Numbers On Products: An Essential Guide by Keren Kipfer Every product manufactured and sold in the market has some type of number on it that most people tend to ignore. Oftentimes, this number can be found on the labeling of the product and occasionally, imprinted to on the item itself. Though they may seem to be nothing of value, those numbers actually were placed there for a reason. It is essential to educate ourselves about what those numbers represent and how they are used especially if you are a business owner, either on the manufacturing or retail side. Here is some important information about the numbers found on everyday products. What comes to mind first when products on numbers are discussed are the set of black bars found at the back of every product for sale. This set of black horizontal bars is what we commonly refer to as barcodes. They are machine readable data that can be used to determine the price of a particular item. We often can see this in action each time we pay a visit to our local grocery stall. There are different product numbering standards used today and two of the most implemented types of codes are the Universal Product Code (UPC) and the Electronic Product Code (EPC). The Universal Product Code or UPC is a barcode system used by most manufacturers from all around the world to keep track of the items they produce and distribute. All products that use the UPC barcode system are assigned with a unique identifier in the form of a 12-digit number. Each number in the series is represented by a vertical black bar and white spaces which forms the barcode. No barcode is the same and the 12-digit number complies with a standard rule. It is fascinating to know that a maximum of 1 trillion barcodes can be made so no two products are the same. The Electronic Product Code system on the other hand or EPC was developed to become a universal identifier which provides a unique ID number of every physical object from all countries. They are commonly used on RFID data carriers but not exclusive. They also can be constructed to work with traditional optical data carriers such as those using linear bar codes. EPC is compatible with existing product coding systems and can define new schemes when necessary. It was designed to cater to the needs of manufacturers from various industries. Of course, EPCs and also UPCs are not they only numbers that need to be placed on products. Foods and beverages, for example, need to have expiration dates printed on the product or package. Other numbers, such as batch and serial numbers also might be needed. Such crucial information must be printed on products before they are shipped out to retailers. A particular type of printer is needed for this job. Such specialized devices are called ID coders. There are many suppliers offering this type of printer. Some of the most favored brands are VideoJet, Altima and Domino. While you can buy a new CIJ coder or DOD coder, second-hand ID coders are also available for much less. These refurbished coders are sold by special product id companies that cater to businesses that need use these types of printers. Generic inks can be used instead of original coder inks and they still deliver high quality printing. You can purchase generic inks, such as generic Domino ink, from a product id company and save a good amount of money. Keren Kipfer loves researching products for industrial manufacturers such as ink jet printers. For additional info on VideoJet equipment or to find about commercial printers, please go to the PrintJet site today.
