A barcode is a rectangular or square image consisting of parallel black lines and white spaces of varying widths. Modern retailers apply barcode management for quick product identification. That’s why this is a great inventory management solution. Furthermore, COVID-19 also accelerated the adoption of barcode readers as a contactless solution.
According to Grandview Research, the global barcode reader market size was $6.79 billion in 2020 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2021 to 2028. However, It can be very difficult to understand the definition of barcodes and how they work. Therefore, this article will clarify “What is a barcode?” and how you can apply it to your business.
What is barcode?
Answer the question “What is a barcode?” A barcode is a computer-readable representation of numbers and characters. Barcodes typically consist of parallel black and white bars of varying widths that can be read by barcode scanners. But what does barcode mean in retail? Nowadays, you can easily see stripes like the one below on product packaging at retail stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. After collecting the information, the barcode scanner transmits the barcode number information in real time to the POS hardware without additional human intervention.
As a result, barcodes help retailers automate data collection processes and reduce human error when tracking inventory and processing point-of-sale (POS) transactions. Additionally, barcodes are essential in a retailer’s purchasing process and inventory control process at its warehouse. From there, you can track inventory, assist accountants with invoicing, and many other uses.
How is a barcode structured?
The composition of common barcodes is standard in every country and can be read by inventory managers. Traditional barcodes include the following 3 components:
Empty area (boundary)
The blank area is an empty margin located at both ends of the barcode. If the blank area is not large enough, the scanner will have difficulty reading the barcode. Therefore, the minimum margin distance from the outermost bar of one symbol to the outermost bar of another symbol is 2.5 mm.
Black line
Black lines are characters that represent the start/end of data. These characters will vary slightly depending on the barcode type.
Code
The code is a digit used to authenticate the barcode. Thanks to its symbolic check character, you can check whether the barcode data encoded in the barcode is correct.
How do barcodes work?
Although you probably see barcodes every day and already know what they are, have you ever wondered how they work? Here’s how barcodes work:
First, the barcode scanner will use an incandescent light bulb or laser to shine light through the barcode and then shine it on the ultra-sensitive light detector.
The black lines on the barcode absorb light and the white parts of the barcode shine through and reflect.
The scanner detects the amount of light which is then converted into data that can be read by a computer. For example, black parts that do not reflect well are recorded as 1, and white parts are recognized by the light scanner as 0.
Inventory management software will receive and decode this information on the system.
Now you know about lines, but what about the underlying identifiers? All barcodes will have 12 digits, usually printed below as a precaution for possible complications. Here is the meaning of the barcode numbers:
- First number: Product type
- The following 5 numbers: Manufacturer code
- 5 numbers on the right: Product code
- Last number: Barcode according to self-management system
The two most popular types of barcodes today
There are different types of barcodes, depending on the application. However, there are two types of barcodes most commonly used by retailers: 1-dimensional (1D) barcodes and 2-dimensional (2D) barcodes.
1D barcodes
1D barcodes store text information such as product type, size, color and ISBN (for book products). Therefore, you can find 1D barcodes on top of the universal product code (UPC) on product packaging and use them to track product deliveries by 3PLs like FedEx, UPS, and post offices worldwide. gender.
2D barcodes
2D barcodes include more information than just text, like inventory levels, prices, and product images. However, it is more complex than 1D barcodes, so not all barcode scanners can read 2D barcodes. For example, linear barcode scanners cannot read 2D barcodes. However, you can use an image scanner or smartphone to read them.
Why are barcodes important?
Barcodes are an essential solution that helps speed up inventory management and sales transactions. For retailers, “What are barcodes used for?” Includes the following 5 benefits.
Less human error
When your employees use barcodes as identifiers to process product data, it is more accurate than manual data entry. From there, it minimizes human error.
Real-time data processing
Barcodes have instant information and data processing speed. It shows you real-time inventory levels and sales for each product in your retail store. Thanks to blazing processing speeds, you get real-time information on inventory levels and available sales from barcode components.
Affordable implementation costs
It’s quick and easy to generate barcode numbers for all your products in stores and warehouses. Additionally, retailers can expect post-implementation savings with improved transaction speeds and improved inventory and sales data accuracy.
Better inventory management
Retailers benefit from improved accuracy and real-time data of barcode numbers. As a result, you can count cycles faster and estimate inventory turnover more accurately. As a result, you can keep less inventory and know when to restock.
Reduced training requirements
Your employees can easily use the barcode scanner without training or complicated processes. They just need to point and click to identify and extract product information. Additionally, employees will have to learn and retain a lot less thanks to barcodes.
Ways to create product codes
Generate free barcodes with the OnlQR Generator tool
Step 1: Open the OnlQR website. Visit https://onlqr.com/resource/barcode-generator/ in your browser. The OnlQR website has a free barcode generator here.
Step 2: Select the type of barcode to create in the Linear Codes/ EAN/ UPC section.
Step 3: Enter the code corresponding to the barcode to create in the Data box
Step 4: Choose an image format and adjust image parameters in the Image Format section to suit your packaging design
Step 5: Download the barcode to your computer
Create barcodes online with iCheck free software
Step 1: Open the iCheck website. Visit https://icheckcorporation.vn/tao-ma-vach-icheck-online-mien-phi/ in your browser. The icheck website has a free barcode generator here.
Step 2: Select the type of barcode to create in the Linear Codes/ EAN/ UPC section. For goods in Vietnam, the commonly used barcode is the EAN-13 code and has the code prefix 893.
Step 3: Enter the code corresponding to the barcode to create in the Data box
Step 4: Choose an image format and adjust image parameters in the Image Format section to suit your packaging design
Step 5: Download the barcode to your computer
Step 6: Remember to name the barcode so it can be easily identified and distinguished later. iCheck often uses the product name to set the corresponding barcode
Conclude
Hopefully through the above article, you clearly understand what a barcode is and know how to create barcodes for your goods. Good luck!
Source: https://onlqr.com/