UPCAcode

UPCAcode refers to the Universal Product Code (UPC) in its A version. The UPC is a barcode symbology used in North America to track trade items in stores. The UPC-A is the most common version and consists of a 12-digit number. The first digit typically indicates the system type, such as standard products (0 or 1), pharmaceuticals (2), coupons (3), or specific types of items (4-9). The next five digits represent the manufacturer's code, assigned by the Uniform Code Council. The following five digits are the item number, assigned by the manufacturer to identify a specific product. The final digit is a check digit, calculated using a specific algorithm to ensure the accuracy of the barcode. This check digit helps prevent errors during scanning. UPCAcodes are widely used for inventory management, point-of-sale scanning, and supply chain logistics in retail environments. The system was developed to streamline checkout processes and improve inventory control. When a UPC-A barcode is scanned, the system reads the encoded number and retrieves product information, such as price and description, from a database.