Bar Code

Bar Code, Product Label

Bar Code, Shelf Tag, same Item

Bar Code

n. A SCANNER-readable numeric code composed of closely-spaced thick and thin vertical bars, as on a PRODUCT LABEL or SHELF TAG.

NOTE: PRODUCT LABEL and SHELF TAG Bar Codes are not the same! Compare the two photos at right, which show PRODUCT LABEL and SHELF TAG Bar Codes for the same ITEM—in this case, a 15.5‑ounce can of garbanzo beans.

The Bar Code on the PRODUCT LABEL (upper photo) is the UPC, or Universal Product Code. Its human-legible value of 6‑88267‑02799‑4 is the same in both photos. However, on the SHELF TAG (lower photo) the Bar Code is different. That's because it's a STORE CODE that includes a STOCK NUMBER for that particular ITEM—here, 023037—that the GROCERY MANAGER or NIGHT CREW CHIEF may SCAN with the GUN when ORDERING.