and reported to a web service defined by the IEGM as a Production Declaration.
The IEGM also provides similar web services such as Sales, Sales Cancellation, Export, and Sample Notification. Once the production of a medication is completed and the necessary notifications are made to the IEGM, the medication becomes eligible for sale in pharmacies. If the barcode scanned at the pharmacies is listed as a sellable product in the IEGM's database, it is allowed to be sold, and the corresponding serial number is marked as sold to prevent the same product from being sold again.