10 Steps to Barcode Your Product

A barcode is a useful tool that lets you assign a unique identifier to a product, which simplifies tracking and inventory taken. The barcode can help you improve the overall manner in which a user can run their business. In 10 simple steps, a user can quickly barcode their products.

1. Obtaining a Company GS1 Prefix

GS stands for Global Standards, which is a unique identification number that is given to a company when it wants to have a barcode for its products. Before a company can start affixing barcodes to its products, it must obtain a GS1 prefix for its products from a non-governmental organization.

2. Assigning Product Number

Once a company gets its unique GS1 prefix, it can begin to assign unique numbers to each product. The type of number added to the GS1 depends on the local regulation and the type of barcode a user intends to use.

3. Deciding on How the Barcode Will be Scanned

How the barcode of a product is going to be scanned determines the barcode type, placement, and size. Therefore, a company must decide on where they are going for a UPC or EAN barcode.

4. Choosing a Barcode

Deciding on how the barcode is going to be scanned leads to the type of barcode that is needed. For a product that is going to be used for trading, a company must assign a UPC or an EAN barcode.

5. Selecting Barcode Size

Selecting the barcode type leads to the selection of the barcode size. The size of the barcode is determined by the type of package that houses a product. Also, it is determined by the type of barcode selected earlier.

6. Barcode Number

The barcode number is the next item to be decided on. This number is found below the barcodes. It serves as a backup when the barcode scanner is unable to read the information from the barcode.

7. Selecting the Barcode Color

The step of selecting barcode color depends on the color and type of package. For example, a black package will require a while barcode and vice versa. Likewise, a colorful package will need a barcode color that stands out from the background.

8. Deciding on the Barcode Placement

After selecting the barcode color, the placement on the barcode must be determined. In most cases, the barcode is mostly placed at the back, the side, top, or the bottom of the package. It is not usually placed in the front of the package.

9. Barcode Quality

Next, the barcode print quality must be decided on. The print must meet a specific quality that allows for easy scanning of products.

10. Getting the Barcode Printed

Finally, the company can decide on how to print the barcode. How the barcode is printed depends if the barcode is dynamic or static. For a static barcode, a company will likely find a printing company that can print thousands of copies. A dynamic barcode requires a company to have its printing equipment.

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