Capturing the Barcode Scanning Platform on products enables businesses to provide physical products with many features. That can be easily referenced when barcodes are scanned. Barcodes also allow products to be scanned and tracked in the warehouse. For these reasons, getting barcodes for your products is an important step in growing an e-commerce business to monitor the efficiency of its operations.
In this article, we’ll explore what barcodes are, the different types of barcodes in use today, and how to get barcodes for your products.
What Are Barcode Scanning Platform And What do They Work?
A Barcode Scanning Platform is a machine-readable code that is printed on products in the form of numbers and lines of varying widths to identify them. A barcode symbol usually consists of five parts:
- Quiet area
- Qefault functions
- Data characters (including optional verification characters) Feature stop
- Quieter areas
All of these symbols make each barcode and subsequently each product unique in the inventory environment. A barcode reader must be used to read the code. Using a laser, the reader can identify the reflection of the line as well as the thickness of the channel and convert that pattern into a number in digital format. Inventory management software, POS systems, etc. use this digital format to transmit information about that product to various locations, and users can make informed decisions about their products and business based on the information gathered.
Barcodes can be used to scan products and track sales, customers, and inventory. There are two main types of barcodes: 1D barcodes or 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes. 2D barcodes are newer and can store more information than linear barcodes. Warehouse operators use barcode scanners to interpret the information contained in the barcodes and send it to a database or inventory management platform.
Do You Need Barcodes to Sell Products?
The most concise answer is no. You don’t need barcodes to sell products. However, having barcodes can make your products look more professional and make it easier to track inventory.
If you sell a product online, most marketplaces (like Amazon) require you to have a Barcode Scanning Platform on the product to list it.
If you sell products in a brick-and-mortar store, barcodes make it easier for store employees to scan and track your products. Many store shelves already have barcodes printed on them, so adding a barcode to your product can help it fit and look professional.
Getting barcodes for your products is easy and can be done for free if you use UPC.
If you need help getting started, this guide will walk you through the process of getting a barcode for your product.
What Are The Different Types of Barcode Scanning Platform?
There are two main types of Barcode Scanning Platform:
- 1D barcodes
- 2D barcodes.
Linear barcodes are the most common type of barcode. They are long and some barcodes can be found on products in stores. Linear barcodes can only store a limited amount of information, so they are generally used to store product identification numbers (such as UPCs).
2D barcodes are newer and can store more information than linear barcodes. 2D barcodes can store a lot of information, so they are often used to store product information (such as nutritional content) or to track inventory.
There Are Many Different Types of Barcode Scanning Platform
UPC
UPC (Universal Product Code) is the most common type of Barcode Scanning Platform. The UPC is 12 digits long and is used to store the product identification number. UPCs are assigned by GS1, the global organization that provides standards for barcodes and other identification numbers (more on this later). If you want to get a UPC for your product, you need to apply for a UPC through GS1.
Advantages of UPC:
- UPCs are the most common type of barcode, so they are frequently scanned by store employees and customers.
- All barcode scanners can read 1 UPC.
- 2 UPCs are allocated by GS1 so you can be sure your UPCs are unique.
Disadvantages of UPC
- UPC are linear barcodes, so they can only store a limited amount of information.
- You need to apply for UPC through GS1, which can be a time-consuming process.
QR code
QR codes are two-dimensional Barcode Scanning Platform that can be found on products, packaging, and labels. The codes are turning out to be more normal as organizations search for ways of putting away more item data. QR codes can be examined with a cell phone or tablet and can be utilized to give clients item data (like nourishing substances) or to follow stock. If you want to get a QR code for your product, you can create a code for free.
Advantages of QR codes:
- QR codes can store more information than UPC.
- The QR code can be scanned with a smartphone or tablet.
- You can use a QR code generator to generate QR codes for free.
Disadvantages of QR Codes
1 QR codes are smaller than UPC and may not be scanned by store associates and customers.
2 QR codes can only be read by devices equipped with QR code scanners.
GTIN
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a unique identification number assigned to a product. GTINs are utilized to follow stock and can be found on item names, scanner tags, and bundling.
GTINs are doled out by GS1, a worldwide association that gives guidelines to standardized tags and other recognizable proof numbers. If you want to get a GTIN for your product, you need to apply for a GTIN through GS1. Many online marketplaces require GTINs to be provided through GS1. This video from the GS1 site makes sense of it in more profundity:
EANs
European Article Numbers is a unique identification number assigned to a product. EAN is utilized to follow stock and can be found on item names, scanner tags, and bundling.
Article Numbers is again mandated by GS1, a global organization that provides standards for Barcode Scanning Platformand other identification numbers. If you want to get an EAN for your product, you need to apply for an EAN through GS1.
What exactly is GS1 and why is it important?
GS1 stands for Global Standards One, a global organization that provides standards for Barcode Scanning Platform and other identification numbers. GS1 is important because it guarantees that all barcodes are unique. This is important for businesses that want to be able to have their barcodes scanned by external parties, such as delivery channels and brick-and-mortar partners. If you want to get a UPC, GTIN, or EAN for your product, you need to apply through GS1.
Since UPC is a North American standard, here are step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a GS1-certified UPC for your product.
- Visit the GS1 website and create an account.
- Apply for a UPC for your product
- Wait for the GS1 to give you the UPC.
- After the UPC is assigned to you, you can use it as a barcode for your product or store it in an RFID tag.
- You can also apply for GTINs and EANs through GS1.
How do I get the barcode for my product?
There are two main ways to obtain product Barcode Scanning Platform:
- Apply for UPC through GS1.
- Use the in-house tool to create the barcode (note that this barcode should not be used outside the warehouse).
Applying UPC through GS1 is the most expert method for acquiring item standardized identifications. GS1 is a worldwide association that gives norms to scanner tags and other ID numbers.
Making standardized tags with in-house devices is less expert, however should be possible for nothing. This standardized tag must be involved inside your distribution center as it isn’t extraordinary.
If all else fails, we suggest applying for an UPC through GS1.
Can Barcode Scanning Platform Be Used Without Going Through GS1?
Yes, Barcode Scanning Platform can be used without going through GS1. However, it is unprofessional and may not be reliable. The main benefit of going through GS1 is the guarantee that you will receive a unique barcode on your product. If you create your own barcode or use a free QR code generator, your barcode may be the same as someone else’s.
Official GS1 barcodes mean your products can be scanned by outside parties (not just within your warehouse) without the risk of duplication or overlap with other barcodes.
This may be a requirement if you plan to sell through third-party partners such as Amazon or brick-and-mortar stores.
