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Barcode is a machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on a commodity. Hence a barcode essentially is a way to encode information in a visual pattern that a machine can read. The combination of black and white bars (elements) represents different text characters which follows a set algorithm for that particular barcode. Barcode contains information about a product like; price & weight of the product, date of manufacturing and expiry, name of the manufacturer etc. Barcode is allocated by an international institution set up for this purpose. Every product has a unique barcode all over the world.

There are two types of Barcode

1. 1 dimensional or 1D
2. 2 dimensional or 2D (it is known as QR code also)

Benefits of Barcode

One Code．Bridging the World of Business and Consumers

Nepal prefix 409: Nepal Trusted Product

Why Do I need a barcode?

Do I need an EAN barcode for my product?

Packaging considerations?

1. If it is a high volume seller then you will probably want to have the barcode printed directly on the artwork/packaging. We can provide a Barcode Master, which is an EAN/GS1 barcode (sized to the correct sizing etc) in an EPS format for your printer/graphic artist to include in the Artwork. You would need one of these for each barcode number (different product) you have.
2. If it is a low volume seller then you could use labels and just leave a space allocation on the packaging for the label. We can then provide the Labels for you depending on your requirement.
3. Are you considering generic packaging? Generic packaging is often seen with small items and is a low cost way of packaging different items with the one package design. What we can do for you in this case is to print labels with more information on them (as well as the barcode) to describe what is in the package. This method is a very cost effective way of “putting your toes in the water” with a few products.

Can I buy just one EAN/GS1 barcode?

1. What is the cost to your company’s reputation if you are forced to re-label all of your goods?
2. What is the potential real world cost if one of your customers starts selling another product with the same EAN number. The official GS1 member will be fine but the other party will have to carry out a recall, then repackage and possible reimburse the store (remember the scanning code of conduct you see at the checkouts).
3. If your product range and coverage in stores increases (as I am sure you hope it will) then you will end up joining GS1. All of your packaging etc you have already done will be wasted and will need to be redone. Considering the cost of having your packaging done and submitted for approval to the retailer. They then ask for the GS1 membership certificate (which you don’t have) either initially or thru the regular supplier audit process they carry out. You now must have your packaging redone, join GS1, and then say goodbye to any money you have already paid.

What are the advantages of barcoding?

1. Specific labeling of the goods which helps stock control, order picking etc.
2. Allows your staff to scan out orders thereby making the order process more accurate and efficient.
3. Allows any business to “play on the same stage” as the big boys.
4. If your business uses batches etc then implementation of other GS1 barcoding routines will substantially assist with tracking. See GS1 web site.
5. Opportunity to redesign packaging and branding.

What are the disadvantages?

Implementation of barcoding can be seen by manufacturers/distributors to have disadvantages.
1. There will probably be a need to change processes in order to make sure the product has the correct barcode on it. This should really be seen as an opportunity to evaluate your current processes to see if improvements can be made to efficiency or accuracy.
2. There is a cost involved. Aside from the GS1 membership you need to either include the barcode in your artwork or have labels printed
3. Repackaging of an existing product. You already have packaging done and now you have to get more designed. This is probably a good opportunity to redesign the look of the packaging anyway. If you have a large amount of packaging left to use, then we can make you barcode labels to stick onto it so it’s not wasted.



Is the price in the Barcode?

This is a very common question we are asked. In general the answer is No. The vast majority of barcodes are item identifiers only. In other words the barcode on a can of baked beans only tells the point of sale system that it is “a can of baked beans”. The point of sale system then looks up the price of “baked beans” and this is then displayed and used. The price is entered in the back office of the supermarket into their computer system before they put the product on the shelf for you to buy. The only exceptions are barcodes applied to products sold by weight. When you go to the Deli at your supermarket they wrap up your purchase and place a barcode label on it. This is a special EAN label which does include the price. Next time they do this, look at the price and the barcode number, you should be able to see the price included in the numbers.




What are the potential problems you might have?

Generally if you go to reputable company involved in the barcoding industry then you should not have any problems. On occasion you will encounter problems though so let’s look at that.

1. My barcode doesn’t scan. One reason this can happen if you don’t allow enough white space on both sides of the barcode. Another reason is that the barcode is not printed within tolerances. If we provide you with a Barcode Master then the printer should print them at the same size we provide them. If we provide you with labels they will be at least the min size specified by GS1 (unless you have specifically requested otherwise). Ideally barcodes should be black on white. Other colours will work though and some colours simply will not work at all. See table below (from GS1 site). The red areas illustrate what the barcode scanner sees whilst the middle section shows what your eye sees.


2. My barcode fails the verification tests. This often is the same as above. The difference is that barcode scanners are built with a tolerance for barcodes printed out of specification whilst the verifiers are built to test for compliance with the specification. Barcode scanners also cannot measure the height of the barcode which also may be a point of failure. Pos Shop is able to carry out verification tests for you and provide a report.
3. The retailer is rejecting my barcode number. The most common reason for this is a non official barcode number. See the paragraph on “Can I buy just one barcode?” above.



I’ve got my number now what do I do?

Ok, you’ve got your barcode number what do I do now. Decide whether you want the barcode on your packaging or as a label…
1. …on your packaging – Contact us to get a barcode master done for the printer/graphic designer.
2. …as a Label – Contact us to get some barcode labels organised for you. Costs vary depending on volume.
3. The packaging is a label eg bottle – Contact us for quote