A barcode is a series of letters or numbers that identify a certain product. They are printed on the goods so that they can be identified by an optical reader that transfers this data to a computer or a cash register.
To identify a barcode and extract all the information you need from the products, it will be essential to have this technology.
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What do barcodes mean?
Beyond the previous definition, the barcode is the tool through which you can know all the information that a certain product has.
Numbers or letters, the number of bars in the code, their thickness and the space between them are certain character chains that provide specific information. The date of packaging, the lot number and the origin are some of the data that the barcode gives.
Knowing the code of a product allows you to identify without error any object that is marketed at medium or large scale. It is an identification system that allows you to follow the goods in real time.
Barcodes are used for tangible and massive product information. On the other hand, QR codes, which contain Chinese, Japanese and alphanumeric characters, are used to find out information about both physical products and interesting data that can be obtained with the code reader of this type contained in some cameras.
What is the most common type of barcode?
The most common barcode is the one known as EAN (European Article Number). It is used in almost all countries, except in Canada and the United States, where the UPC (Universal Product Code) is used.
How many lines are there in a barcode?
Identifying an EAN or UPC barcode is very easy. The former, which is the most standardized worldwide, has thirteen digits, represented in both numbers and bars. In contrast, the UPC has twelve digits.
In the case of EAN barcodes, the first two digits are related to the company that assigns this number. These numbers correspond to the company in charge of this coding in a certain country.
Then there are only eleven digits left. The first five are related to the number that identifies the company, another five correspond to the product and the last number is a check digit that corroborates that everything is correct.
Is a barcode required for my products?
Spanish legislation does not expressly require products to be identified with a bar code. In this sense, the decision to place a code of this type on your products will depend largely on the type of customers you have and the market niche you are in.
If your products are sold in supermarkets or medium and large stores or commercial establishments, you will probably be required to request bar codes for your products.
Conclusion
You already know everything you need to know about barcodes and their meaning. Perhaps if your market area requires you to use them or you simply consider that it would be positive for your company, then don’t wait any longer.
If your products have a barcode, especially if they are sold in supermarkets or large commercial platforms, the customer will feel more confident when buying them.
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