What is Industry Format in a 2D Code?

All newer 2D symbologies support the "Industry Format" - but what is it? The industry format works as follows:

• An application defines an industry format specifier (e.g. 01) and standardizes this for an application area.
• In the barcode generator you switch to Industry Format and indicate the specifier (2 digits or 1 alphanumeric character).
• The encoder brings the format specifier into an internal data format and inserts it into the bar code header.
• The decoder (barcode reader) recognizes the format specifier and outputs a specific prefix, including the format, in front of the utilizable bar code data. The scanner may need further configuration for that.
• By means of the prefix the application identifies the actual barcode as industry format bar code and reacts appropriately. Other bar codes without that prefix can be ignored by the application.

Industry format may be used in closed circuits where the purpose of the data package should be clearly defined and other data formats locked out. Typically the format specifier is given in a label standard for a specific application.