The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a specific type of barcode that is widely used in the United States and Canada for tracking trade items in stores. The UPC has only numerals, with no letters or other characters. The UPC is the most widely used and recognized of all barcodes.

In order to understand the basics of the Universal Product Code, you will need to be familiar with some key terms associated with it. This guide will explain some technical terms, such as UPC coupon code, check digit and quiet zone.

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Barcode structure

A barcode structure represents a graphic codification of information about the product, on which the barcode is printed. A barcode comprises bars, spaces and quiet zones.

I recommend: You can read through the explanation for barcode structure at SensorCentral, an online information resource.

UPC coupons

UPC coupons are issued by manufacturers of consumer packaged goods or by retailers as a part of sales promotions. The coupon's bar code contains digit 5 as its prefix. Each section of coupon code is useful to help match coupons to products and determine the value of the coupon.

I recommend: You can read through the basics of UPC coupons at Gregg London (PDF), the UPC database website.

Check digit

The last digit of the UPC is called a check digit. This digit assures the accuracy of printing and scanning the UPC.

I recommend: Advanced Barcode & Label Technologies, a supplier of custom labels, explains the procedure of finding the check digit.

Zero-suppressed numbers (or UPC-E)

Zero suppression is the removal of redundant zeroes from the UPC. It reduces the data length from 12 digits to six by compressing the extra zeroes. It is suitable for identifying products in small packages.

I recommend: TechnoRiver, a manufacturer of barcode labeling software and components, offers information on UPC-E barcode.

GS1 (Global Standard 1) standard

GS1 is a global organization dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains.

I recommend: Produce Marketing Association (PDF), a global trade association, explains the format of GS1 standards.

GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number)

A GTIN is useful for identifying any item (product or service), for which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information.

I recommend: You can read through information about GTIN at Bar Code Graphics Inc., an information resource for barcodes.

X dimension

In a barcode, X dimension indicates the nominal width of narrow bars and spaces. This number can be used to determine the barcode density.

I recommend: Barcode4Less, a reputable supplier of barcode scanners and related accessories, offers a glossary of barcode terms.

Quiet zone

In barcode technology, a quiet zone is the blank margin on either side of a bar code. The purpose of a quiet zone is to prevent the reader from picking up information that is not a part of the barcode.

I recommend: wiseGEEK, a knowledge resource, offers detailed information on quiet zones.

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a label that features 10 vertical black bars with a 12-digit number code appearing at the bottom. Universal Product Code labels hold information such as product name, size or quantity and the manufacturer. UPC labels are common since they appear on every grocery and retail item, mailing labels and sales tags for clothes.

To read UPC labels, you must use fixed or hand-held scanners to track the information that is tied to the item. Prices are set by the store, which uses point-of-sale devices that link to the scanners. As a result, prices, in addition to the other information, appear when you check out groceries or clothes for purchase. Post offices use Universal Product Code information to verify address and ZIP code information for package deliveries. Libraries also use UPC labels for non-retail use to track the status of their books. As a store employee, the Universal Product Code provides a useful way of maintaining accurate consumer product and tracking information. If you're a business owner or product manufacturer looking for UPC labels, you should:

1. Research Universal Product Code designs.
2. Find a Universal Product Code provider with in-house services.
3. Buy accessories for UPC labels.

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Research Universal Product Code information to help you choose your labels

Search for a Universal Product Code provider that customizes UPC labels for your products. Learn to incorporate the right number codes to add to your labels for product identification and tracking purposes.

I recommend: Check out Label Systems' Universal Product Code directory to find labels for coupons, consumer and warehouse products. Nameplates For Industry is a Universal Product Code provider that helps clients meet the latest specifications for their bar code labels. Star Label Products offers custom coatings and adhesives that apply to UPC labels.

Find Universal Product Code manufacturers with in-house design capabilities

Rather than creating Universal Product Code labels, save time by working with graphics specialists who can design and produce UPC labels for immediate delivery.

I recommend: APEXX Omni-Graphics processes UPC labels with custom serialization and sequential numbering for various applications. Advanced Labels provides digital printing services for Universal Product Code labels of different shapes and sizes; review its Universal Product Code list. Universal Product Code information is also available at Apogee Industries. They provide design and printing service for UPC labels.

Choose Universal Product Code accessories to protect labels from damage

Dispensers help you to easily apply UPC labels to boxes or other packages. Also consider security equipment to prevent counterfeiting.

