>Followed to here from the link you gave
>
>http://grandzebu.net/informatique/codbar-en/pdf417.htm

Yes. As you can see this is just a pattern that holds the data. For what I understand this should not be read as "columnwise" data. You just store your data + errorcoding. The numbers of "columns" and there width is simple a result of the amount of data you put into the BarCode.
If you wish to store "records" in in it, you need to provide a meaningfull delimiter to the handling after the code is read. As simple as a snippet of a csv file or is tricky as you like.

Anyway I prefer to store just identifiers to the barcode (a UUID in its numerical representation) to make the codes huge. Lesser chance for damaged data.
The data itself will be stored outside the barcode.

Lutz