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An EAN13 barcode is a type of barcode that is commonly used to identify and track products in the retail industry. The EAN13 barcode is a variation of the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode and is used primarily in Europe and other parts of the world. EAN stands for European Article Number and is a standardized barcode system used in Europe and other parts of the world. The EAN13 barcode is made up of 13 digits and is used to encode product information such as the manufacturer, product code, and price.
The EAN13 barcode is made up of three sections: the manufacturer code, the product code, and the check digit. The manufacturer code is a unique identifier assigned to the manufacturer of the product and is made up of the first three digits of the barcode. The product code is a unique identifier assigned to the specific product and is made up of the next six digits of the barcode. The check digit is the last digit of the barcode and is used to ensure the accuracy of the barcode.
Each digit in the EAN13 barcode is represented by a series of two bars and two spaces, with the width of each element varying based on the digit being encoded. The barcode is read from left to right, with the start code consisting of two bars and two spaces and the stop code consisting of three bars and one space.
The first digit of the EAN13 barcode indicates the number system used. The number system is used to identify the type of product and the country in which it was manufactured. The first digit can range from 0 to 9, with 0 and 1 reserved for UPC barcodes in the United States and Canada.
The next six digits of the EAN13 barcode represent the manufacturer code and product code. The manufacturer code is assigned by the GS1 organization and is unique to each manufacturer. The product code is assigned by the manufacturer and is unique to each product.
The last digit of the EAN13 barcode is the check digit, which is used to ensure the accuracy of the barcode. The check digit is calculated using a formula that takes into account the values of the other 12 digits in the barcode. The check digit is calculated by taking the sum of the odd-numbered digits, multiplying the sum by 3, and adding it to the sum of the even-numbered digits. The check digit is then the number that, when added to the sum, creates a multiple of 10.
EAN13 barcodes are commonly used in the retail industry to identify and track products. The barcode is printed on the product label or packaging and can be scanned at the point of sale to quickly and accurately retrieve product information such as the price and product description.
EAN13 barcodes can also be used in inventory management systems to track product levels and ensure that the appropriate products are stocked in the appropriate locations. The barcode can be scanned as products are received or shipped, allowing for accurate tracking of inventory levels.
EAN13 barcodes can also be used in supply chain management systems to track the movement of products from the manufacturer to the retailer. The barcode can be scanned at each stage of the supply chain, allowing for accurate tracking of the product's location and status.
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EAN13 barcodes provide several advantages over manual product tracking methods. The barcode can be quickly and easily scanned, reducing the time required to retrieve product information and track inventory levels. The barcode is also more accurate than manual methods, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall accuracy of product tracking.
EAN13 barcodes also provide a standardized system for product identification and tracking. The barcode is recognized and used by retailers and manufacturers around the world
Applications of EAN 13 Barcode
EAN13 barcodes have a wide range of applications in various industries. Some of the most common applications of EAN13 barcodes are:
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Retail:
EAN13 barcodes are widely used in the retail industry to identify and track products. The barcode is printed on the product label or packaging and can be scanned at the point of sale to quickly and accurately retrieve product information such as the price and product description. Retailers use EAN13 barcodes to manage inventory, track sales, and improve customer service.
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Manufacturing:
EAN13 barcodes are used in manufacturing to track the movement of raw materials and finished products. The barcode can be scanned as materials are received or products are produced, allowing for accurate tracking of inventory levels and production schedules.
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Logistics:
EAN13 barcodes are used in logistics to track the movement of products from the manufacturer to the retailer. The barcode can be scanned at each stage of the supply chain, allowing for accurate tracking of the product's location and status. This helps to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce the risk of lost or damaged products.
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Healthcare:
EAN13 barcodes are used in healthcare to track medications, medical equipment, and other medical supplies. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve important information such as the dosage, expiration date, and manufacturer information. This helps to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of medication errors.
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Library and Information Services:
EAN13 barcodes are used in library and information services to track books, magazines, and other materials. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve information such as the title, author, and publisher. This helps to improve the efficiency of library operations and ensure that materials are properly catalogued and tracked.
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Food and Beverage:
EAN13 barcodes are used in the food and beverage industry to track products from production to distribution. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve information such as the expiration date, batch number, and manufacturer information. This helps to improve food safety and ensure that products are properly labelled and tracked.
