Universal Product Code

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Universal Product Code:

see barcodebarcode,
computer coding system that uses a printed pattern of lines and bars to identify such things as products, mail and packages, and customer accounts; the term also is used for similar coding systems that do not use bar-based patterns.
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universal product code

[¦yü·nə¦vər·səl ′präd·əkt ‚kōd]

(computer science)

A 10-digit bar code on the outside of a package for electronic scanning at supermarket checkout counters; each digit is represented by the ratio of the widths of adjacent stripes and white areas.

The corresponding combinations of binary digits into which the scanned bars are converted for computer processing that provides continuously updated inventory data and printout of the register tape at the checkout counter.

UPC

(Universal Product Code) The standard barcode printed on retail merchandise. The UPC is read by scanning the barcode at checkout counters in supermarkets and retail stores. Handheld UPC scanners are used to inventory merchandise stocked on shelves.

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
The UPC falls under the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification system, which is administered by the GS1 organization (see GS1). The common 12-digit UPC-A code includes a vendor number assigned by GS1 along with the vendor's product number and a check digit. GTIN categories include numeric barcodes with 8, 12, 13 and 14 digits and also support alphanumeric (ASCII) characters.

Unlike the EPC code in an RFID system, the UPC does not include a unique serial number and cannot be used for individual item tracking. See EPC and RFID.

UPC scanning systems were introduced in the early 1970s. In the mid-1980s, UPCs were added to shipping containers, and mandates from retailers such as Walmart and K-Mart caused them to be widely adopted. See barcode and barcode scanner.

UPC Codes Everywhere

One can hardly find a retail package without the numeric UPC barcode label.

UPC Examples

UPC barcodes are ubiquitous and mandatory on nearly every saleable item. For small packages, the compressed six-digit UPC-E code is equivalent to the 12-digit UPC-A. (Images courtesy of GS1 US, www.gs1us.org)

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References in periodicals archive ?

Create a computer application with an interface similar to Figure 3 that validates the UPC code entered in a textbox.

Five data validation cases

"The project was very large in scope, requiring 510 programs to be modified and retested, plus 10 databases containing UPC code to be consolidated and bridged over to a single GTIN table," explains Jay Huebner, Ace's director of IT applications development.

Bar coding: an extra digit for logistics; The addition of a 14th digit to bar-code numbering systems promises to improve visibility and tighten control over global supply chains

"We are conscious of the potential expense attributed to ineffective UPC codes and are taking the necessary steps to ensure proper scanning ability of our beer brands," reported Mark Danner, vice president of national accounts at Anheuser-Busch.

UPC evaluation system unveiled at A-B

CONSUMERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE DEL MONTE CARB CLEVER VACATION EVERY YEAR FOR LIFE GAME BY VISITING HTTP://SWEEPSTAKES.DELMONTE.COM AND ENTERING A UPC CODE FROM ANY QUALIFYING DEL MONTE CARB CLEVER PACKAGE.

Sweepstakes promotes new Del Monte line

The 4,080 cans labeled with the combination of both the following UPC code and production date code are being recalled:

General Mills recall

An ID code would not only provide information on which group of products an item belongs to - as is the case with the UPC code -- but would be able to distinguish individual packages within those groups.

Smart technology to yield convenience, savings, productivity

On the side of the box is a UPC code and photo showing a four- or five-piece place setting.

Lenox projects a casual image

They were packaged as either Venus Simply3 Disposable Razors 4-pack with lot numbers 9003A17400 and 9007A17400 and a UPC code of 047400315358 or as the Daisy 12+1 Venus Simply3 Bonus Pack, which has a free Venus Simply3 razor included, with a lot code of 9009A17400 and a UPC code of 047400300712.

Gillette Recalls Venus Razors

Packages with a UPC Code of 0043000252200 and four best when used by dates: 31 MAR 2008 XCZ; 01 APR 2008 XCZ; 02 APR 2008 XCZ; and 03 APR 2008 XCZ.

Kraft Recalls Baker's Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares on Salmonella Risk

To receive the rebate, customers must send the completed form along with the original UPC code and receipt to H & R 1871 by Dec.