How to add UPC Codes

Solor,

Put the UPC code as an Alias. SO Manager | Database | Items | Alias tab. When the UPC code is scanned, RMS will change it to the ILC.

Derek and Solor,

You shouldn't be printing UPC labels anyway. That's for the manufacturer to do.

UPC codes are assigned by the GS1 US (formally called the UCC), at least the first 6 or 7 digits are and they are registered to a specific product from that manufacturer. To read more;

Derek,

Sure, but that wasn't the question.

If you want to print a barcode, select any of the barcodes offered by RMS subject to the barcode's specs. Each type of code has its own set of rules.

For example, UPC _must_ have exactly 13 digit numbers and no letters at all. Codes 3 of 9, 128A, B and 128C allow for letters, numbers and special characters, can be as little as 1 digit long, but 3 of 9 and 128A _must_ have capital letters, 3 of 9 extended, B and C can also be lower case. RMS doesn't check for this issue, which is bad because it creates confusion as to why the scanner won't read a printed label properly.

You have to understand that a UPC code is not a choice for retailers to create, its a manufacturer's code. If you start using that code, potentially you would get a duplicate if the manufacturer uses that number, you created, for another product.

If you want to create a "within the store" barcode, try 128C or 3 of 9 extended. Those 2 have the most liberal rules of all codes RMS offers.

From the link I provided earlier;

Do I Have To Pay To Use Barcodes For Internal Uses Like Inventory? No you do not have to join the Uniform Code Council (GS1US) or pay anyone to use barcodes for internal use. In fact, you should consider some other type of barcode like Code 39 or Code 128 rather than use UPC or EAN. The reason to choose a different barcode symbology than UPC or EAN is these codes are fixed length codes. The data must be exactly 13-digits long and contain only numbers. If you have an existing inventory system with part numbers, for example, they are probably longer than 13 characters and they probably include letters. Code 39 and Code 128 both handle both letters and numbers. They also can be as long or as short as you want. Finally, both are easier to print. You can get a TrueType Code 39 font, for example, and print barcodes using Word or Excel.

If you must use UPC or EAN for the internal application, then you need to use one of the prefixes that the UCC has set asside for internal use. See the table.

Derek,

First of all Jeff is completely correct and I don't think you fully understand the concept of ILC and Aliases. Secondly... "...I wasn't even talking about printing UPCs although someone may need to due to a damaged one on the box. In which case you would have to have the UPC in the ILC field..." No you wouldn't because you can create a Barcode using the ILC field. That is the whole idea of having the Alias field, no matter what you scan, either a custom created label using your own ILC or the UPC that is on the box it will still bring up the same item.

"...You also defeated your own statement by pointing out that there are UPC segments set aside for internal use such as random weight..." Now you are just nit-picking. These have to be setup this way in order to calculate the cost of the item for these types of items.

"...I wasn't even talking about printing UPCs..." Now who is defeating there own statements. --> "Not if you plan on printing barcodes..." Oh, and I forgot to mention the need to print shelf tags..

"...I wasn't even talking about printing UPCs although someone may need to due to a damaged one on the box. In which case you would have to have the UPC in the ILC field..." "No you wouldn't because you can create a Barcode using the ILC field. That is the whole idea of having the Alias field, no matter what you scan, either a custom created label using your own ILC or the UPC that is on the box it will still bring up the same item. "

No, I was talking about RECREATING the exact barcode, if needed, rather than making up a new number scheme and using a different type of barcode. Also, I have yet to figure out how to print a UPCA barcode that is exactly the same by using the alias. Try it in label designer..

"...You also defeated your own statement by pointing out that there are UPC segments set aside for internal use such as random weight..."

"Now you are just nit-picking. These have to be setup this way in order to calculate the cost of the item for these types of items."

SUCH AS RANDOM WEIGHT. There are other UPCA segments set aside for internal inventory.

"...I wasn't even talking about printing UPCs..." Now who is defeating there own statements. --> "Not if you plan on printing barcodes..." understand the concept of ILC and Aliases.