Barcode tagging might seem like a complex process reserved for big businesses and major retailers, but that’s not the case. Instead, barcode tagging is a straightforward and efficient way to keep track of your items – no matter what size your business is.
If you’ve ever been to a store and seen those yellow stickers with black lines, then you’ve seen barcodes in action. But what are they, exactly? How do they work? And more importantly, how can you use them yourself? Here’s everything you need to know about barcode tagging, from what it is to how you can do it yourself.
What is a Barcode?
A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data relating to the object to which it is attached. For example, barcodes track inventory levels, locations, and product information.
Barcoding is a method of tagging products with a unique identifier that a barcode scanner can read. Barcodes are typically printed on labels or tags affixed to the product containing information about the product.
Types of Barcode
There are several different types of barcodes, but the two most common are:
UPC (Universal Product Code)
This is the most common type of barcode. UPCs are used to track products in stores and online. The UPC consists of 12 digits, with the first six digits being the manufacturer’s code and the last six digits being the product ID.
EAN (International Article Number)
EANs are similar to UPCs but are used outside the United States. EANs consist of 13 digits, with the first eight digits being the manufacturer’s code and the last five digits being the product ID.
What is Barcode Asset Tracking?
Barcode asset tracking is the process of tracking assets using barcodes. Barcode asset tracking systems typically consist of three components:
Asset tags
These are labels or tags that are affixed to the assets. The tags contain barcodes that encode information about the asset, such as the asset ID, product type, and model number.
Barcode scanners
These are handheld devices used to scan the barcodes on asset tags.
Asset management software
This is a software application that is used to track and manage assets. The software typically includes a database that stores information about the assets, such as the location, owner, and status.
How to Barcode Your Products
Barcoding is a great way to track your inventory and organize your products. By barcoding your products, you’ll be able to quickly and easily scan them into your database, saving you time and money in the long run. Here’s how to do it.
First, you’ll need to purchase a barcode scanner and labels or tags. You’ll also need to purchase barcodes for your products. Barcodes can be purchased from online retailers or office supply stores.
We recommend barcodes from Unique Product Codes. You can use their barcodes for different eCommerce platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. UPC and EAN barcode images and numbers are included with every order. What’s more, you’ll get the items right away after your purchase.
When you’re ready to tag your products, you’ll need to print out the barcode labels or tags and affix them to them. Once the barcodes are affixed, you can scan them with your barcode scanner and upload the information to your database.
Wrap Up
Barcode tagging is an important part of any business that wants to stay ahead of the game. By understanding what barcode tagging is and how to do it, you can ensure that your products are properly labelled and tracked. Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also help you keep your customers happy.
Now that you know what barcode tagging is and how to do it, there’s no excuse not to start using them. So what are you waiting for? Start using barcodes today.
Resources
https://www.assetinfinity.com/blog/how-effective-barcode-tags-are-for-asset-tracking-management
https://comparesoft.com/assets-tracking-software/tagging-assets/