The European Article Numbering Code(EAN) is a series of unique numbers assigned to retail products. It is mainly used to identify objects and list down the items for retail businesses. People often ask what is the EAN 13 barcode. However, before you understand the EAN-13 barcode, let’s explore the fundamentals of a GTIN number.
We will also cover important topics related to EAN barcode scanners, applications, and more. Let’s dive deep into GTIN without wasting much time.
What is GTIN? – A General Overview
GTIN or Global Trade Item Number is a universally recognized system for product identification. The GTIN includes different formats, such as GTIN-8, GTIN-12 (UPC), GTIN-13 (EAN-13), and GTIN-14. EAN-13 is a specific type of GTIN-13 and is widely adopted in international trade and commerce.
What is the EAN 13 barcode?
EAN-13 barcodes consist of:
- Number System: The first two or three digits represent the country code or the GS1 prefix.
- Manufacturer Code: This section identifies the manufacturer.
- Product Code: A unique code assigned to each product by the manufacturer.
- Check Digit: Calculated to ensure the integrity of the barcode.
Now, that you know what is the EAN 13 barcode, let’s check out the importance of EAN 13.
Why EAN-13 Barcode is Important
The EAN-13 barcode holds immense importance in the modern business ecosystem. Its significance can be attributed to several key factors:
1) Global Standardization: EAN-13 is a globally recognized and standardized system, ensuring consistency and compatibility across diverse industries and markets.
2) Accurate Inventory Management: The unique identification provided by EAN-13 facilitates precise tracking and management of inventory, reducing errors and improving operational efficiency.
3) Efficient Retail Operations: In retail, understanding what is the EAN 13 barcode is linked to its primary function. The EAN-13 barcode streamlines checkout processes, making transactions faster and more accurate. This, in turn, enhances the overall customer experience.
4) Supply Chain Optimization: EAN-13 plays a vital role in supply chain logistics by enabling automated data capture, reducing manual errors, and enhancing the traceability of products from manufacturer to consumer.
Now, that you are aware of the importance and what is the EAN 13 barcode, let’s quickly discuss the ways through which you can generate a barcode for your business.
How to Create EAN-13 Barcode
Creating an EAN-13 barcode involves a systematic process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create an EAN-13 barcode:
STEP 1 – Obtain a GS1 Prefix:
Contact GS1, the global organization that manages barcode standards, to obtain a unique GS1 prefix for your company.
STEP 2 – Assign Numbers:
Allocate unique manufacturer and product codes to each of your products.
STEP 3 – Calculate the Check Digit:
Use a specific algorithm to calculate the check digit, ensuring the accuracy of the entire 13-digit code.
STEP 4 – Choose a Barcode Generator Tool:
Utilize online or offline barcode generator tools that support EAN-13. Input the assigned numbers, and the tool will generate the barcode image. Please use a reputed EAN barcode generator to download the barcode image.
STEP 5 – Test and Verify:
Before widespread implementation, test the generated barcodes to ensure they scan accurately and link to the correct product information.
Benefits of EAN-13 Barcode
The adoption of EAN-13 barcodes brings forth a multitude of benefits for businesses:
1) Error Reduction:
Minimizes data entry errors, enhancing accuracy in inventory and transaction processes.
2) Enhanced Traceability:
Improves traceability throughout the supply chain, enabling quick identification of product origins and movements.
3) Improved Efficiency:
Streamlines operations in retail and logistics, resulting in faster processes and reduced labor costs.
4) Global Compatibility:
Being a globally accepted standard, EAN-13 facilitates seamless trade and collaboration across borders.
Future Trends
As technology continues to advance, the future of barcode systems, including EAN-13, is likely to witness several trends:
I) Integration with IoT:
EAN-13 barcodes may be integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time tracking and monitoring of products. This integration could enable real-time tracking and monitoring of products throughout the supply chain.
