Barcodes are graphical representations of data that are optically machine-readable. In India, the use of barcodes has become ubiquitous across various industries. From retail to manufacturing, barcodes streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and contribute to the overall efficiency of supply chain management.
What is Barcode?
Barcodes are vertical lines representation that can be scanned electronically to fetch the product details faster.
Barcode is used to encode the product details instantly such as product numbers, serial numbers, and batch numbers. A barcode on product plays a vital role in the supply chain, enabling all participant like Manufacturers, transporter, wholesaler to identify products easily.
In addition to that, a barcode on products plays a vital role in a supply chain, supermarkets, transportation, hospitals, and fast-moving retails chains.
EAN-13 is the most commonly used type of barcode that has 13 numeric digits. UPC-A barcode is a superset of 12 numeric digits.
Types of Barcode
1D (One-Dimensional) Barcodes: Traditional barcodes that represent data in a linear sequence of black and white bars.
2D (Two-Dimensional) Barcodes: More complex barcodes that can store data both horizontally and vertically. Examples include QR codes.
Is Barcode registration compulsory?
Barcode registration is not a government mandatory requirement. A retail barcode will work fine even without registration because stores enter the barcode number and link it to their billing or inventory software on an individual basis.
Advantages of Barcode
Efficient Inventory Management: Barcodes facilitate quick and accurate tracking of inventory, reducing the likelihood of errors in stock levels.
Time-saving Checkout Process: In retail, barcodes expedite the checkout process, leading to shorter queues and improved customer satisfaction.
Error Reduction: Manual data entry is prone to errors. Barcodes minimise such errors, enhancing overall data accuracy.
Enhanced Traceability: Businesses can easily trace the movement of products, enabling better control over the supply chain.
Streamlined Operations: Barcode systems contribute to streamlined and automated processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency
Documents for Barcode Registration
Proof of Business Registration: A document indicating the legal registration of the business.
Product Details: Comprehensive information about the products to be barcoded, including specifications and intended use.
Manufacturing License: For businesses involved in manufacturing, a valid manufacturing license may be required.
Trademark Certificate: If applicable, proof of trademark registration for the products.
Choosing the Right Barcode for Registration
UPC (Universal Product Code): Widely used in retail, especially in North America.
EAN (European Article Number): Commonly used in Europe and other regions.
Code 128: Known for its high-density alphanumeric encoding.
QR Code: Used for storing information such as website links and is commonly scanned with smartphones.
Process for Obtaining Barcode Registration
Choose the Type of Barcode: Select the appropriate type of barcode based on business needs.
Apply for GS1 Membership: GS1 is an international organisation that assigns unique identification numbers to businesses for barcode registration.
Submit Application: Provide necessary documents and details to initiate the registration process.
Barcode Generation: Once approved, the unique barcode numbers are generated for the registered products.
Labeling Products: Affix the generated barcodes to the respective products.
FAQs
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a unique identification symbol consisting of lines and numbers used to represent product details such as price, manufacturer, and product type. It enables efficient tracking, sales, and inventory management.
Why should I register a barcode for my products?
Registering a barcode helps standardize product identification, improves inventory management, enhances sales tracking, and facilitates smoother operations in retail and logistics. It is also essential for selling products in supermarkets, online stores, and other retail outlets.