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Understanding UPC Barcodes

This article outlines the different types of barcodes supported in CStore Essentials and how they are used

Updated over 2 months ago

Overview

  • UPC barcodes uniquely identify retail products and are among the most widely recognized barcodes in the United States.

  • C-Store Essentials supports the following barcode formats:

    • UPC-A

    • UPC-E

    • EAN-13

    • EAN-8

    • 13-Digit

💡 Tip: UPC barcodes are crucial for identifying products in your Price Book and ensuring accurate scanning at the point-of-sale register

Shape

Barcode Types

  1. UPC-A

    • Contains 11 digits + 1 check digit

    • Stored in C-Store Essentials without the check digit

      A bar code with numbers and letters Description automatically generated

  2. UPC-E

    • Contains 7 digits + 1 check digit

    • Always starts with 0 or 1 and expands to a UPC-A format

      A bar code with text Description automatically generated

  3. EAN-13 and EAN-8

    • Commonly used internationally

    • C-Store Essentials allows you to add and send EAN format items to your point-of-sale register

💡 Tip: If you encounter issues scanning EAN items at the point-of-sale register, try entering the barcode directly on the register

A close-up of a bar code Description automatically generated

4. 13-Digit

  • As 13-digit UPC barcodes are not universally recognized, there are limitations when sending and reporting these items

💡 Tip: Always include all digits, including leading and trailing numbers, when entering barcodes in C-Store Essentials

Limitations:

  1. Recognition Issues

    • 13-digit UPC barcodes are not universally recognized or supported, leading to potential issues when sending and reporting these items

  2. Supported Formats

    • Traditionally, UPC-A (12 digits) and UPC-E (8 digits) are the most recognized formats in the U.S. 13-digit barcodes are less commonly supported

  3. C-Store Essentials Compatibility

    • C-Store Essentials can add and send 13-digit UPC barcode items to the point-of-sale register

    • However, the system may face challenges with some 13-digit barcodes, leading to inconsistent results in item scanning and reporting.

Impact:

  1. Scanning Issues

    • Some 13-digit UPC barcodes may not scan properly on the point-of-sale register

  2. Reporting Issues

    • Items with 13-digit barcodes may not always appear in the Item Sales Report or Inventory Reports

Solutions:

  1. Direct Entry

    • If a 13-digit UPC barcode item cannot be scanned at the point-of-sale register, try entering the item manually

  2. Testing

    • Test scanning the 13-digit UPC barcodes to determine if they work with your Point-of-sale register

  3. Customer Support

    • For further assistance with 13-digit UPC barcode handling and reporting, please reach out to C-Store Essentials Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between UPC-A and UPC-E?

  • UPC-A is a 12-digit barcode commonly used for larger items, while UPC-E is an 8-digit version designed for smaller items where a standard barcode would not fit.

What should I do if my EAN barcode does not scan at the Point-of-Sale register?

  • If an EAN barcode does not scan, manually enter the barcode on the point-of-sale register and ensure the item details in C-Store Essentials are accurate.

Why is the check digit excluded in C-Store Essentials for UPC-A barcodes?

  • The check digit is excluded when storing UPC-A barcodes in C-Store Essentials because it is automatically calculated when sending or processing the barcode.

Are all barcode formats supported by my POS register?

  • While C-Store Essentials supports various barcode formats, some point-of-sale registers may have limitations.

  • Check your point-of-sale register’s compatibility with EAN and UPC formats if issues arise.

Why do 13-digit UPC barcodes cause issues in C-Store Essentials?

  • 13-digit UPC barcodes are not as widely recognized and supported as the 12-digit UPC-A and 8-digit UPC-E formats, leading to potential scanning and reporting inconsistencies.

What can I do if my 13-digit UPC barcode doesn't scan at the point-of-sale register?

  • Try entering the barcode manually at the point-of-sale register or test the barcode scanning process.

  • If issues persist, reach out to PDI Customer Support

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