In today’s rapidly advancing supply chain system, barcodes are key to ensuring unique product identification, operational efficiency, product traceability, and data accuracy. Selecting the right barcode type is essential for accurate product identification, streamlined logistics, and strengthened customer experience.
With different barcode types used in the market, selecting the most suitable one can hugely impact your product’s performance in the market.
Let’s explore why barcodes are essential, the types available, and how to make barcode for products.
Why Barcodes Are Essential for Products
Barcodes are more than just product identification; they are the foundation of modern supply chain systems. When businesses encode important product details into a barcode, it helps them
- Track inventory in real time
- Speed up the checkout process
- Reduce human error
- Improve stock visibility for better planning
- Enable seamless supply chain operations, and more
In addition, barcodes help reduce overhead, enhance customer satisfaction, and ensure product authenticity.
Types of Barcodes for Products
While supplying goods in markets, whether domestic or international, businesses need different barcode types to provide unique identification to the SKUs or products they intend to sell. Below are some of the most commonly used barcode formats:
1D or One-dimensional barcode types
EAN (European Article Number)
The EAN barcode is widely used globally. It encodes a 13-digit/8-digit unique identification number, or the GTIN, and is often found on retail products like groceries and consumer goods.
EAN barcode types –
EAN 13 – It encodes 13 digits GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and is applied to products sold at retail channels and online marketplaces. GTIN has three components, namely – Global Company Prefix (GCP), Product Code or Item Reference Number, and Check Digit. A GCP is a combination of a country code and a company code.
EAN 8 – It encodes GTIN-8, which has 8 digits and is provided to companies selling products that are small in size and do not have space to include the regular EAN 13. Some products carrying an EAN 8 barcode type include chocolates, battery cells, cosmetics, and more.
GS1-128
The GS1-128 barcode type is applied on higher-level packaging units, including cases, pallets, shipments, etc. It encodes SSCC or Serial Shipping Container Code, as well as other necessary shipment attributes, uniquely separated with the help of AIs (Application Identifiers).
It can encode key shipment details such as –
- Manufacturing details
- Expiry date
- Serial number
- Batch/lot number, and more
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Similar to the GS1-128 barcode type, the ITF-14 barcode is also used to uniquely identify higher-level packaging units. However, unlike the GS1-128 barcode, the ITF-14 barcode cannot encode other key attributes apart from a 14-digit GTIN.
One key differentiating factor of ITF-14 is that it can be directly printed on corrugated boxes.
2D or Two-dimensional barcode types
Also called the ‘next-generation’ of barcodes, 2D barcodes are composed of squares, dots, & hexagons, arranged in a grid format. There are two types of 2D barcodes, GS1 QR code and GS1 DataMatrix barcode.
GS1 QR Code
GS1 QR codes go beyond encoding just the product’s GTIN; they are dynamic and capable of encoding detailed product information. QR codes are increasingly being adopted by the retail & online marketplaces industry. They are scannable via smartphones, support marketing & product traceability, can embed a link to the product/website page, and more.
GS1 DataMatrix Barcode
GS1 DataMatrix barcode is the preferred choice of the healthcare industry globally. Due to its ability to encode variable data at high-production speeds, GS1 DataMatrix is used on medical devices, medicines, and more. It can be applied to products with space constraints and has an inbuilt error-correction mechanism. Even when partially damaged, GS1 DataMatrix can be scanned omnidirectionally with smartphones or scanners.
Choosing the Right Barcode for Your Product
When selecting a barcode type, consider the following factors:
- Product Type: Size, packaging material, and surface area
- Industry Standards: Compliance requirements for sectors like healthcare, food, and electronics
- Market Location: Different regions follow different barcode norms (e.g., EAN globally, UPC in North America)
- Distribution Channel: Retail vs. logistics barcodes
Industry Tip:
Retailers typically use EAN/UPC, logistics providers prefer GS1-128 or ITF-14, and manufacturers needing detailed traceability may opt for GS1 QR code.
How to Generate Barcodes for Your Products
Making a barcode for a product is easier than ever. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Register with GS1 – Get a GS1 company prefix for globally unique identification.
- Choose a Barcode Type – Based on your product and use case.
- Print and Apply – Ensure correct label size, resolution, and scannability before applying to products.
- Test Scanning – Validate your barcode using scanners to confirm accuracy.
Conclusion
Barcodes may seem small, but their impact is huge. From simplifying logistics to enhancing the consumer experience, they are essential tools in any product’s journey. By understanding the different types of barcodes—like EAN, GS1 QR, DataMatrix, and ITF-14—you can make barcode for products and make an informed choice that aligns with your business goals and product needs.
