JudyEarles97
You have often seen them on cereal boxes, books, and merely about every consumer product on store shelves. Those are the infamous UPC barcodes. But why are they needed? Who is with them, and what kind of information do they glean from them?
What's promising about Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes is they weren't employed for nefarious government purposes as was feared once they were first introduced commercially within the 1970s. That time may be arriving the long run, until then they are harmless towards the average consumer. They are utilised primarily to track inventory for retail, manufacturing along with other purposes.
History of the UPC Barcode
The history of the used PC barcode actually dates back towards the early 1930s and also the first automated checkout system featuring technology using punch cards. Inventors Bernard Silver and Joseph Woodland patented the first barcode system in the early 1950s based on their previous knowledge of those earlier punch card systems.
Various organizations and businesses then continued to experiment with the UPC barcode with the 1960s, yet commercial success seemed elusive typically. However, in early 1970s, IBM introduced the modern barcode for commercial use. And just what was the first product they coded? A pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum.
How it Works
A standard UPC barcode includes a mixture of black strips, white spaces and numerical digits. A total of 12 digits from the UPC number, with each number sequence being represented by a specific combination of black strips and white spaces. Uniqueness is achieved by allowing just one method to display any numerical sequence.
By arranging the black strips and white spaces accordingly, the UPC barcode provides a graphical image that may be scanned using infrared light or other similar technologies. The unique number sequence of each individual code can be used to retrieve and store data linked to the item scanned.
DIY UPC Barcodes
Organizations such as the U.S. Postal Service and UPS use UPC barcodes to trace packages. Retailers like Walmart and Kmart use the codes to track inventory in warehouses and local shops. Manufacturers even use the codes to control recycleables coming in and handle products heading out. But you can use them you to ultimately manage your personal small business or keep an eye on possessions in your home for insurance purposes.
There are a variety of free software application programs that permit individual customers to create and print their own barcodes. All you need to do is link them to a database or spreadsheet, then print a label and attach it to anything you want to track. Having a smart phone or PDA your UPC barcode symbols become a simple and efficient method to keep an eye on whatever you desire.