KIX Code - Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK
The KIX (Klant Index) barcode is a specialized barcode symbology used primarily by PostNL, the national postal service of the Netherlands. It is a variant of the Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code (RM4SCC) and is designed for encoding postal information, such as delivery addresses, in a compact format.
Specifications
- Character Set: Uppercase letters (A-Z) and digits (0-9)
- Length: Variable (typically 12-14 characters for Dutch postal codes and house numbers)
- Structure: Uses a four-state encoding system
- Format: A typical KIX barcode represents a Dutch postal code (four digits + two letters), a house number and an optional house number addition
The KIX barcode uses a 4-state encoding system, meaning each character is represented by a combination of four types of bars: ascender, descender, full bar, and tracker, and the barcode is read from left to right.
Check Digit Calculation
The check digit is calculated using a weighted sum algorithm. Each character in the barcode is assigned a weight, and the sum of the weighted values is used to determine the check digit. This ensures that the barcode can be validated for accuracy during scanning.
Where is KIX Barcode used?
The primary application of the KIX barcode is by PostNL, particularly for automated mail sorting and delivery address encoding.
Industry
How could Dynamsoft help you with KIX Barcode?
Dynamsoft barcode reader enables you to efficiently embed high-speed and reliable barcode reading functionality in your web, desktop or mobile application using just a few lines of code.
Download the free trial SDK, explore our helpful resource center including sample codes, tutorials, guides and more to get started.
Comparison of Two-Out-of-Five Barcode Variants
All three symbologies belong to the two-out-of-five barcode family, meaning each digit is represented using five total encoding units (either bars, spaces, or a combination of both).
- Industrial 2 of 5 encodes each digit using five bars.
- Interleaved 2 of 5 encodes digits in pairs, with the first digit represented by five bars and the second by five spaces.
- Matrix 2 of 5 encodes each digit using five elements, which may include both bars and spaces in a continuous (non-interleaved) pattern.
Feature |
Industrial 2 of 5 |
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) |
Matrix 2 of 5 |
Encoding Width |
Two-width (wide and narrow) |
Two-width (wide and narrow) |
Two-width (wide and narrow) |
Encoding Method |
Encodes data only with black bars |
Digits are encoded in pairs; the first digit is encoded in the five bars (black lines), while the second digit is encoded in the five spaces (white lines) interleaved with them. |
Encodes data using both black bars and white spaces in a continuous mode (not interleaved). |
Wide Bar/Space Rule |
Two out of every five bars are wide |
Two out of every five bars or spaces are wide |
Two out of every five bars or spaces are wide |
Length |
Variable length |
Variable length (only even numbers of digits can be encoded; odd numbers typically require a leading zero) |
Variable length |
Density |
Low density |
High density |
Moderate density |
Character Set |
Digits (0-9) |
Digits (0-9) |
Digits (0-9) |
Check Character |
Not typically used |
Optional checking character |
Optional checking character |
Variants |
Used in USPS (POSTNET, PLANET), and Code 39 |
ITF-14 (widely used for shipping and logistics) |
Datalogic 2 of 5 |
