Barcode

A barcode is a machine-readable visual code that represents a product's identifying information using a pattern of parallel lines and spaces of varying width. In retail, the most common types are one-dimensional line codes such as EAN-13 and UPC; two-dimensional formats like QR codes, which can hold more data, are also widely used. A barcode scanner reads the lines and converts them into the item's number in the inventory record, identifying the product in seconds.

Barcodes are a cornerstone of inventory and sales processes for retail businesses. Scanning a code instead of searching for each item manually at the till reduces pricing errors, speeds up checkout, and lets stock levels update automatically at the moment of sale. For example, when the barcode on a bottle of water taken from the shelf is scanned, its price appears on the receipt and the on-hand quantity for that item drops by one. This makes goods receiving, counting, and labelling standardised and traceable.

• Fast, error-free checkout
• Stock updated in real time with each sale
• Easier goods receiving and stocktaking

To set up a barcode-based sales and inventory system, explore Welda Stock, or visit the market inventory software page for grocery and convenience stores.