To stay ahead in today’s fast-paced and competitive market, businesses must invest in cutting-edge technologies and solutions. By doing so, they can track inventory, monitor product movement, ensure timely deliveries, streamline transportation & logistics, and more. An efficient system is required to keep everything running smoothly, and this is where barcodes come in. Barcodes provide a standardised and structured way of carrying out supply chain operations like data capture at each node, tracking products, managing inventory, targeted product recalls, and much more. In this blog, we will discuss how to make barcode for product and why every business should implement barcodes to achieve all these objectives efficiently and easily.

What is a Barcode and How Does It Work?

A barcode is a visual representation of data in the form of black-and-white variable width lines (1D barcodes) or patterns of dots, squares, and matrices (2D barcodes) which can be scanned by a barcode scanner/smartphone to retrieve the encoded information. Barcodes are used to streamline product tracking and data management. 1D barcodes include Universal Product Codes (UPC) and European Article Numbers (EAN) whereas 2D barcodes include Quick Response (QR) codes and GS1 Data Matrix barcodes. 

• UPC barcodes – They are used for quick product identification at the point of sale. Their usage is specific to North America. UPC-A (having 12-digit GTIN) and UPC-E (having 8-digit GTIN – reserved for small trade items) are the two types of UPC barcodes. 
• EAN barcodes – They are similar to UPCs; however, they are accepted and used globally. EAN also has two types – EAN-13 (having 13-digit GTIN) and EAN-8 (having 8-digit GTIN – reserved for small trade items).
• QR code – It is a more advanced version of barcodes and can store much more data, including links to websites.
• GS1 Data Matrix barcode – It is specifically used for product identification in the healthcare sector due to its compact size and ability to encode variable data at high production speeds.

Barcodes encode data that can include product identifiers, descriptions, prices, and other critical details. When scanned, barcode readers instantly convert this data into usable information that facilitates managing products, tracking sales, and updating inventories.

Why Every Business Needs a Barcode for Product Tracking

1. Improved Inventory Management

Barcodes improve inventory management by enabling access to faster, more accurate data on stock tracking. With barcodes, businesses can scan products as they arrive, move, or are sold, and update inventory levels in real-time. This reduces the risks associated with stockouts or overstocking, ensuring that products are always available when needed.

2. Reduced Human Errors

Human error is inevitable in manual processes, especially in inventory management. Mistakes in data entry can lead to misplaced products, incorrect stock levels, and costly disruptions. By automating the data entry process with barcodes, businesses can eliminate these errors and ensure that product information is always accurate.

3. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Barcodes help speed up various operational processes, from product check-ins to POS (Point-of-Sale). This efficiency allows employees to focus on high-value tasks. Efficient inventory management and smoother checkouts lead to greater productivity and customer satisfaction.

4. Targeted Product Recall

Barcodes help initiate targeted product recall, whenever required. By leveraging industry solutions like DataKart Trace, businesses can track the product and know its current location. This information can be helpful in apprising authorities and concerned stakeholders about the affected batch. 

5. Better Customer Experience

With barcode scanning, customers can enjoy quicker service, whether they’re checking out at the register or receiving their products. Faster checkouts and timely product delivery can foster customer loyalty and enhance the brand’s reputation.

How to Make a Barcode for a Product

Creating a barcode for your products is a simple process. Here’s how you can get started:

Steps to Generate a Barcode

Step 1: Get GCP – For global product identification, register with GS1 India – the only authority in India to issue barcodes beginning with ‘890’. Complete the barcode registration process by filling out the registration form and paying the requisite fees. You will receive your GCP (Global Company Prefix) once the team verifies the information and documents you have provided. 

Step 2: Log in to DataKart – Once you obtain your GCP, use it to log in to your DataKart account. DataKart is the national product data repository that helps thousands of Indian business owners easily store, manage and share accurate information on millions of retail products, in one place. 

Step 3: Generate GTINs – After logging in to your DataKart account, you can start generating GTINs for your products or product SKU (stock-keeping unit). GTIN is a Global Trade Item Number that is encoded in a barcode and provides unique identification to products globally. 

Step 4: Download Barcode Image – Determine which barcode type suits your business needs. Retailers typically use UPC-A or EAN-13 barcodes, but businesses with specialised needs may opt for UPC-E, EAN-8, QR codes or other barcode types. Consider the type of product, its market, and the kind of data you need to encode when selecting the right barcode. Download the barcode image after selection and then send the image for bulk printing. 

Conclusion

Barcodes are no longer just a convenience—they are a necessity for businesses striving for efficiency, accuracy, and growth. From improving inventory management to enhancing the customer experience, barcodes offer businesses the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive environment.

If you haven’t yet implemented barcodes in your business operations, now is the time to get started. By generating and using GS1 barcodes, you’ll streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve consumer experience.