BARCODE NUMBER

Barcode is a machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on a commodity and used especially for stock control. Barcodes are often used to help organize and index information or prices about an object. It is a way to encode information in a visual pattern that a machine can read. The combination of black and white bars (elements) represents different text characters which follows a set algorithm for that barcode type.

Every product variant / type / SKU that has to be identified uniquely by a manufacturer/retailer requires a unique product barcode.  For example:

1. New product
2. New product variant
3. Change of name
4. Major product description change
5. Declared contents change
6. New packaging type
7. Declared changed weight or volume
8. Free gift attached

Like different pack sizes (e.g. 1kg, 500g or 200g), each such pack size represents a different product variant / SKU / product type.  If two items are combined to create a promotional pack, the new pack represents a new product variant / type / SKU and hence requires a new product barcode for its unique identification. Products with different colors, sizes / pack sizes, styles, quality etc are required to be considered as different product variant / SKUs). 

It is suggested that product numbering capacity applied for should consider future product development requirements (new product variants) in perspective.