This paper describes a standard testing methodology to objectively compare the performance of a new class of twodimensional bar code systems for an overhead sortation and tracking application in an automated material handling environment. The performance of two different two-dimensional bar code systems was compared on five different tests. These tests included (1) range of speed, (2) width of field, (3) symbol rate with undamaged, unoriented symbols, (4) symbol rate with damaged, oriented symbols, and (5) focus time. Results showed that four of the five tests appear to be valid means for comparing performance of differing two-dimensional technologies for an overhead sortation/ tracking application.