(Universal Product Code) The standard bar code printed on retail merchandise, which is administered by GS1 US, Brussels, Belgium and Lawrenceville, NJ (www.gs1.org). The UPC is read by passing the bar code over a scanner at checkout counters in supermarkets and retail stores.
The Global Trade Item Number
Officially known as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the 12-digit number contains a company identification number assigned by GS1 US, the product number and a check digit for validating accuracy. Unlike the EPC code in an RFID system, UPC codes do not include a unique serial number and cannot be used for individual item tracking.
UPC bar codes and scanners were introduced in the early 1970s. In the mid-1980s, UPCs were added to shipping containers, and mandates from retailers such as K-Mart and Wal-Mart caused them to be widely adopted. See bar code scanner. Contrast with EPC and RFID.
UPC Codes Everywhere
You can hardly pick up a retail package that does not have a UPC bar code on it.
The Global Trade Item Number
Officially known as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the 12-digit number contains a company identification number assigned by GS1 US, the product number and a check digit for validating accuracy. Unlike the EPC code in an RFID system, UPC codes do not include a unique serial number and cannot be used for individual item tracking.
UPC bar codes and scanners were introduced in the early 1970s. In the mid-1980s, UPCs were added to shipping containers, and mandates from retailers such as K-Mart and Wal-Mart caused them to be widely adopted. See bar code scanner. Contrast with EPC and RFID.
UPC Codes Everywhere
You can hardly pick up a retail package that does not have a UPC bar code on it.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- iBarcoder 2.9.4 (Mac)
- The program helps you to create many types of barcodes and print them on any of the Avery label templates provided or make custom label format. Other objects, like text and graphics can be added to you documents. Next barcode types are available: UPC A, UPCE, EAN 13, EAN 8,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- CRM Association-Netherlands Rocks Het Huis!
- I'm in love with Amsterdam....no wait, I love it but I'm not in love....no, hold on, I like it a lot, but I'm not in love, nor do I love it. The Theory.... Interestingly enough (to me at least and who else am I really writing this for...
- Blog posts 2009-11-16
- SmartVizor 12.0.1.111 (Windows)
- SmartVizor is a stand alone, powerful and extremely easy to use variable-data-printing application that runs on a Windows computer. It is one of the least expensive full-featured variable-data-printing solutions available today.Using a separate application to create boilerplate documents is not a requirement, however. If you like, you can use SmartVizor...
- Software downloads 2009-11-11
- Native ASP Barcode Generator 4.0 (Windows)
- The PrecisionID Native ASP Barcode Generator creates barcodes on the web from without any additional components or DLLs. Complete ASP source code is provided in the purchased version. Compatible with any server that supports ASP, including Microsoft Internet Information Server IIS. Create Code 128, Code 39, UPC, Interleaved 2 of...
- Software downloads 2009-11-09
- Berkeley UPC 2.10.0 (Mac)
- Unified Parallel C UPC is an extension of the C programming language designed for high performance computing on large-scale parallel machines. The language provides a uniform programming model for both shared and distributed memory hardware. The programmer is presented with a single shared, partitioned address space, where variables may be...
- Software downloads 2009-11-03
- Cacidi Extreme Barcodes CS4 (Windows)
- Cacidi Extreme Barcodes CS4 allows you to create barcodes directly in your InDesign document by simply selecting the barcode type and entering your data in the barcodes palette. A large selection of barcode types. You can choose from all the most frequently used types of barcodes, including EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A,...
- Software downloads 2009-10-28
- Barcode Image Maker Pro 1.20 (Windows)
- Supports 50+ bar code types, UPC, EAN, ISBN, ISSN, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, ITF-14, SCC-14, SSCC-18. Pre-defined ISBN and ISMN formating. Print barcodes on labels, choose one of the 280+ pre-defined labels or make your own. Sequential barcoding supported. Bar code images can be saved in up to 4800 dpi and...
- Software downloads 2009-10-28
- Bells give net neutrality the McCain two-step
- Net neutrality can only...be accomplished by a company divesting the provision of the infrastructure from the provision of the services that use the infrastructure. As long as the same company provides both services there will never be neutrality. These companies have to much at stake in delivering services that ride...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-23
- Barcode Maker 2.9.0 (Mac)
- iWinSoft Barcode Maker is a professional Barcode Label software for Mac OS X which Create up to 20 types of barcodes. A built-in label database with More then 800 Avery labels, cards, other media type templates are included. Other objects, like text and images can be added to you documents....
- Software downloads 2009-10-22
- Cacidi Barcodes CS4 (Mac)
- Cacidi BarCodes CS4 allows you to create barcodes directly in your InDesign document by simply selecting the barcode type and entering your data in the BarCodes palette.A large selection of barcode typesYou can choose from all the most frequently used types of barcodes, including EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN, ISSN,...
