Customers often ask how product data is “encoded” into a barcode or if barcodes need to be registered on a global database. Here are the facts:
- No information is stored inside the bars other than the number printed below.
- No centralised database exists for barcodes.
- Barcodes are registered with retailers when your product is accepted for sale.
The black-and-white bars simply represent the sequence of numbers printed below. When scanned, the barcode number is recognised by a store’s point-of-sale (POS) system, which displays product details like price, name, and size—provided these details are already in the retailer’s database.
How Barcodes Work in the Supply Chain
Barcodes are globally unique numbers assigned to products by their manufacturer or product owner. Here’s how the process works:
- Assigning a Barcode: You assign a unique barcode to each product and incorporate it into your product’s artwork or label.
- Retailer Systems: Retailers add your barcode and product details (e.g., price, name) into their sales and inventory systems.
- Avoid Duplication: Maintain a clear record of which barcode is assigned to each product to prevent duplication.
Important Notes:
- No Centralised Registration: There isn’t a global system that automatically links your product details to all stores. Even GS1’s registries (GEPIR/Verified by GS1) are not directly connected to store systems.
- Retailer-Specific Entry: Each retailer manually enters your barcode and product details into their system when they accept your product.
Providing Product Information to Retailers
When supplying product and barcode information to a retailer, you may need to:
- Submit an Excel Sheet listing your barcodes and associated product details, such as price, name, and reorder codes.
- Fill Out Vendor Forms required by the retailer to link your barcode to the product details in their system.
This ensures that your product is integrated into the retailer’s system for scanning and inventory management.
For E-Commerce Platforms
When listing products on platforms like Amazon or eBay, enter your barcode number in the “Product ID” field during the product creation process.
Using Smartphone Barcode Apps
To make your barcode scannable by smartphone apps:
- Register your barcode and product details with a company that maintains a database accessible to app developers.
- Increase online visibility by listing your product on free platforms like GTIN Lookup or popular marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, or Google Merchant Centre.
These steps help ensure your product’s barcode is indexed and visible for online searches and smartphone scanning.