A barcode is a set of machine readable images that represent data that is invulnerable to reflecting product information, manufacture details, and specifications. The most widely implemented type of barcodes are the ones that are used for inventory management and for getting product details at the time of billing and on online platforms.
The Benefits of using Barcodes Include:
- Efficiency: At the register, barcodes reduce the time on processing with items being easy to scan, and much confusion nixed.
- Inventory Management: Because of the bar code systems, the overstocking of the various products or failure to order for stocks is also avoided.
- Product Authenticity: Nowadays, barcodes are very important, especially for the identification of the originality of goods, for instance in the retail stores or online shops.
- Global Recognition: GS1 barcodes are global and used in many worldwide companies and this makes easy selling in international markets.
Steps to Get a Barcode for Products in India
To obtain a barcode for your products in India you’ll have to go through a certain procedure. GS1 India is the organization, which issues barcodes in compliance with international standards for the use of barcodes in India.
Step 1: Register with GS1 India
The government of India has not authorized any organization to issue barcodes for Indian businesses, but GS1 India is acting like one for India’s businesses. But, before you can apply for the barcode and get one, you first have to register your industry with GS1 India.
How to Register with GS1 India:
- Visit the GS1 India Website: In the present scenario, visit the official website of GS1 India which is www.gs1india.org.
- Create an Account: In order to proceed with the registration, you will be asked to create an account for yourself. Enter information of your business including the name, physical address and contact information, number, and product type to be barcode.
- Choose a Membership Plan: GS1 India has the open membership and standard membership for its members depending on the size and needs of the business. For an individual to transact in this site, they have to select which plan suits their number of products and barcodes. GS1 India levies an annual membership which is pegged on the size of the business.
- Submit Required Documents: This could include; proof of identity, proof of business existence and registration, GST number and so on.
Step 2: Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix
Once you’ve completed the registration process, GS1 India will generate a Company Prefix for you. This is a unique number that is issued to your company and it is the root of your entire system of barcodes. The company prefix is also included in the structure of the bars and help the user to generate unique bars for each product in the Company.
The length of the Company Prefix depends with the size of the Company and number of products intended to bar code. A small business will have to settle for a short prefix while a company that has many items that it sells will be given a long prefix.
Step 3: Assign Product Numbers to Your Items
Product numbers must be assigned after the Company Prefix for your products. This step is essential because each product has to be assigned its identification number.
- Unique Identifiers: In this approach every product will be given a number to differentiate it from other products. These numbers are added to your Company Prefix to give you a full Global Trade Item Number [GTIN].
- Product Variations: Even if you have different types of the product, for instance size, color or packaging, each should be given a different number.
- Standardized Format: Itis important that the format of product numbers adhere to international GS1 standards because it will be easy for the retail shops, online markets among others to identify your product on their shelves or online platform.
Step 4: Generate Barcodes Using Barcode Software
After assigning the product numbers, another process is the creation of the barcode pictures, which may be created with the help of the GS1 system friendly barcode generation software. GS1 India also provides own software through Company Prefix and Product numbers. Also, there are numerous web barcode generators which are free and paid – you can generate barcodes of PNG, JPEG or PDF format.
Step 5: Print the Barcodes
After the generation of barcodes, they should be printed large on the pack, label or stick that would accommodate the barcode where scanning can easily be done. Adverse effects of low-quality print include the need to use quality labels and appropriate printing equipment. The correct size of the barcode should be kept in mind depending on the type of barcode used, such as EAN-13, UPC-A or QR code etc., for scanning purposes. Also, the placement is important; it has to be easily visible and not partly concealed behind a fold or another label, or otherwise, the barcode cannot be read easily.
Step 6: Use Barcodes for Selling and Distribution
Proceed with the use of barcodes during the sale and distribution channel. Grocers, merchants, and other distributors, as well as electronic and Internet sellers, typically employ the barcodes for inventory, sales and quotes. For any online selling website, Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, and a few other online selling websites, one needs barcodes of the products that one intends to upload. The following barcodes are extremely beneficial in excellent stock management, efficient order execution, and acting as evidence of product genuineness. In traditional stores, customers enjoy the use of barcodes, especially when billing. The same barcodes are also helpful to retailers in a way that stock, reporting, and even sales processes and work progress are checked by these retailers for various selling channels.
In Conclusion
Procuring and installing the barcodes for your products is a crucial step in helping you track your items routine, monitor your sales activities and ensure legal compliance for your products in the global markets. When undertaking GS1 India registration and the overall process of printing and managing barcodes, you are able to eliminate hitches in your business processes. From online selling to point-of-sale selling, barcodes ease product tracking and enhance customer satisfaction. When implemented, barcodes will help your business become agile and position your company for success in the current market environment if done right and in compliance with regulations.
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