The barcodes and GS1 standard system of identification via numbers and bars, are now a tool for logistics operations and trade with trading partners, whether suppliers or customers. The barcode was developed by Norman Joseph Woodland, when he drew a series of lines in the sand in order to create a morse code. NRC was the first company to develop a barcode scanner and for which it was granted a patent in 1966. The first item scanned was a package of Wrigley rubbers, at Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio in June 1974..
What is a Bar Code
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A barcode is a rectangular or square image, formed by a series of parallel lines and white spaces with a variable width that can have numerical digits in its lower part, this allows it to be scanned. It is an essential element so that the products can be in supermarkets and stores.
The GS1 barcode unifies the name given to an item throughout the Values Network, in addition to this, it facilitates the interoperability of its use with those of its suppliers or customers, allowing them to be processed without errors in their information, benefiting the consumer by facilitating payment for points of sale.
Uses of a Bar Code
Every product is identified with a barcode number, that is, it does not matter if it is the same product, but in different presentations, they will never have the same code, for example, if you have a package of chocolate of 500 grams and another of the same brand but 250 grams, both will have different barcodes. Its most frequent uses are:
- Streamlines labeling: eliminating this mechanism allows for better stock control of merchandise, which facilitates inventory taking.
- Statistical analysis: Allows the realization of statistical analysis, facilitating the realization of sales statistics and marketing analysis.
- Sale of products: each product brand, for its cancellation at the points of sale, must have a barcode, as well as for its entry into inventories and export. In this way it will be easier to locate the brands on display shelves, in stores or shops.
- Possibility of an effective registration: when the product code is registered, it accurately shows its availability in the inventories, it also improves distribution times and favors effective restocking.
The barcode reader is a device that works like a scanner that uses a laser to read the codes placed on the product, transmitting said information to a computer in a traditional data format.
How to make a barcode
Currently the barcode is a necessary requirement for the merchant who wants to place his product in different points of sale and for export. In addition to this, products with this code have greater acceptance in commercial establishments.
First of all, it is important to clarify that there is no single barcode. On the contrary, there are several types of these. They are divided into two large groups: linear and two-dimensional codes.
The creation of barcodes streamlines collection systems and business processes between Mexican companies, allows for safe, convenient and faster purchases, as well as facilitating better inventory control .
In the case of Mexico, the prefix 750 is assigned to each barcode, this is for the identification of the products of this country. In addition, the GS1 portal of the country in question requires having an advanced electronic signature (FIEL) of the representative which will be registered in the association.
To be able to assign a barcode to a product, it is necessary to present a series of documents in some of the authorized GS1 offices throughout the country, or through www.gs1mexico.org
A merchant can be his own barcode generator, after creating the code, he downloads it and prints it in the formats: GIF, AI, PDF, PNG, EPS and JPG. No need to install software.
Barcode Types
GS1 databar
It is used for foods such as fruits and vegetables, the information in its numbers is: batch, expiration date of the item and weight
Linear codes
Used in small packaging products, since the traditional 13-digit code is not feasible due to the size of the packaging.
Zip codes
They were created for sending documents through the postal systems of the country.
EAN / UPC
Also known as GTIN 13 and the UPC, they are the most used to identify products.
QR code
Also called two-dimensional codes, they are used in processes where it is necessary to transport a lot of information which is directed to a website.
Difference between a Bar Code and QR Code
The QR code is a storage system similar to the usual bar codes, the difference is that a QR code stores a greater amount of data, which to be decoded, can be scanned vertically or horizontally.
The QR / QR Scan code reader is a device with which QR codes can be downloaded directly from the browser.
