What is the benefit of PDF 417 in a landscape dominated by QR codes?

In this article we try to answer the question.

PDF417 is a versatile type of two-dimensional barcode that can hold a large amount of data.

To begin with:

What is a PDF417 barcode?

• Structure: The PDF417 consists of a series of modules (black or white elements) that are arranged in vertical columns. Each column contains multiple rows, creating the appearance of a stacked linear barcode.
• Capacity: up to 1850 ASCII characters or 1108 bytes of data, making it ideal for encoding complex information, such as text, serial numbers, images, and even biometrics.
• Use: It is used in numerous areas, including:
  • Transportation: airline boarding passes, public transportation tickets, and baggage handling.
  • Identification: ID cards, passports, and driver’s licenses.
  • Logistics: tracking and supply chain management.
  • Industry: product identification and inventory management.
• Advantages:
  • High data density: a large amount of information can be contained in a relatively small space.
  • Error correction: its high error correction capacity ensures data integrity even if the code is damaged.
  • Flexibility: printing is possible on a wide range of materials and supports.

The complex encoding system used in the PDF417 code allows a wide range of characters to be represented. PDF417 barcode readers can quickly decode the contained information and transfer it back to a computer system for processing.

The implementation of PDF417 and QR Code happened at different times:

• PDF417: this barcode was conceived by Ynjiun P. Wang in 1991 while working for Symbol Technologies. So the 1990s was when it was introduced and began to be used on a large scale.
• QR Code: was developed in Japan in 1994 by the company Denso Wave. While its diffusion was more gradual, it began to gain popularity in the 2000s, especially with the advent of smartphones and their built-in cameras.

Interesting facts:

• Progressive diffusion: both PDF417 and QR Codes were not immediately adopted globally. Their diffusion has been a gradual process, influenced by technological factors, industry standards, and market needs.
• Continuous evolution: both codes have evolved over the years. New standards were introduced, error correction capacities improved, and application areas expanded.

Bottom line:

• PDF417: 1990s
• QR Code: 2000s (though developed in 1994)

Here is a brief comparison of the features and possible uses of one type or the other:

Feature	PDF417	QR Code
Storage capacity	Very high, can contain several thousand characters	High, but lower than PDF417
Structure	Stacked vertical columns	Modules in a square pattern
Reading	Readable both linearly and two-dimensionally	Mainly read two-dimensionally
Error correction	Very high	High, but lower than PDF417
Dimensions	Generally rather large, especially for high amounts of data	Generally quite compact
Typical use	Boarding passes, passports, supply chain management	Extensively used, especially in Marketing, mobile payments, product information
Advantages	High capacity, elevated error correction	Compact, easy to create and read, usable by billions of mobile devices
Disadvantages	Dimensions can be rather big, specific readers are required	Lower storage capacity, less resistant to minor damage