Numerous symbols are incorporated into the coding which can only be read and interpreted appropriately by a scanner and computer software. These systems are used in a myriad of applications for accurate calculations, quick billing with proper product code, and maintaining records of inventory.



A single regulatory board that is responsible for governing bar code usage is the Uniform Code Council (UCC). For a company to use barcode labels commercially, it is necessary for them to contact UCC.

A 12 digit numbering system known as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is encoded into the black stripes that can only be read when scanned through certain types of equipment.

This number is generally comprised of three separate parts:

1. The first being the prefix of company profile.

2. The second set of numbers is the item reference.

3. The last number is referred to as check digit for security and accuracy confirmation measures.

These encoded labels can be printed on a variety of materials, but before printing, it's important to consider the environmental conditions.

They can range from basic pre-printed paper stickers to special designed, sophisticated ones, but regardless of the material, the benefits of increased accuracy and efficiency provided by barcode label system are unparalleled.

A barcode system provides users with an efficient cost-effective way to enhance the overall speed and timeliness. The recent data gathered by the Data Identification Online website states that the error rate when using a bar code label system is about one in three million.

Benefits of Barcode Labels

A well designed structure provides the users with many benefits for all businesses:

- It classifies each product or an application effectively and uniquely.

- The data capturing rate is much faster with appropriate product code entered in records.

- Mistakes are minimized facilitating quick billing and managing inventory has become much easier than in the past.

- Facilitates quick and easy collection of reliable data with the help of a scanner that records data five to seven times faster than traditional methods.

- Minimizes error rate and increases accuracy: The data entered by the barcode scanner has an average error rate of one error in 300 characters entered.

- The most important benefit provided is that it boosts cost savings with accurate data collection.

- Revenue losses are reduced resulting from data collection errors.

- One of the best means to save on capital costs and keep a track of inventory, these systems help maintain a track record of finances.

- Improved Management: These help in easy collection of customer data and tracks sales efficiently through its automated data collection and management system, thereby allowing managers to make informed decisions that contribute to the growth and development of the company.

- Quicker access to comprehensive information helps management make better decisions, grab opportunities and lead the competition.

Considering the advantages provided by this label system, it's undoubtedly the most preferred choice by companies and businesses.

Small businesses normally work well with pre-printed bar code labels. Maintaining large inventory records has become possible when every item is indexed and registered in the database with scanning procedures available.

Bar code labels have systematized and standardized the entire process of data collection and management with utmost ease.