A Universal Product Code (UPC) is a type of barcode that is used to identify products for sale. It is composed of 12 numerical digits, which are printed on labels and stored in the database of the manufacturer or retailer. UPCs are also sometimes referred to as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).
The main difference between UPCs and barcodes is that barcodes are images made up of vertical lines, called symbols, which represent numbers and letters. These symbols can be scanned by machines to quickly and accurately identify items for sale. While all UPCs contain barcodes, not all barcodes contain UPCs. Barcodes can also be printed on a range of surfaces such as paper, plastic, or metal, while UPCs must be printed on paper due to the thinness required to scan them accurately.
UPCs were first used in 1974 in order to make it easier for retailers and manufacturers to keep track of their inventory and pricing information. Today, UPCs are used worldwide in retail stores and supermarkets as well as online stores. They can also be found on other types of products such as books and DVDs.
UPC codes play an important part in the retail industry by providing customers with accurate product information at the point-of-sale. They allow companies to access their inventory data quickly and efficiently, thus reducing costs associated with managing a large number of items across multiple locations. Additionally, they help reduce shoplifting by providing an easy way for store clerks to scan products upon purchase without having to manually enter product codes into a computer system every time.
