Decide what the code identifies
Distinguish a product type, an individual item, a batch and a storage location.
Read this step →Operations / a practical field guide
Make barcodes work in the real workflow
Plan identifiers, label layout and scan testing before printing a warehouse full of labels.
Start with the decisions that matter
Choose the format for the destination
Check the scanner, trading partner and destination system requirements before choosing a barcode format.
Read this step →Design around the actual label
Use a consistent size and avoid stretching the artwork.
Read this step →A concrete example
A warehouse scans product 001247 but a spreadsheet saves 1247. The team fixes the destination field type and tests the round trip again. Reprinting every label would not have solved the underlying loss of leading zeros.
Turn the guide into an action plan
Use the worksheet to record evidence, open questions and the next person responsible. Check only the items you have actually reviewed. Download a text copy or print your working notes.
Open the barcode worksheet →