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Automotive:
EAN13 barcodes are used in the automotive industry to track parts and components throughout the supply chain. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve information such as the part number, manufacturer information, and production date. This helps to improve the efficiency of automotive supply chain operations and ensure that parts are properly tracked and identified.
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Chemicals:
EAN13 barcodes are used in the chemical industry to track hazardous materials and ensure that they are properly labelled and tracked throughout the supply chain. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve information such as the chemical name, hazard class, and manufacturer information. This helps to improve safety and ensure that hazardous materials are properly handled and stored.
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Security:
EAN13 barcodes are used in security applications to track the movement of people and assets. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve information such as the person's identity, access level, and location. This helps to improve security and ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed access to restricted areas.
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Aerospace and Defense:
EAN13 barcodes are used in aerospace and defense applications to track parts and components throughout the supply chain. The barcode can be scanned to retrieve information such as the part number, manufacturer information, and production date. This helps to improve the efficiency of aerospace and defense supply chain operations and ensure that parts are properly tracked and identified.
In conclusion, EAN13 barcodes have a wide range of applications in various industries. The barcode provides a standardized system for product identification and tracking, improving the efficiency of operations and reducing the risk of errors.
Difference of EAN 13 Barcode from other Barcode Types
EAN13 barcode is a specific type of barcode that is used to identify products in the retail industry. It is different from other barcode types in several ways. Some of the key differences between EAN13 barcode and other barcode types are:
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Number of Digits
EAN13 barcode contains 13 digits, which is a longer code compared to other barcode types. This allows for more detailed product information to be stored in the barcode.
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Global Standard
EAN13 barcode is a global standard barcode, which means it can be used in multiple countries and industries. This allows for easy integration with existing systems and processes.
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Structure
EAN13 barcode has a specific structure, with each digit representing a specific piece of information. The first two digits represent the country code, the next five digits represent the manufacturer code, the following five digits represent the product code, and the final digit is a check digit for error detection.
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Required Fields
EAN13 barcode requires certain fields to be included, such as the country code, manufacturer code, and product code. This ensures that the barcode contains enough information to accurately identify the product.
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Retail Focus
EAN13 barcode is primarily used in the retail industry to identify and track products. Other barcode types may be used in different industries or applications.
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Compatibility
EAN13 barcode can be easily read and decoded by most barcode scanners and software. This makes it a popular choice for retailers and manufacturers.
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Size
EAN13 barcode is typically larger than other barcode types, due to the longer code and required fields. This can make it more visible on product labels and packaging.
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Application Identifier
EAN13 barcode uses a specific set of application identifiers (AI) to encode data elements, such as the expiration date or batch number. This allows for easy and accurate retrieval of specific product information.
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Data Density
EAN13 barcode has a higher data density compared to other barcode types. This means that more information can be encoded in a smaller space, which can be important for products with limited label or packaging space.
In summary, EAN13 barcode is a specific type of barcode that is different from other barcode types in terms of the number of digits, global standard, structure, required fields, retail focus, compatibility, size, application identifier, and data density. Understanding these differences can help businesses choose the right barcode type for their specific needs and applications.
Usage of EAN 13 Barcode
EAN13 barcode can be used internationally. In fact, it is one of the most widely used barcode types worldwide. The EAN13 barcode is used in more than 100 countries and is recognized by most point-of-sale systems, making it a popular choice for product identification and tracking.
The EAN13 barcode standard was developed by the European Article Numbering Association (now known as GS1) and is based on the UPC barcode standard used in the United States. However, EAN13 barcodes have an additional digit compared to UPC barcodes, which allows for more products to be uniquely identified.
To ensure international compatibility, EAN13 barcodes are assigned by a central organization known as GS1, which assigns a unique identification number to each product. This identification number is then encoded into the barcode itself, along with other information such as the manufacturer code and product code.
One of the benefits of using a standardized barcode system like EAN13 is that it enables companies to sell their products internationally without the need for separate barcode systems in each country. This can simplify supply chain management and reduce costs for companies that operate globally.
In addition, many retailers and distributors require their suppliers to use EAN13 barcodes to ensure that their products can be easily tracked and managed in their systems. This requirement further contributes to the widespread adoption of the EAN13 barcode standard.
Overall, the international acceptance of the EAN13 barcode makes it an attractive option for companies looking to streamline their product identification and tracking processes across multiple regions and countries.