๐ฆ MSI/Plessey Barcode Generator
MSI (Modified Plessey) is a digits-only linear barcode symbology, mainly used for retail shelf labels and warehouse inventory tags.
Generate an MSI (Modified Plessey) barcode, a symbology used for retail shelf labels and warehouse inventory tracking. It only encodes digits, with an option to automatically append a Mod 10 check digit.
How to use
- Enter the digits you want to encode.
- Enable the check digit option if needed.
- Download the generated barcode as SVG or PNG.
How the calculation works
Generate MSI (Modified Plessey), a one-dimensional barcode for digits only. MSI Data Corporation adapted it from the British Plessey companyโs code in the 1970s, and it has been used for retail shelf labels and warehouse inventory. Each digit is 4 bits of binary, and each bit is printed as a narrow bar with a wide space (0) or a wide bar with a narrow space (1). Turn on โAdd check digitโ to append the most common Mod 10 (Luhn-style) check digit.
Worked example
โ1234567โ โ with a check digit โ12345674โ The Mod 10 calculation (doubling every other digit from the right) catches any single misread digit.
Things to be aware of
- MSI has several check schemes, such as Mod 10, Mod 11 and double Mod 10; match your scannerโs setting.
- Only digits can be entered (up to 20).
- For new systems, Code 128 and ITF are more widely supported.
FAQ
What is MSI (Modified Plessey)?
A linear barcode symbology derived from a format originally developed by the UK's Plessey Company in the 1970s. It only encodes digits, and is commonly used for retail shelf labels and warehouse inventory tags.
Is a check digit required?
MSI has no single mandatory check digit standard โ several schemes exist, such as Mod 10 and Mod 11. This tool supports appending the most common Mod 10 check digit.
How is this different from other barcode symbologies?
Unlike globally standardized retail formats like JAN or UPC, MSI is mostly used for internal purposes such as inventory management and stock-taking within a single organization.