Universal Product Code (UPC)
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is universal Product Code (UPC)?
A Universal Product Code (UPC) is the 12-digit number in the barcode on a product’s packaging, assigned by the brand owner through GS1. GS1 is the organization that runs the system, and a UPC identifies the same product everywhere it is sold.
How it works
The UPC is one member of a family called Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), which also includes 13-digit EAN codes, used widely outside North America, and 14-digit codes for cases and cartons. Different pack sizes of the same product get different GTINs. Many industrial and MRO items carry no UPC at all.
Universal Product Code (UPC) example
At receiving, the scanner reads the 14-digit GTIN on a carton, and the system recognizes it as a case of 24 of one SKU.
Related terms
- Stock keeping unit (SKU)A stock keeping unit (SKU) is the unique code a distributor gives each item it sells, so each size, color and pack can be stocked and priced separately.
- Manufacturer part number (MPN)A manufacturer part number (MPN) is the code a manufacturer uses to identify a specific product, printed in its catalogs and often on the product itself.
- Case packA case pack is the number of units a manufacturer packs into one case or carton, such as 12 tubes of caulk or 100 connectors.
- Receiving and putawayReceiving and putaway are the warehouse steps that bring a supplier’s delivery into stock and make it available to sell.
