Barcodes can be found on anything from ID cards to paperwork to items purchased at the grocery. Lines, bars, and spaces are patterns in a barcode and in practically any image for the purpose of identification. It is an important part of any retail company that wants to gain better control over their business. In this blog, we will provide the essential information you need to know about what is a barcode.
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a readable code for machines in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of variable widths, printed on a product. This system allow businesses and organizations to track items, pricing, and stock levels in a computer software system for centralized administration, resulting in significant productivity and efficiency gains.
The lines and patterns are actually symbols of numbers and data. Barcodes allow standard product information to be easily read by optical scanning equipment, such as a barcode scanner and automatically recorded into a computer system.
Types of barcodes
There are 2 types of barcode: 1D and 2D
1D barcode
A linear 1D barcode, which consists of two parts, the barcode and the 12-digit UPC number, is the most easily identifiable. The manufacturer’s identification number appears in the first six numbers. The item’s number is represented by the next five numbers. The final digit is known as a check digit, and it allows the scanner to assess whether or not it was scanned successfully.
2D barcode
A 2D barcode, on the other hand, is more complicated and may hold more data, such as a price, quantity, web link, or image. Smartphones with cameras, as well as a variety of other devices, can read 2D barcodes using their built-in cameras. The 2D type could be used for much more than just inventory and asset tracking. Companies now adopt 2D codes, particularly QR codes, to convey information, websites, and videos to consumers.
What are the applications of barcodes?
Keep track of inventory
A barcode plus a scanner make up a basic inventory control system. Inventory goods (such as products you sell, supplies, or raw materials) will all have labels. Instead of typing in an SKU, you can just scan the barcode to save time and ensure higher accuracy while removing or adding items to the inventory.
Support check-out process
Each asset has a barcoded property tag attached to it. This can be scanned at the checkout counter to check it in or out. Furthermore, merchants may include a barcode that reflects the customer number or the specific invoice number. This allows you to quickly find the customer account or invoice number when it’s returned with payment. For example, it is what allows large firms like Walmart to verify that their items are appropriately stocked and priced in a location.
Direct customers to a specific website
If your company is hosting an event or program, you can add barcodes to a poster so customers can be quickly directed to a particular web page. In this way, you can engage with customers on a deeper level and reach more audiences.
How to incorporate barcodes into your business operations?
Both in terms of stock control and asset management, accurate data is essential for your organization. Barcode systems are reliable and affordable. The barcode system may adapt to corporate systems, such as point of sale (POS). With a modern POS system, businesses nowadays can easily apply barcodes to products and monitor their inventory more efficiently.
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