UPC Code (Universal Product Code) Overview

The UPC code (Universal Product Code) is a common linear barcode symbol widely used in the retail and logistics industries to identify and track goods. UPC codes are primarily used for merchandise sales and inventory management to uniquely identify each specific product.

The UPC code consists of a series of black and white stripes whose width and arrangement conform to specific coding rules. UPC codes are classified into two types: UPC-A codes and UPC-E codes.

The UPC-A code is the most common type and consists of 12 digits, including a start symbol, data content, check character, and end symbol. The start and end symbols are used to identify the start and end positions of the bar code, and the check characters are used to verify the accuracy of the data. Data content represents product-specific information, such as manufacturer codes and product codes.

The UPC-E code is a compressed form of the UPC code, which consists of 6 or 8 digits. The UPC-E code uses compression and coding algorithms to compress the standard UPC-A code into a shorter form to save space. It is still able to uniquely identify goods and provide the same information.

The advantage of UPC code is its wide application and popularity. Almost all items come with a UPC code, which makes it easy for retailers to scan and identify items for fast checkout and inventory management. In addition, the UPC code provides a reliable identifier for supply chain management, ensuring that goods are tracked and traced.

In short, the UPC code is a linear barcode symbol used for product identification and tracking, which uniquely identifies each product through a specific combination of coding rules and numbers. It is widely used in the retail and logistics sectors, providing convenience and reliability for the sale of goods and supply chain management.