KIX

KIX is a one-dimensional barcode symbology used to encode postal/zip codes and street numbers in a machine-readable format.

KIX is an abbreviation of its full title, the Klant Index (or KlantIndeX) four-state customer code. This was introduced by the Netherlands postal system to automate and speed up their bulk mail sorting process.

Other postal service providers also use variants of the four-state postal symbology (for example, the UK RM4SCC Standard and the Australia Post Standard).

The KIX code is characterized by its repeated pattern of four vertical bars that can encode alphanumeric characters (0-9) and capital letters (A-Z).

Characteristics of a KIX barcode

• Supports all numeric characters (0-9) and all uppercase letters (A-Z).
• The number of symbols corresponds to the number of characters in the code.
• Regarded as “four-state” because there are four types of bars, classified by the presence of ascenders and/or descenders
• Is a variant of the Royal Mail 4-State Customer Barcode (known as CBC).
• Error correction ensures encoded information is readable even if the barcode is partially damaged or misprinted.
• Has the same data bar specifications as a CBC but omits the start and end symbols and checksum.
• Has a mandatory checksum.
• Transcribable using DAFT notation (a term used to describe a generic system of transcribing four-state barcodes).

KIX application areas

KIX barcodes are used by postal services to support fast and efficient sorting of bulk mail.

KIX barcode compatibility

A wide variety of devices, including mobile devices and dedicated barcode scanners, can read KIX barcodes. All scanners, however, rely on KIX scanning software integrated within an app.

Scanning software performance varies widely and it can sometimes be an issue with KIX code readers, particularly when free or open-source software is being used.

Scandit’s fast, robust barcode scanning software supports all major barcode types, including KIX barcodes with exceptional performance.

Scandit’s software also supports all major operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, 3rd party systems and OEM devices including React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin, Flutter, .NET (iOS and Android), Cordova, Capacitor, Titanium, IBM MobileFirst, SAP Fiori and Oracle Xstore.

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KIX FAQs

What is a KIX barcode?

KIX is a one-dimensional barcode used to encode country codes, zip codes and street numbers in a machine-readable format.

How is KIX code structured?

The KIX barcode is structured using the following elements:

• A quiet zone that denotes where the barcode starts.
• A postal/zip code fixed in length of four letters and two numbers.
• A house or post box variable in length of up to five characters.
• An X character fixed in length that separates the house number from a house number extension.
• A house number extension variable in length of up to six characters.
• A quiet zone that denotes where the barcode ends.

How is a KIX barcode generated?

A KIX barcode is generated using a barcode generator. There are several online barcode generators that can produce KIX barcodes.

What information is included in a KIX barcode?

A KIX barcode includes postal or zip codes, house numbers, PO numbers, and house number extensions if required.

Can I generate a KIX barcode myself?

You can generate a KIX barcode yourself easily using an online barcode generator.

Why should I use a KIX barcode?

When sending mail in the Netherlands, it may require you to add a KIX barcode to your address label. This enables the mail sorting process to easily scan and decode the postal/zip code and house number on your address label.

What are the benefits of using a KIX barcode for businesses?

KIX barcodes provide all the necessary information for the automated and accurate sorting of mail. For business KIX codes ensure the accurate encoding of postal/zip codes and other address information. This reduces the need for manual sorting and ensurest mail is delivered fast and accurately. KIX barcodes also help businesses with bulk mailing to access discounted postage rates.

What format is used for the KIX barcode?

The KIX barcode is a Metafont format, characterized by its repeated pattern of four separate vertical bars that represent one of 0-9 alphanumeric characters or A-Z capital letters. KIX is called a 4-state code because each of the four vertical bars is in one of four states — T (tracker), D (tracker, descender), A (tracker, ascender), and H (tracker, ascender, descender).

Is there a size requirement for the KIX barcode?

A KIX code can be at least seven characters or a maximum of 24 characters in length. A KIX barcode’s data is 20 to 24 bars per 25.4 mm.

Can KIX barcodes be scanned with regular barcode readers?

A wide variety of devices, including mobile devices and dedicated barcode scanners, can read KIX barcodes. All scanners, however, rely on high performance scanning software integrated within an app. Scandit’s fast, robust barcode scanning software supports all major barcode types, including KIX codes.

Do I need special software to print KIX barcodes?

There are several options for printing KIX labels from basic to specialist software.

What are the most common errors when creating KIX barcodes?

The most common errors when creating KIX barcodes is a lack of contrast, quiet zone inaccuracy, or printing defects.

You can overcome these errors by correctly applying a quiet zone in your designs, ensuring good quality printing, and using robust barcode scanning software that can handle any damaged or poorly printed codes. The KIX code requires a minimum quiet zone space of 2 mm on all sides.

How do I verify that my KIX barcode is correct?

You’ll need to scan the barcode to check it can accurately read the encoded data. You can download and try the Scandit demo app for free or start a free trial of Scandit Express, the no-code smart data capture app.

Where should the KIX barcode be placed on mail?

A KIX barcode should be placed no less than 18 mm up from the bottom edge of the mail item and no more than 120 mm up from the bottom edge of the mail item.