Dear Community,
I’d like to take a moment to discuss about the importance of using UPC Codes (Universal Product Code) in your own products, specially in the context of the growing demands of eCommerce and future changes regarding Code Bars.
1. What are UPC Codes?
UPC Codes are a product identification system that allows retailers, distributors and consumers to track and manage inventory in an efficient manner. Each UPC Code is unique and it is assigned to specific products, facilitating the quick and precise identification on all points of sale and supply chains.
2. Benefits of UPC codes Usage:
•Improvement in the Inventory Management: Facilitates the precise follow-up on the different inventory levels, avoiding overstock and shortages.
•POS Efficiency: Speeds up the payment process, reducing the waiting time and further upgrading customer’s experience.
•Traceability: Allows to track the origin of the products, which is crucial for returns and claims handling.
•Rules Compliance: Ensures that your products achieve the requirements of retailers and eCommerce platforms that demand UPC codes.
3. Future Changes in Code Bars:
It’s important to be updated in the upcoming technology changes in regards to code bars. GS1 Organization, responsible for the code bar standardization management, has announced the transition to 2D Code Bars such as QR Codes that can contain much more information than traditional UPC Codes.
These 2D Code Bars not only will be able to identify the product but also could include additional information such as expiring dates, batch numbers and more. This change will offer way more transparency and traceability which will be as beneficial for manufacturers as it will be for consumers.
4. Why is it important to adapt?
Adopting these adjustments and making sure your products are labeled correctly with UPC Codes and, in the future, with 2D Code Bars, it’ll be essential to maintain the market competitiveness. This will not only ease the integration with eCommerce platforms and retailers but will also boost your operating efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Recommended Article:
To deepen in this subject, I recommend reading the GS1 article about the Future of Code Bars and how can the transition to 2D Codes might impact your business: GS1 – The Future of Barcodes.
Summarizing it, the adequate implementation of UPC Codes in your products is an investment on efficiency and competitiveness of your company. Keep informed about technological changes and embrace yourself to adapt to new norms to keep offering the best service to your clients.
Best regards,
Max Trujillo
Palletized eHub’s CoFounder & CEO
