What is a Barcode?
A barcode in shipping and e-commerce is a series of machine-readable parallel lines of varying length and width placed uniquely within a particular area. It reads and updates product information in a centralized shipping and handling system. Usually, barcodes are printed on the shipping labels of a product.
Significance of Barcode in an E-commerce Shipping and Delivery
Typically, a barcode allows shipping companies to identify a product quickly. It is highly beneficial for companies that ship and handle products in bulk.
- Faster handling and lower turnaround times: Attaching a barcode allows companies to identify products quickly. Thus ensuring faster processing and lower turnaround times.
- Reduced errors: A company can negate the manual labor required to identify a product and send it further down the shipping life cycle with barcodes. As manual work is negated, the chances of product loss due to identification errors and miscounting are reduced to nil.
Prerequisites of Barcode and How It Works
Barcodes are an irreplaceable aspect of shipping, accompanied by several requirements mentioned below.
- Format: The format of a barcode plays a substantial role and is often touted as the primary prerequisite for a barcode. It should be unique to the product type, function, color, or other distinguishable features.
- Size: Companies are required to follow a specified size to place bar codes on their products.
A seller can obtain a barcode from their shipping company, and they are requested to attach it to the product before handing them over.
Use Case with Barcode
Barcodes have witnessed a wide array of usage in shipping. For instance, a shipping company assembles a cargo containing 1,000 units of sandals and 1,000 units of sneakers from two different retailers and attaches an ISBN barcode for easier identification.