Barcodes & Their Uses

We have grown used to seeing barcodes on products and we know they are used to scan at the supermarket checkout, but what is the real purpose of barcodes and do you need them?

Originally used on grocery products, the barcode idea has worked so well it is now used on all kinds of products. Also called UPC (Universal Product Code) barcodes define the product, the price (taking into account any special offers) and also link to warehousing so that a correct inventory can be maintained.

How the barcode is created

If you have created a product for which you would like to have a barcode then you should apply to the UCC (Uniform Code Council) who will issue a MIN (Manufacturer Identification Number) and this number makes up the first six numbers of the 12 number barcode. The next 5 numbers used will represent the item number (this set of digits are given to the product by the manufacturer) and must all be unique. If a product is discontinued then the item number should be retired and not reused on another product.

Now we have 11 numbers on our barcode. The twelfth and final number is derived from a calculation of the existing 11 numbers and is in place as a check to make sure the scanner has correctly read and understood the barcode. Each time the barcode is scanned the machine performs the calculation and if the check digit comes out as different then something has gone wrong and the item has to be rescanned or entered by hand. This explains why sometimes the checkout operators in the supermarket are unable to scan certain items.

When you need to purchase barcodes you want to be sure they are worldwide codes which can be used in Europe, America and the Far East. All barcode numbers should be accredited, verified and legally registered. Be wary of any company with hidden or continuing fees: barcodes, once purchased, are like any other products and are yours to keep. Choose quality barcode service with a company which offers all aspects of barcodes so that you don’t have to go anywhere else.

 

 

Barcodes from barcode1.co.uk. Visit us today for barcode number .