An Essential Guide to Barcodes and GTINs

In today’s competitive market, barcodes and Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) are essential for businesses. They simplify inventory management, improve product visibility, and help customers find your products both online and in stores. Understanding how to use barcodes effectively can greatly impact your operations and sales.

What is a GTIN?

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identifier for products or services. GTINs can have 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits and help consumers locate products. They also assist businesses in managing inventory and detecting counterfeit goods. A GTIN consists of a company prefix, an item reference assigned by the brand owner, and a check digit for error detection. For GTIN-14, the first digit indicates the packaging hierarchy.

The Difference Between UPC and GTIN

A Universal Product Code, UPC, and GTIN are often confused, but they are not the same. A UPC is specific to North America and corresponds to GTIN-12. It serves as the physical representation of a product's identifier. GTIN, on the other hand, includes a wider range of identifiers, such as GTIN-8 and GTIN-13, used globally. All UPCs are GTINs, but not all GTINs are UPCs.

EAN Barcodes

European Article Number or EAN is a barcode used globally except for the United States and Canada. Corresponds to GTIN8 and GTIN13. If you’re selling an item that comes in a variety of styles, sizes, colors, and packaging you will need a GTIN and UPC or EAN barcode for each variation. 

This facilitates the communication of accurate product information among trading partners to support supply chain operations and optimize business intelligence. Promotes accuracy, speed, and efficiency for your business.

Why You Might Need a GS1 Company Prefix

A GS1 Company Prefix is crucial for businesses that create multiple barcodes. This prefix allows you to generate unique identifiers for various products. It helps you label items, manage mixed cases, and define packaging levels like cases or pallets. GS1-issued barcodes ensure your products are uniquely identified worldwide, improving operational accuracy and efficiency. A GS1 account can help businesses organize inventory while selling globally. 

How to Obtain a GTIN/UPC

To get a UPC or GTIN, follow these simple steps:

1. Apply for Membership with GS1: Visit the GS1 website and select “Get a Barcode.”
2. Estimate Your UPC Needs: Determine how many UPCs you need based on product variations, sizes, and colors.
3. Receive Your Company Prefix: GS1 will provide a unique prefix for your company.
4. Assign Product Names: Use your GTIN.cloud account to name your products.
5. Generate Check Digits: Create check digits for your codes.
6. Print Barcodes: For label printing, LabelValue can help you create barcode labels.

Creating Barcode Labels With LabelValue

LabelValue simplifies barcode creation for businesses that don’t sell globally or through large retail chains. Just provide your artwork and corresponding numbers, and we’ll handle the rest. Once approved, LabelValue will print and ship your barcode labels quickly and efficiently.

We offer a wide variety of barcode labels to suit different needs. For businesses that already have their GS1 barcodes and don't need personalized labels, we offer direct thermal printers, perfect for in-house printing. With these, you can print your own barcode labels on demand, streamlining your operations with ease.

Custom Barcode Labels

If you have a GS1 barcode and want custom barcode labels with your brand’s unique design, we’re here to help! We understand the importance of brand identity, and we’ll work with you to create professional, branded barcode labels that align with your overall image. Whether you're looking for labels for retail, inventory, or shipping, our team is ready to provide solutions that streamline your labeling process.

Barcode Color Guide

Barcodes can be created in various colors, but there are important limitations to consider. A helpful resource, Barcode Graphic, outlines which color combinations work and which do not. For example, barcodes should not be red on white, tan on white, or yellow on white, among others. If your brand uses any of these colors, we can help you find effective alternatives for your product barcodes.

Tips for Using Barcodes Effectively

To get the most out of barcodes in your business, consider these tips:

• Use Unique Codes for Variations: Assign a unique GTIN/UPC to each product variation, style, and size.
• Integrate with Inventory Systems: Incorporate barcodes into your inventory management for accurate tracking.
• Train Employees: Ensure your staff knows how to use barcodes for scanning and inventory management.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly check how well your barcode system is performing in terms of accuracy and efficiency.

Barcodes and GTINs are vital tools for small businesses looking to succeed in today’s market. To start your barcode labeling journey, visit our barcode labels page. By investing in a solid barcode system, you can boost product visibility, improve inventory management, and drive sales growth.