What do the numbers on barcodes mean?
The numbers located under the vertical lines, or bars, of a 1D barcode represent a uniquely assigned item number. The barcode itself is the visual representation of that number.
It’s like a license plate. There’s nothing stored in the license plate. It’s simply a number that when looked up or keyed into a system pulls up more data about the driver, the car, etc.
Each number from 0 to 9 is assigned a different set of black and white bars. If, for example, an item is assigned a 10-digit number, a barcode will represent that number with 10 different black-and-white bar combinations.
Many products use a Universal Product Code (UPC) system. These codes follow a standardized barcode symbology and correspond with a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). UPC barcodes represent a 12-digit number and follow a specific set of formatting rules.
In order to use a UPC, retailers must apply to become a part of the GS1. They’ll then be assigned a manufacturer ID number, which are the first numbers of the 12-digit UPC. The remaining numbers are uniquely assigned product numbers. These are numbers that GS1 assigns to your products once you upload criteria for certain fields, like name, quantity, description, etc.
One advantage to retailers using UPC codes is immediate access to product information and pricing. Plus, UPCs support more robust inventory management systems and product tracking, from production all the way to the point of sale device.