IoT devices, such as sensors and RFID tags, can communicate with EAN-13 barcodes, providing businesses with valuable insights into the location, condition, and movement of products.
II) Blockchain Integration:
Blockchain technology could enhance the security and transparency of supply chain processes associated with EAN-13 barcodes. Integrating EAN-13 barcodes with blockchain can create an immutable and tamper-proof record of the product’s journey from manufacturer to consumer.
This can be particularly beneficial in industries where traceability and authenticity are critical, such as pharmaceuticals and high-value goods.
III) Increased Use in E-commerce:
With the growing prominence of e-commerce, EAN-13 barcodes will likely play a crucial role in ensuring accurate product identification and fulfillment. The barcode’s ability to streamline logistics and inventory management aligns with the demands of the e-commerce industry, where rapid and error-free order fulfillment is essential for customer satisfaction.
IV) Enhanced Data Analytics:
EAN-13 barcodes generate a wealth of data that, when leveraged effectively, can provide valuable insights for businesses. Future trends may see advancements in data analytics tools that can process and analyze the vast amounts of data generated by EAN-13 barcodes.
This, in turn, can lead to more informed decision-making, improved inventory forecasting, and better supply chain optimization.
V) Innovations in Printing Technologies:
As printing technologies advance, the quality and durability of printed barcodes are likely to improve. This is crucial for industries where products may be exposed to harsh environmental conditions during their lifecycle.
Innovations in printing technologies can ensure that EAN-13 barcodes remain scannable and reliable throughout the entire supply chain.
VI) Global Regulatory Compliance:
The global nature of trade requires adherence to various regulatory standards. Future trends may involve updates and adaptations to EAN-13 barcodes to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
This could include changes in the structure of the barcode or the incorporation of additional information to comply with specific industry or regional regulations.
Finally, let’s delve into the commonly asked questions on what is the EAN 13 barcode.
FAQs – What is the EAN 13 Barcode
What is the purpose of the check digit in the EAN-13 barcode?
The check digit is calculated to ensure the accuracy of the entire 13-digit code. It acts as a form of error detection, reducing the likelihood of scanning errors.
Can I generate EAN-13 barcodes without a GS1 prefix?
No, a GS1 prefix is essential for creating legitimate EAN-13 barcodes. It ensures global uniqueness and compliance with standards.
Is the EAN-13 barcode only used in retail?
While EAN-13 is widely used in retail, its applications extend to various industries, including logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, for efficient product identification.
How do I get an EAN 13 barcode?
You have to self-register with GS1. You can then buy your first EAN codes and identify products, locations, or shipping items across the globe. The EAN codes are internationally available and can be converted into EAN -13 using the specific product label.
What is the difference between EAN 13 and EAN 14?
Both EAN 13 and EAN 14 are used for inventory control management. While EAN 13 is used for tracking individual objects, EAN 14 is used for identifying a group of consumer items across the logistics and distribution process.
What is an example of an EAN 13 code?
EAN 13 contains a total of 13 digits. The first two digits represent the country code, the next five are the manufacturer code and the subsequent five digits represent the product code. The last digit maintains the accuracy of the product code. For example: the EAN barcode format number can be 0123456789123.
Is the EAN code mandatory in India?
Every online retailer needs to insert these codes while selling their goods online. However, it is not mandatory to produce these codes. Virtual marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart request sellers to enter the EAN codes during the listing of products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what is the EAN-13 barcode stands as a cornerstone in the world of product identification, offering a standardized and efficient solution for businesses across diverse sectors. Identifying its creation process, benefits, and potential future trends is essential for companies seeking to optimize their operations and embrace the evolving landscape of commerce.
Do you to integrate a robust barcode system into your business, look no further than Qodenext to optimize your supply chain operations. The EAN-13 barcode will continue to play a vital role in the ever-expanding realm of global trade and commerce.
Also read: Unveiling the Types of Barcode Labels and How to Generate Them.
