UPC-A Barcodes
A UPC-A Barcode consists of 12 digits of item specific data represented by bars of varying widths and is typically used in the US and Canada for marking products. The 12 digit barcode is divided into four data sections, explained in greater detail below.
Number System
The number system identifies which type of product the barcode is for. This is normally the first number in the code.
- 0: regular UPC codes
- 1: reserved
- 2: random weight items marked at the shop
- 3: National Drug Code and National Health Related Items code
- 4: no format restrictions; for in-shop use on non-food items
- 5: for use on coupons
- 6: reserved
- 7: regular UPC codes
- 8: reserved
- 9: reserved
Manufacturer Code
The next 5 digits identify the manufacturer of the product.
Product Code
The Product Code consists of 5 digits and is assigned to each product by the manufacturer. These 5 digits are unique to each item.
Check Digit
The check digit is the last digit of a barcode and is used to verify that all of the information was properly received.
Price Embedded UPC-A Barcodes
Price embedded barcodes contain pricing information for the barcoded item. When items labeled with a price embedded barcode are scanned, the system is able to retrieve the item's price from the information contained in the barcode.
If using price embedded barcodes in conjunction with FPOS, they must use the following format, 20NNNNpPPPPx, where:
- 20 designates a barcode as a price embedded barcode
- NNNN is the unique item number. This is used as the Item UPC number (any leading zeroes are dropped) in Item Maintenance.
- p is the price check digit
- PPPP is the four digit price
- x is the global check digit
