A bar code is a machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on and identifying a product. Also called Universal Product Code.
A barcode is an optical, machine-readable, representation of data; the data usually describes something about the object that carries the barcode. Originally barcodes systematically represented data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or one-dimensional. Later two-dimensional codes were developed, using rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns in two dimensions, usually called barcodes although they do not use bars as such. Barcodes were initially scanned by special optical scanners called barcode readers. Later applications software became available for devices that could read images, such as smartphones with cameras.
The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode symbology that is widely used in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, in Europe and other countries for tracking trade items in stores.
UPC (technically refers to UPC-A) consists of 12 numeric digits, that are uniquely assigned to each trade item. Along with the related EAN barcode, the UPC is the barcode mainly used for scanning of trade items at the point of sale, per GS1 specifications. UPC data structures are a component of GTINs and follow the global GS1 specification, which is based on international standards. But some retailers (clothing, furniture) do not use the GS1 system (rather other barcode symbologies or article number systems). On the other hand, some retailers use the EAN/uPC barcode symbology, but without using a GTIN (for products, brands, sold at such retailers only).
Bar code labels are important for warehouses and retailers. The codes go on packaging such as boxes, blister packs, cartons, etc. They also go on individual products by placing the bar codes on price tickets, hangtags, stickers, etc.
You may also have interest in learning about the following resources:
  Akhil Ribbons 
		Private limited (India): manufacturer of Woven and printed labels Taffta 
		and Satin. They also produce bar code stickers. 
		 Address:  487/21, Peeragarhi, Opp. Janta Flats, Delhi-41. 
		Delhi  110041 India Phone:  91-011-5286349, 5286208, 5285999, 
		5281224  Fax:   91-011-5256781  Email:
		akhil@nda.vsnl.net.in   
		Contact:  Mrs. Rajni Chadha 
 
		AaronGraphics: Offers barcode 
		printing and software for UPC and ISBN labels. Also sells inkjet supplies. 
		Aarongraphics LLC is a privately held company founded in 1990 in Brea, 
		California. In addition to selling wide / large format printing supplies 
		we are also a quick turnaround printer of bar code labels and provider 
		of bar code EPS files. 
 
		Avery Dennison:  Avery Dennison Retail Information Services delivers innovative, 
		creative and logistical brand management support solutions on a consistent 
		global basis. 
 
		Barcodes West Inc.
		(BCW): Barcodes West has extensive experience providing high quality 
		identification products and services for the retail and apparel industry.
		  Offerings include: Preprinted Labels and 
		Tags, Service Bureau and Retail Compliance Ticketing, Warehouse and Distribution 
		Center Labeling, Store and POS Ticketing, Law and Consumer Instruction Ticketing, 
		On Demand Printers, and Label Design and Print Management Software. Phone 
		# 800 688 2633 or 206 812 5683 Fax # 206 323 2650
 
		Bartech Systems: they 
		are one of the leading suppliers of all kinds of Barcode Stickers, Tags, 
		Wash care labels, Multi color International quality Hang Tags and Inlays.  
		Nominated by Leading "Buying Houses" Authorised Distributors for 
		World renowmned Barcode equipment manufacturers. More than 10 years experaince 
		in this Industry. In house software devlopment team. Factory trained Engineers 
		to provide 100% peace -of - Mind Service. Quality products, Competitive 
		Pricing, Prompt Deliveries, Courties Service.  They can provide in-house 
		label printing facility to exporters. Address:
		B- 146 A, Mansaram Park, Opp. Mohan Garden Bus Stop, Uttam Nagar 
		New Delhi - 110 059, Delhi, India Phone No.: +(91)-(11)-25337714 / 25338857 
		/ 25338853 / 65457536 Mobile No.: +(91)-9810461862 Fax No.: +(91)-(11)-25334126 
		E-mail: vijay@bartechsystems.net
		, sales@bartechsystems.net
 
		Brand ID  Brand 
		ID is the premier provider of outsourced barcoding solutions (price tickets, 
		barcode stickers, hang-tags, ASNs, etc). Over the past 12 years, Brand ID 
		has lived up to its reputation as #1 in customer service and on-time deliveries.
		They provide on-line order management & tracking 
		to all of their customers, and specialize in automating 
		the order process to eliminate hassles. They provide 
		same-day printing from all of their international 
		production facilities. Give them a call today 
		to have one of their industry experts guide you 
		to the ultimate barcoding solution to meet your needs. 
		Address: 3198 Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92672 Phone: 714-545-9902 
		Fax: 714-545-9191 E-Mail: barcodes@brandidusa.com
		 Contact: Cheyne Knight, ext. 35
		
 
		Business Products Depot:  is a premier source for labels and business products; Custom labels, 
		personalized labels, bar code labels and more at a one-stop source for all 
		your label needs.
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