A method for generating and storing an individual imperfection profile related to an original item, wherein a code is assigned to the item according to a set of rules, wherein the code comprises a plurality of modules arranged in an ideal image, wherein at least one barcode content of the item is encoded within the plurality of modules, wherein the code is printed onto the item with an original printing device, the method comprising the following steps: i) Recording at least one picture of the printed version of the code printed onto the item using an optical system; ii) Decoding the barcode content from the picture; iii) Analyzing irregularities in the same picture as used in step ii) by identifying at least one deviation (132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144) in the picture with respect to the ideal image and calculating a numerical value denoted as an individual imperfection profile of the original printing device, wherein the numerical value represents a difference between the printed version of the code and the ideal image of the plurality of the modules as generated by applying the set of rules related to the code, wherein the calculating of the numerical value depends on at least one unique feature inherently related to the original printing device; iv) Storing the individual imperfection profile by printing the individual imperfection profile onto the item and/or by generating a database record for the item, wherein the database record comprises at least the barcode content and the individual imperfection profile, wherein step iii) comprises at least the following sub-steps for calculating the numerical value: iii1) Determining, for at least one module, the deviation between an area effectively printed in the picture of the module with respect to the area of the module in the ideal image, wherein the deviation between an area size effectively printed in the picture of the module with respect to the area size of the related module in the ideal image is determined; and iii6) Determining, for at least one module, a deviation between a contrast in the module with respect to the contrast within a printed area in the picture, wherein the contrast is adjusted for each module in the picture of the printed version, wherein an adjustment as required for each respective module is taken into account for deriving the individual imperfection profile. i) Recording at least one picture of the printed version of the code printed onto the item using an optical system; ii) Decoding the barcode content from the picture; iii) Analyzing irregularities in the same picture as used in step ii) by identifying at least one deviation (132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144) in the picture with respect to the ideal image and calculating a numerical value denoted as an individual imperfection profile of the original printing device, wherein the numerical value represents a difference between the printed version of the code and the ideal image of the plurality of the modules as generated by applying the set of rules related to the code, wherein the calculating of the numerical value depends on at least one unique feature inherently related to the original printing device; iv) Storing the individual imperfection profile by printing the individual imperfection profile onto the item and/or by generating a database record for the item, wherein the database record comprises at least the barcode content and the individual imperfection profile, wherein step iii) comprises at least the following sub-steps for calculating the numerical value: iii1) Determining, for at least one module, the deviation between an area effectively printed in the picture of the module with respect to the area of the module in the ideal image, wherein the deviation between an area size effectively printed in the picture of the module with respect to the area size of the related module in the ideal image is determined; and iii6) Determining, for at least one module, a deviation between a contrast in the module with respect to the contrast within a printed area in the picture, wherein the contrast is adjusted for each module in the picture of the printed version, wherein an adjustment as required for each respective module is taken into account for deriving the individual imperfection profile. iii1) Determining, for at least one module, the deviation between an area effectively printed in the picture of the module with respect to the area of the module in the ideal image, wherein the deviation between an area size effectively printed in the picture of the module with respect to the area size of the related module in the ideal image is determined; and iii6) Determining, for at least one module, a deviation between a contrast in the module with respect to the contrast within a printed area in the picture, wherein the contrast is adjusted for each module in the picture of the printed version, wherein an adjustment as required for each respective module is taken into account for deriving the individual imperfection profile.