Re-marking or reading the damaged original code — where to start?

Reading a damaged code and re-marking are different workflows. One tries to recover the existing code; the other creates and registers a replacement marking.

That is why it usually makes sense to start with reading. If the original image still exists at least partially, this is often faster and cheaper than launching a full administrative process.

Re-marking typically means establishing a formal basis, preparing a new code, printing and applying a new label and completing the necessary system actions.

Write-off or return is not always simpler either, because many item-level operations still require knowing exactly which unit is involved.

In practice the rule is straightforward: if the original symbol is physically present, try specialised reading first. If it is gone or truly unreadable, then consider the re-marking procedure.

This sequence prevents a lot of unnecessary work.