The barcode is a graphic label in which product information is specially encrypted. When the code is read by an electronic device - a scanner - the data is displayed on the screen in the form of short text. This technology is widely used in shopping centers, when sellers make purchases on cash registers. However, you can even get certain information from the barcode with the naked eye.
Instruction manual
1
Consider the packaging of goods carefully. The code mark can be printed directly on the label in a typographic way or on a separate label from self-adhesive tape. Both methods are absolutely legal. And in any case, the stripes and numbers of the barcode should be well read, not be blurry and fuzzy.
2
The barcode complements but does not replace ordinary consumer information. Important information about the product must be present on the packaging in the form of text and / or graphic images.
3
Do not be surprised to find several tags on one product at once. The international EAN coding system provides two types of bar codes: regular and internal. The regular code is assigned to mass-produced goods. Internal is used on the territory of one enterprise, for example, in supermarkets for identification at the checkout of weighted goods or piece products of own production.
4
Count the number of characters in a regular barcode. Russia adheres to the European EAN standard, which provides for the marking of 13 Arabic numerals. The digital combination is unique. There are no two products with the same code in the world. The bar codes are assigned to the regional offices of EAN International.
5
The numbers in the code are read from left to right and indicate:
- the first two or three digits - the country from which the goods arrived;
- the next four or five digits (depending on the length of the country code) - the manufacturer;
- another five digits - consumer properties of the goods (name, features, weight, composition, color);
- the last digit is the control, which is used to check the accuracy of reading the code by the scanner.
6
Using the check digit, you can identify a fake barcode caused by an unscrupulous manufacturer or seller. To do this, you need to calculate, according to a certain formula, the sum of all other digits and compare it with the value of the control.
7
For example, in the barcode 8808993505166 you can check the check digit as follows:
- add the numbers placed in even positions: 8 + 8 + 9 + 5 + 5 + 6 = 41
- multiply this amount by 3: 41x3 = 123
- add the numbers at odd positions, except for the control: 8 + 0 + 9 + 3 + 0 + 1 = 21
- add the numbers obtained in the second and third calculations: 123 + 21 = 144
- drop hundreds and tens, leaving only units: 4
- subtract the remaining number from 10: 10-4 = 6
As a result, the check digit was correct. This indicates the authenticity of the goods.
8
The barcode is not related to product quality. By its label it is impossible to determine whether a particular product is produced in accordance with all technological requirements. However, by combining the numbers of the code, you can find information about the manufacturer in the international GEPIR system, which maintains the barcode database up to date.
Useful advice
Russian-made products have barcodes starting with the numbers 460-469.
- Automatic Identification Association "UNISCAN / GS1 RUS"
- How to read a barcode
