Understanding UPC/GTIN and EPC in Retail

In the busy world of stores, being efficient is really important. Whether it's a small boutique or a big store, retailers want to make things run smoothly, make customers happy, and keep track of what they have to sell. One super useful thing they use for this is called a Universal Product Code (UPC) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) barcode. In this section, we'll talk about why stores use UPC/GTIN.

The GTIN is a helpful code that can identify different types of products, no matter how they're packaged—whether it's the product you buy as a customer, a bunch of items packed together, a big box containing several packs, or even a pallet holding many boxes. It can also group similar items together, like those from the same batch or with the same expiration date. For each specific product, the GTIN can also be combined with a serial number which makes it SGTIN to make sure each item is uniquely identified.

The GTIN can be encoded in a barcode or in RFID Labels. When these codes are scanned, companies can quickly and precisely handle products and their details. For instance, this can happen during checkout at a store, when getting deliveries in a warehouse.

Benefits of using UPC/GTIN

Faster Checkout Process:

When you're paying for your items, UPC/GTIN makes things faster at the checkout. Instead of typing in each item's details, cashiers can just scan them quickly. This means you spend less time waiting in line and can get on with your day sooner.

Accurate Pricing:

With UPCs, stores can also make sure their prices are right. They connect UPCs to a big database, so prices stay the same across all the places they sell stuff. This helps avoid mistakes and keeps everyone happy.

Data Analytics:

UPCs aren't just for sales—they're also great for understanding what customers like. Stores can use them to see what's selling well, what people prefer, and then make smart decisions about what to stock or advertise.

Global Standardization:

And because UPCs follow the same rules everywhere, they make things easier for stores around the world to work together smoothly. Everyone knows how to use them, making things simpler for everyone involved in selling stuff.

The Role of Electronic Product Codes (EPCs)

In the busy world of retail, it's super important for stores to keep up with the latest ways of doing things. Whether it's keeping track of what they have to sell or making customers happy, stores are always looking for new ideas to make things run smoother and make more money. One big idea that's changed the game for stores is called the Electronic Product Code (EPC). In this Section, we'll talk about why stores use EPCs and how they help stores to do better.

Barcode Vs RFID:

EPCs help stores keep track of their inventory more accurately and quickly. Unlike regular barcodes, which need to be scanned one by one and seen directly, RFID Technology lets stores scan lots of items at once, even if they're hidden or stacked. This makes it much easier to know what's in stock and reduces the chance of running out or having too much of something.

Improved Supply Chain Visibility:

EPCs let stores see where their products are at every step, from when they're made to when they're on the shelves. By putting RFID Labels with EPCs on products and packages, stores can watch how items move in real-time. This helps them find any issues and find ways to make things run smoother, like figuring out where things are slowing down and fixing it.

Quicker Checkout:

With EPCs and RFID technology, paying for things at the store is faster and easier for everyone. Items can be scanned automatically as they go through special Readers at the checkout, without needing someone to scan each one or use a barcode scanner. This means shorter lines, less waiting, and happier customers.

Encoding of EPC using the UPC/GTIN

EPC (Electronic Product Code) is a standardized format for unique identification of physical objects, which can include products, cases, pallets, and more. UPC (Universal Product Code) is a specific type of barcode used to identify products in retail environments. When encoding EPC data with a UPC in an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, several components come into play:

Header: This identifies the type of encoding scheme used and indicates the start of the EPC data.

Filter Value:

This part of the EPC helps in narrowing down the search space for specific items. It is used for inventory management and filtering.

Partition Value:

This specifies how the remaining bits in the EPC are divided among different fields such as company prefix, item reference, and serial number.

Company Prefix:

This uniquely identifies the manufacturer or brand owner of the product. In the case of encoding with a UPC, this would typically include the first few digits of the UPC.

Item Reference:

This identifies the specific product within the company's range of products. It is usually the portion of the UPC that follows the company prefix.

Check Digit:

A digit used for error detection in the UPC, ensuring the accuracy of the scanned code.

Serial Number:

This is a unique identifier assigned to each individual item. It ensures the uniqueness of the EPC across all instances of the same product.

You can select and purchase your right RFID Tags from rfid4ustore.in or can contact us on https://rfid4ustore.in/contact-us/. Upon receiving the inquiry, our team will contact you for initial consultation with you to understand your specific requirements and will help you choose an inlay depending on your product category. Including the quantity of RFID tags needed, as well as any customization preferences.

Whether it is about improving inventory management, enhancing supply chain efficiency, reducing out-of-stock situations or streamline the overall retail operations, RFID tags play a crucial role.

Walmart's mandates regarding RFID often involve requiring suppliers to tag their products with RFID tags before shipping them to Walmart distribution centers. This ensures that products can be tracked throughout the supply chain and within Walmart's stores, allowing for better inventory management and operational efficiency.

RFID4U Store Can always help you choose your right RFID Tags for your retail business.