What is UPC Code in Apparel Packaging? (2024)

I learned about the UPC code while I was undergoing a training program on quality management applications. The QC application is designed for shipment inspection for garment orders. It was an interesting story.

While initiating an inspection of an order carton inspection is done first. To initiate the inspection, the first thing the inspector needs is to select an inspection number from the list. After selecting the inspection number, the trainer mentioned, that I need to scan the UPC code of the order or type the UPC code manually or search the UPC code from the dropdown list.

This is the first time I heard the term UPC code. So, you can guess, I don't understand what the UPC code means here.

Do you know the full form of the UPC code? You may know it. If not, you will learn it today.

It was a remote training session. So, I did not ask the trainer what that means. I searched for it on the internet. And found the answer.

UPC stands for Universal Product Code (UPC). It consists of two parts – the machine-readable barcode, which is a series of unique black bars, and the unique 12-digit number beneath it. See the below diagram.

What is UPC Code in Apparel Packaging? (1)

Image source:https://www.gs1us.org/

So, when packing is ready in a carton and the factory offers the shipment inspection to a quality inspector, in the case, there would be a barcode sticker attached to the carton. The barcode which refers to the product code of the apparel brand is the UPC. By scanning it while initiating quality inspection, the application will link the order with predefined order, and item details related to the scanned UPC. And all the inspection results will be saved under the order and UPC code. The same UPC is marked on individual garment packing labels.

In this post, I wanted to share the full form of UPC code, and it is done.

If you want to know more about its specifications, what each set of UPC code digits means, how to obtain UPC for your products and why it is necessary, read the GS1 US website.

Later, I understood the barcode printed on all the FMCG goods that retailers scan for billing purposes is the UPC code. This helps retailers identify a product while recording the item and while selling and preparing bills.

The UPC only identifies a specific item and contains no other information such as price or quantity. This is so the vendor or retail outlet can assign its own price to the item. What consumers see happening at the POS at retail stores during scanning is the system using the item's UPC to look up the local item database for the price and is not actually the UPC giving the price.

Know more about UPC, its advantages, and part of the UPC code.

As a seasoned expert in quality management applications and their associated processes, particularly in the context of garment orders, I've had extensive experience dealing with UPC codes. My knowledge in this area is not only theoretical but has been acquired through practical training sessions and real-world applications.

During my training program on quality management applications, I encountered the UPC code while engaging in shipment inspection for garment orders. The significance of the UPC code became apparent as it played a crucial role in linking orders, item details, and inspection results. The UPC, or Universal Product Code, is a fundamental component in the realm of product identification and traceability.

The UPC consists of two parts: the machine-readable barcode, represented by a series of unique black bars, and the unique 12-digit number beneath it. This alphanumeric combination serves as a universal identifier for products, facilitating streamlined processes in the supply chain, retail, and beyond. I delved into the intricacies of UPC codes, understanding their importance in linking specific orders with predefined details.

In the context of garment orders, a barcode sticker with the UPC is typically attached to the carton during the packing process. This UPC, which refers to the product code of the apparel brand, is scanned during the initiation of quality inspection. The quality management application then links the order with its predefined details, streamlining the inspection process and organizing results under the corresponding order and UPC code.

Furthermore, I expanded my understanding beyond garment orders to recognize the broader application of UPC codes, particularly in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. These codes are the barcodes printed on FMCG goods, allowing retailers to efficiently scan products for billing purposes. However, it's essential to note that the UPC itself does not contain information such as price or quantity; rather, it serves as a unique identifier.

The role of UPC codes extends to the point of sale (POS) at retail stores, where the system utilizes the UPC to look up the local item database for pricing information. Contrary to common misconception, the UPC does not directly provide the price during scanning; instead, it acts as a key for retrieving relevant details from the database.

For those eager to delve deeper into the specifications, meanings of each set of UPC code digits, obtaining UPC for products, and understanding its necessity, I recommend exploring the GS1 US website. This authoritative source provides comprehensive insights into UPC codes and their broader implications in various industries. If you wish to grasp the advantages and intricacies of UPC codes, along with a deeper understanding of their components, the GS1 US website is a valuable resource.

What is UPC Code in Apparel Packaging? (2024)

FAQs

What is an UPC code on clothing? ›

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique product identifier in the form of a barcode. They're most often seen as a series of black vertical bars of varying widths. These bars represent a numerical code called a GTIN that's associated with a manufacturer and a product.

