What is an item number?
With a Item number Can a Uniquely identify a productbecause every number is unique. It comprises either 8 or 13 digits. They are used to name the item and are based on a internationally uniform bar code system. They are an important prerequisite for automated business processes.
Each variant of a product Requires an individual Item number. This means that the same product in a different color or flavor or size also has its own number, as it must ultimately uniquely identify the product. This is in a barcode encoded. The numbers are therefore represented with lines, which you can read out with scanners. This is not just practice in retailing, but also in camps for online trading or at picking in the regional direct marketing.
Differences between GTIN, EAN, and UPC
Die EAN, the European article number, was Replaced by GTIN in 2009. This Global Trade Number with 13 digits also replaced the UPC, the Universal Product Code, consisting of 12 digits, which was common for US companies. Since the GTIN and EAN have the same structure, they are often used interchangeably. The GTIN consists of a country prefix, a four-digit company number, a five-digit company number and a check number.
EAN are in 1D bar codes coded and are standardised with EN (European standard) 797. They are common for Retail, medicine, electronics and packaging. Other barcodes are used for shipping, logistics, industry and the healthcare sector.
Why do I need article numbers?
They are required for a tracing of deliveries and the unique identification of the products. As a result, happen fewer mistakes At the reorder or customer orders. Barcodes are also mandatory for retailers and online retailers in order to be able to scan items. They are available online at GS1, for example.
If you sell items on online market platforms, you definitely need item numbers. It also makes sense for some companies because you can automatically reorder when stocks run low. With article numbers, you can also Record inventory movements.
This Can you Link to a barcode to scan items when delivered, for example to be able to. To do this, you need a Barcode generator Or programs use such generators. Die Encoding and decoding works via software. You can create your own article numbers in a ERP system create and individually defineso that they contain information such as quantity or weight, for example. And sometimes for the same product, you can Combine your own number with an EAN.