Navigating through a retail maze can feel overwhelming, especially with terms like SKU, UPC, and Barcode swirling around. It’s like being in a jungle without a map!
But don’t worry, we’re here to be your guides through this tangled jungle of inventory management. In this blog, we will draw detailed differences and focus on finding answers for SKU vs UPC Code vs barcode.
So, grab your gear and join us on this adventure as we decode the mysteries of SKU, UPC, and Barcode.
Let’s begin!
Defining SKU, UPC and Barcodes
Before we jump into unmasking the differences between the codes, let’s understand what these terms exactly refer to for clarity of thought.
What is the SKU Code?
SKUs, short for “stock-keeping units,” are internal tracking codes for companies, managed independently without external oversight. Unlike UPCs or barcodes, SKUs are freely created and used internally, demanding time, resources, and possibly specialized tools for management.
They facilitate streamlined inventory control, encoding details like manufacturer, production dates, or colours into alphanumeric codes. While SKUs must be unique within a company, they lack industry-wide standardization, offering flexibility but also increasing the risk of repetition and internal confusion.
What is the UPC Code?
A Universal Product Code (UPC), part of the Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), aids in global supply chain tracking with its standardized 12-digit numeric format. Manufacturers obtain UPCs through GS1, ensuring uniqueness and compatibility across the supply chain.
This guarantees consistent identification through barcode scanning. However, obtaining universally interoperable UPCs incurs a cost. Many retailers require UPC barcodes on items for smooth supply chain integration.
There are two main types of UPCs: UPC-A and UPC-E. UPC-A has 12 digits and is commonly used for retail products in the US and Canada. UPC-E, with only 6 digits, is a compressed version used for smaller items or limited packaging space.
What is a Barcode?
A barcode, also referred to as a bar code, is a visual representation of lines (bars) and spaces found on retail items, ID cards, and mail, used to identify specific product numbers, individuals, or locations.
This code employs a series of vertical bars and spaces to encode numbers and symbols that come in different types. Generally, a barcode symbol comprises five components: a quiet zone, a start character, data characters (which may include a check character), a stop character, and another quiet zone.
SKU Vs UPC
SKUs play a crucial role in ensuring efficient product tracking and inventory management, enabling swift access to items and minimizing stock shortages. On the other hand, UPCs are standardized codes not generated by retailers.
Encoded into barcodes readable by computerized equipment, they function as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), streamlining product tracking and sales across supply chains. Let’s look at the table below for a better understanding:
| Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) | Universal Procut Code (UPC) |
| It is always alphanumeric | It is always a Numeric |
| Can be of any length, although usually between 8 – 12 characters | It is always of 12 digits |
| This is unique for every merchant or retailer | This is the same regardless of the merchant or retailer |
| It is specifically for internal use only | This is used amongst retailers for broad use |
| It is usually printed as it is or with a specific barcode | It is always printed as a barcode |
UPC Code Vs Barcode
The UPC on a product commonly resides alongside its barcode, serving as the human-readable version of the UPC 12-digit number. A barcode, also referred to as a bar code, functions as an optical, machine-readable rendition of the UPC 12-digit number, enabling its reproduction onto merchandise and retail items.
Acquiring a UPC for generating a barcode on your packaging entails purchasing the code, as while numerous options exist for generating a barcode online at no cost, avenues for procuring the 12-digit UPC itself are comparatively limited. Let’s look at a table comparing the two:
| Universal Product Code (UPC) | Barcode |
| It is always numeric | It varies and usually depends on the encoding standard |
| UPCs are normally always 12 digits | The length of barcodes can vary |
| All UPCs are universally unique | These are unique per product or item |
| They are broadly used among retailers | It is usually for machine-readable representation |
| This is always printed as a barcode | Similar to UPCs, it is always printed as barcodes as well |
How to Barcode My Products?
Determine the Type of Barcode Needed
When acquiring barcodes for your products, you’ll typically choose between two main types:
- 1D (linear) barcodes and 2D barcodes.
- 1D barcodes are the traditional type, commonly found on packaging, while 2D barcodes, like QR codes, can store more information and are widely used by companies.
Assess the Quantity of Products Requiring Barcodes
Your next step is to determine the number of products needing barcodes, which helps decide whether to use a barcode issuing organization such as GS1 or generate them independently.
Obtain Unique Identification Numbers for Products
With your GS1 account set up and products registered, you’ll receive Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) – unique identification numbers for your products.
These GTINs, comprising 12 digits following your company prefix, will be incorporated into the barcodes applied to your product packaging.
Apply Barcodes to Packaging and Verify Accuracy
After generating and printing barcodes, proceed to affix them to product packaging or directly to products.
Before shipping, it’s essential to test the barcodes to ensure they accurately represent product information. Scanning products verifies accuracy, minimizing errors and streamlining inventory control processes.
FAQs: SKU Vs UPC Code Vs Barcode: Complete Guide
Can barcodes and SKUs be the same?
Barcodes and SKUs can be different or the same. While they serve similar purposes for inventory tracking, they may vary depending on a company’s internal systems and practices.
Are all UPCs unique?
Yes, Universal Product Codes (UPCs) are universally unique. Each UPC corresponds to a specific product, ensuring no duplication across different items.
Is the SKU code universal in nature?
No, Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) codes are specific to individual businesses. They’re internal identifiers used for inventory management and may differ between companies.
How many UPCs are needed?
The number of UPCs required depends on the number of distinct products. Each unique product typically necessitates its own UPC for accurate identification in retail and inventory systems.
What can a barcode tell?
A barcode contains encoded information such as product type, manufacturer, and sometimes price. It facilitates automated data capture, aiding inventory management, pricing, and checkout processes.
Conclusion
In the intricate landscape of retail management, understanding the distinctions between SKU vs UPC vs Barcode is crucial for effective inventory tracking and streamlined operations.
While SKUs serve as internal identifiers tailored to individual businesses, UPCs offer universal uniqueness, ensuring seamless product identification across the supply chain. Barcodes, as visual representations of UPCs, facilitate automated data capture, enhancing inventory management and customer service.
As you navigate through this realm, consider leveraging innovative solutions like Qodenext to optimize your barcode generation process and elevate your retail experience to new heights.
