These days, we see barcodes everywhere, in one dimensional and two dimension formats with all sorts of variations! Some have letters and numbers, some only the bars and lines are shown. To guide you through barcodes most applicable for retail products displayed on store shelves in Nigeria, we have compiled a summary of the explanations for what the number means, how it is produced and which one you need to apply to your products.
Nigerian products require EAN-13 codes (13-digit barcodes)
What type of barcode is on your product? That is easy to know, simply count the digits! Universal Product Codes, UPC have 12-digits and are used in Canada and the United States of America. International Article Numbers, EAN (formerly European Article Numbers) have 13-digits and are used everywhere else in the world, including Nigeria.
Now that we know which barcode type we have, looks take a closer look at what the numbers mean.
A number is converted into a line or bar using a 7-digit binary sequence
The founders of the barcode decided on a numbering system based on a binary sequence, which is then translated into a barcode image, where 0 indicates a space and 1 indicates a line. They use 7 binary digits for each number. To avoid confusing which side the barcode is read, all left-hand side numbers begin with a space and all right-hand side numbers begin with a line. Let’s represent this graphically.
Left, Right and Centre Guard Rails complete the barcode template
Right, Centre and Left Guards encapsulate the barcode, providing boundaries for where the barcode template begins and ends. Using the same binary sequence used as above, the Left and Right Guards are both binary sequenced 101, and the Centre Guard 01010. The barcode scanner must read both sides of the barcode. The Centre Guard is used to ensure that the barcode scanner does this correctly.
Barcode number suffix: the check digit
Did you know that the last digit on your barcode number is used to identify the authenticity of your barcode number? For a 13-digit EAN barcode, the 13th digit (a number from 0 to 9 appearing at the right-most side) is your check digit.
Your check digit
can be calculated with a computer in a matter of seconds, but do you know how
to do it manually? For the mathematical wizards, your check digit can be
calculated by summing your even and odd numbers (even numbers are multiplied by
3), then subtracting that total from the nearest or higher multiple of ten. The
result produces your check digit.
Sample barcode number before adding check digit:
629104150021
Even numbers 3 x (2 + 1 + 4 + 5 + 0 + 1) = 6 + 3 +
12 + 15 + 0 + 3 = 39
Odd numbers (6 + 9 + 0 + 1 + 0 + 2) = 18
39 + 18 = 57.
60 – 57 = 3. This is your check digit. The
completed barcode now reads 6291041500213
Barcode prefixes
Some prefixes
denote what type of barcode or country specific origins. However, the most
important aspect of your barcode is that it is a unique number and of the correct
type ie. a 13-digit EAN number for Nigerian products.
You do not specific company prefixes in order for your barcode to scan. Each
retail store scans your barcode and manually enters the product details into
their inventory system.
Our price difference
We bring you the best prices by foregoing the need for a company prefix, thereby removing the need for annual fees and additional costs. You pay for what you need most – a unique 13-digit barcode number.
Lite Barcodes brings you affordable GS1 registered barcodes, delivered to you within one business day. Have any questions? Feel free to contact us with any queries, we will be happy to assist you!
