Why Do We Use UPC Code Numbers?
The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode symbology that was developed in the early 1970s to streamline retail inventory processes and improve the accuracy of sales tracking. The idea for a standardized product code emerged from the need for an efficient way to identify products at checkout counters, especially as supermarkets began to expand and carry a wider variety of items.
The first UPC code was scanned on June 26, 1974, at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio. This historic moment marked the beginning of widespread barcode usage in retail. The UPC was created by George Laurer, an engineer at IBM, in collaboration with grocery industry representatives. The format consists of a series of black and white bars that represent numerical digits and can be quickly read by optical scanners.
In the United States, UPC codes are not issued directly by the government; rather, they are managed by GS1 US, a nonprofit organization that develops and maintains standards for supply and demand chains. Companies that wish to use UPC codes must obtain a unique company prefix from GS1, which allows them to create their own UPCs for individual products.
Since its introduction, the UPC has become the most widely used barcode format worldwide, playing a crucial role in modern commerce by enabling faster checkouts, better inventory management, and improved data collection throughout the retail supply chain.
"Attention all entrepreneurs! If you are considering creating a product brand and are interested in selling it through retail systems, please remember to obtain UPC code numbers for your products. For more information about UPC code numbers, you can reach out to Bobsa or visit GS1, the nonprofit organization that issues or contact UPC code numbers."