I recommend: SecureMark Decal produces labels that withstand harsh weather conditions. Labels also have reflective features to reduce item tampering. Equipment such as thermal transfer printers and label design software can be found at Universal Label Technologies. Scanners track and verify information linked to UPC codes. Accu-Sort manufactures a broad range of scanners, including laser and camera-based readers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Universal Product Code is also called a bar code for short. It first appeared in stores in 1973.

The Universal Product Code helps manufacturers identify specific products and equipment by name, description and price. Universal Product Code education and training is often required so that businesses learn to distinguish between different types of UPC codes, or symbologies, which are used to identify products for various markets. For example, one type of UPC code features a 12-digit number that identifies retail items. Other common variations of the Universal Product Code include EAN, or the European Article Number, which identifies international products. The 10-digit ISBN, or the International Standard Book Number, identifies books and periodicals.

Workers should also train on printing technology, devices and scanners used to decode products with the Universal Product Code, as well as options for printing UPC labels. Overall, studying resources at your own pace, and participating in online and on-site seminars or classes are some of the ways to get Universal Product Code education and training.

1. Read online guides or other resources to learn the history and the basics of the Universal Product Code.

2. Attend workshops at schools or institutions to get Universal Product Code education and training.

3. Train on-the-job to learn how to identify and apply Universal Bar Code technology to your products.

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Find publications that focus on the basics and technologies of the Universal Product Code

Several online resources provide information such as the history and origin of the UPC code, as well as how to create them.

I recommend: Adams Communications features a site that provides basic Universal Product Code facts, key terms and printing processes. GS1 US presents the history and origins of the Universal Product Code. Cummings Design also provides a brief history of the Universal Product Code. GlobalSpec gives information on common technologies and software used to decode and scan product codes.

Participate in Universal Product Code workshops and seminars, where applicable

Some local colleges or institutes offer short courses and workshops that teach the fundamentals of the Universal Product Code.

I recommend: Find classroom and online Universal Product Code education and training resources at the International Code Council site. Fotel arranges consulting and training seminars that focus on Universal Product Code education and training.

Look for additional training opportunities that focus on the uses of the Universal Product Code

Seek personalized or on-the-job Universal Product Code education and training opportunities.

I recommend: Wasp Barcode Technologies offers product tutorials in addition to classroom and web-based Universal Product Code education and training options. If you’re an engineer, product manufacturer or designer, learn about Universal Product Code basics, technologies and compliance standards at QuanTech. Simply Barcodes features guides to the Universal Product Code variations and uses.

The Universal Product Code is an organized way for retailers to provide pricing information for customers and control inventory. The UPC bar code and number work with bar code scanners and recognition software to call up a specific price. This can correspond to an individual item or group of similar items. A UPC obtained through an official provider — possibly the manufacturer — can be used anywhere in the United States.

Retail stores need to know what Universal Product Code supplies and equipment are available for physical and online transactions. Find Universal Product Code supplies information through:

1. A Universal Product Code provider for unique UPC numbers;

2. Bar code scanners that work with Universal Product Codes;

3. A Universal Product Code directory of recognition software.

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Know how to obtain a Universal Product Code

The first thing needed when using UPC supplies is the specific Universal Product Code. This is the number and corresponding bar code that will be placed on the product before it is available for sale. The code makes it easy and quick to obtain purchase information.

I recommend: Bar Code 1 provides answers to many frequently asked questions about bar codes and Universal Product Codes. GS1 US is the official provider of Universal Product Codes that work everywhere across the United States and in many places around the world.

Purchase a UPC verification system for scanning bar codes

The UPC verification system is used for scanning bar codes to retrieve price information from a Universal Product Code list the retailer has input that translates the code to a price. This is a quick way to check prices and buy items in any retail store. UPC scanning systems are also used by some state agencies to randomly test retail stores to see if their scanning equipment is producing the correct price on items for customers.

I recommend: ID Automation provides specifications and a list of features for its USB bar code scanner. Many state agencies, such as the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, will perform random testing of UPC systems to make sure retail businesses are charging customers the correct prices for their products.

Choose bar code recognition software to access Universal Product Code information

Bar code recognition software is commonly used to provide UPC information that needs to be stored or used in a specific capacity online. This type of software allows UPC bar codes to be read, interpreted, photographed, scanned or faxed. The software then recognizes the code and records it in a database.

I recommend: Vision Shape provides information on its Autoscan Capture software, which works with UPC, EAN and many other product code types. Scan Store provides a product guide to choose the best recognition software for the job.