UPCEANbarcode

The UPCEAN barcode is a widely used family of one-dimensional barcodes. It originated from the UPC (Universal Product Code) system, which was developed in the United States and Canada. The EAN (European Article Number) system was later developed and merged with UPC to create the UPCEAN standard. These barcodes are primarily used for tracking trade items in stores, but also have applications in logistics and inventory management.

UPCEAN barcodes consist of a series of black bars and white spaces of varying widths. These patterns encode numeric data, typically representing a unique identifier for a product. The most common formats are EAN-13 and UPC-A, which both encode 13 digits. EAN-8 and UPC-E are shorter versions used for smaller items where a full EAN-13 or UPC-A code would not fit.

The first digit of an EAN-13 barcode often indicates the country of origin or type of product. For example, codes starting with 0 or 1 typically signify the United States or Canada, while others denote different regions. The subsequent digits form the manufacturer's code and then the product code. A final check digit is included to help detect errors during scanning.

Scanning a UPCEAN barcode involves using a barcode reader that emits a light beam. The scanner measures the reflected light from the black bars and white spaces, converting this pattern into digital data. This data is then typically sent to a point-of-sale system or inventory database for processing, enabling quick and accurate product identification and transaction handling.