What is a UPC code for packaging? ›

A UPC code, which stands for Universal Product Code, is a series of black lines that help identify a product. This symbol is encoded with a series of numbers known as the GTIN, which makes up a complete barcode. The UPC is scanned at the point of sale, along with these lines and digits.

What does the UPC code tell you? ›

UPCs Do Not Carry Prices – The UPC code simply identifies the product. When the UPC is scanned at the store, the retailer's computer POS system pulls up the most current price for that item. That price is created by the retailer and inputted into the POS system prior to the product being put on the shelf.

What is an UPC code example? ›

Each of the ten decimal digits of the UPC are encoded using seven “bar width” units per the schema in the table at right. To convey the decimal string 078742, the encoded sequence is 3211 1312 1213 1312 1132 2122 where each number in the encoding is the width of the bars or spaces.

What does UPC mean in packaging? ›

A UPC, or Universal Product Code, is a scannable barcode found on product packaging that contains a unique identification number.

How do I get an UPC code for my product? ›

Step 1: Estimate how many barcodes your company needs. Step 2: Apply at www.barcode-us.com & license a U.P.C Company Prefix /GTINs. Step 3: Utilize your GTIN. cloud® account to assign unique product numbers.

Where is the UPC code on a package? ›

The UPC code is most often placed on the back panel of your packaging. It should also always be on the OUTSIDE of the packaging when it is closed / folded so it can be scanned at retail.

What is the product code on packaging? ›

A product code is a unique code assigned to a product for the purpose of product identification and traceability as it moves along the supply chain. Most often this product coding takes the form of a batch code, date code or SKU (stock keeping unit) number that is printed or marked onto the product or its packaging.

Does every product need a UPC code? ›

Our consultants are available to help provide guidance because companies can set themselves up for failure before they begin. Essentially, every product and product variant (size, color, etc) will require a unique GTIN (UPC).

What is the difference between UPC and product code? ›

Let's start with a short answer. An SKU is an alphanumeric code for internal use and is unique to individual retailers or manufacturers. On the other hand, UPC codes are universal and can be used to identify a product no matter who is selling it later on, making it useful for external use.

Can two products have the same UPC code? ›

As a general rule, every variation of your product will need its own UPC. If your product comes in different colors or patterns, each different color or pattern will need a UPC. If your product comes in different sizes, each size will need a UPC. The same is true for different configurations and packaging.

What does a UPC check for? ›

The urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) test measures the amount of protein being lost through the urine. Normally, proteins are not able to pass through the kidney's filtration barrier. When it happens, it is considered ab- normal and the cause for proteinuria needs to be identified.

What is a valid UPC number example? ›

Break down the UPC: The UPC "829576019311" has 12 digits. The last digit (1, in this case) is the check digit, which we will verify against and explain more in the last step. Sum odd-positioned digits: Add the digits in the odd positions (not counting the check digit): 8 + 9 + 7 + 0 + 9 + 1 = 34.

What is the most common UPC code? ›

UPC CODES: The UPC-E barcode is a universal product code and the most used in the United States. These can be read in any direction and are characterized by always starting with the numerical value 0. UPC A (or GTIN 12): It has twelve digits. It is used mostly in retail items, for example, in grocery stores.

What is the UPC code on a box? ›

The UPC, or Universal Product Code, is a unique 12-digit code assigned to products and used for tracking those trade items in stores. This is the number typically displayed as a barcode on product packaging.

Is UPC the same as SKU? ›

SKUs are for internal use, while UPCs are for external or broad use by retailers. A unique SKU can be created by a business, while a UPC code is a GS1 prefix plus other company digits that remain constant throughout the product's shelf-life.

What does a UPC symbol look like? ›

The UPC-A barcode is visually represented by strips of bars and spaces that encode the UPC-A 12-digit number. Each digit is represented by a unique pattern of 2 bars and 2 spaces. The bars and spaces are variable width, i.e. 1, 2, 3, or 4 modules wide.

Is UPC code same as item number? ›

Breaking Down UPC Codes

The first six digits of a UPC number is the manufacturer identification number, and the next five digits are the item number. These numbers are assigned to products by a coordinator to ensure that no two numbers are the same.

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