- Software downloads 2009-10-21
- Bytescout BarCode SDK 1.70 (Windows)
- Bytescout BarCode SDK for .NET and ActiveX generates, displays, saves barcodes. There are four types of components; Windows Forms control, WebImage Control for ASP.NET, non-visual .NET and ActiveX classes to save barcodes as PNG, GIF, JPG images; - Barcodes: ISBN (based on EAN-13 barcode), Codabar (Ames Code, USD-4, NW-7, Code...
- Software downloads 2009-10-16
- RedLaser 2.2 (Mobile)
- RedLaser is a real-time barcode scanner for your iPhone. It does not require auto-focus. RedLaser searches for online prices and lets you email a list of scanned products to yourself or a friend. Through two scanning modes, RedLaser supports all standard UPC and EAN barcodes.
- Software downloads 2009-10-05
- FoodScanner for iPhone 1.0 (Mobile)
- FoodScanner for iPhone allows you to use your iPhone's camera to scan UPC barcodes on the foods you eat. FoodScanner for iPhone is the absolute quickest and easiest way to find foods and track how many calories you eat throughout the day. It find foods by scanning UPC barcodes or...
- Software downloads 2009-09-25
- VintaSoftBarcode .NET Library 4.2.5 (Windows)
- VintaSoftBarcode.NET Library - the high-end barcode reader and writer component for .NET developers. It supports reading & writing of 1D, postal and 2D barcodes in digital images and PDF files. Supported barcode types: Australian Post, Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Codabar, Data Matrix, EAN-8, EAN-13, Industrial standard...
- Software downloads 2009-09-22
- IDAutomation ASP.NET GS1 Databar Web Server Control 9.9 (Windows)
- The ASP .NET GS1 Databar Barcode Web Server Control is a new drag-and-drop component that easily adds dynamic database barcoding capability to Microsoft .NET Web Applications. It is a server-side component that creates JPEG images, therefore all processing takes place on the server and makes it compatible with all web...
- Software downloads 2009-09-21
- Easy Barcode Label Printing Software 2009 (Windows)
- Easily create multiple barcode labels on your printer. Includes many advanced features such as serial number incrementing with memory, database connectivity and VB scripting. Supports Code-128, Code-39, GS1 DataBar, DataBar Stacked, UPC, EAN, GS1-128, ITF, USPS barcodes and others.
- Software downloads 2009-09-16
- Labels & Addresses 1.3.3 (Mac)
- Labels & Addresses former Mail Factory is a home and office tool for printing all sorts of labels and envelopes. Merge printing capability makes the program a great tool for Holiday seasons, by helping users to design and print multiple greeting envelopes and postcards with automatically substitutable addresses and postal...
- Software downloads 2009-09-08
- Barres 2.5.0 (Mac)
- A simple barcode generation application. It can generate the following type of barcodes: EAN13 (13 digits), UPC (12 digits) and SCC14 (14 digits). UPC and EAN codes are used globally for commerce, and make up an important part of the automated supply chain. If you have a product that you...
- Software downloads 2009-08-30
- UPC Bar Codes 4.2 (Windows)
- The Universal Product Code has been used in the North American retail industry since 1973. There are two different versions of UPC bar codes, UPC-A and UPC-E. The UPC-A bar code is 12 digits long, including its checksum. UPC-E bar codes are special shortened versions of UPC-A bar codes and...
- Software downloads 2009-08-26
- ASP.NET Barcode Web Server Control 9.08 (Windows)
- The ASP .NET Barcode Web Server Control is a new drag-and-drop component that easily adds dynamic barcoding capability to Microsoft .NET Web Applications. It is a server-side component that creates JPEG images, therefore all processing takes place on the server and it is compatible with all web browsers. On-line barcodes...
- Software downloads 2009-08-20
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
- The more you simplify, the more you save
-
When you transition from your existing Red Hat environment to SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, you can recognize dramatic cost savings, perhaps as much 50%
- Learn more >>
- Learn more about tools to grow your business
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Save time with the UPS Business Essentials Guide
- Keep Up With The Latest In Document Management with The DocuMentor.
-
Doc delivers the scoop on today's enterprise content management, printer maintenance, and all other issues related to document management. It's the DocuMentor Blog.
- Learn more >>
- New Online Dashboard for IT Leaders
-
Read about top issues IT decision-makers face every day, plus get cost-effective solutions to real-life IT problems.
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
SmartPlanet
- Thought-provoking progressive ideas on diverse topics that intersect with technology, business, and life, and matter to the world at large. Visit SmartPlanet
- More from IBM
-
- How to Drive Better Business Outcomes with Exceptional Web Experiences Download the eBook
- Driving Business Agility through SOA Connectivity & Integration Read the White Paper from IBM
- Linking Decisions and Information for Organizational Performance Read the Tom Davenport study
