Linking UoM with UPC Codes for Accurate Inventory Management

Linking UoM with UPC Codes for Accurate Inventory Management

Overview

In retail, Units of Measure (UOM) and Universal Product Codes (UPC) work together to ensure accurate tracking and management of items. While UOMs define how an item is measured (e.g., by weight, volume, or quantity), UPCs uniquely identify each item. Linking UOMs with UPCs in iVendNext enhances inventory accuracy and streamlines sales processes. This article will guide you through the importance of linking UOMs with UPCs and how to do it effectively in iVendNext.



What is a Universal Product Code (UPC)?

A Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode used to uniquely identify retail products. It consists of 12 numeric digits, including a manufacturer’s identification number, a product number, and a check digit. UPCs are widely used in grocery stores, retail stores, and supply chain management to streamline inventory tracking, pricing, and checkout processes.


Key Features of UPC:

  • Structure: 12 numeric digits.

  • Components: Manufacturer’s ID, product number, and check digit.

  • Applications: Used in retail environments for inventory management and sales.



The Relationship Between UOM and UPC

In iVendNext, UOMs and UPCs are integrated to ensure accurate inventory tracking and management. A single product with a specific UPC code can have multiple UOMs associated with it. For example, a product like bottled water can be sold by the piece (EA), case (CS), or liter (L). By linking UOMs with UPCs, you can maintain consistency across inventory tracking, sales transactions, and reporting.


Benefits of Linking UOM with UPC:

  • Accurate Inventory Tracking: Ensures that inventory levels are tracked correctly, regardless of the UOM used.

  • Streamlined Sales Processes: Simplifies the checkout process by recognizing the correct UOM and pricing.

  • Consistency Across Processes: Maintains uniformity in inventory management, sales, and purchasing.



Types of UPC Codes supported in iVendNext

iVendNext supports various types of UPC codes, primarily focusing on the most commonly used formats in retail and inventory management:


S No

UPC Type

Description

1

UPC

Standard barcode used in North America for product identification. 


UPC-A: 

The standard 12-digit barcode is used widely in North America for retail products.


UPC-E: 

The standard 6-digit barcode is used widely in North America for retail products. 

2

EAN

International barcode standard (European Article Number) used for retail products.


EAN-13: 

The 13-digit barcode used internationally, which includes a country code as part of the barcode.


EAN-8: 

The 8-digit barcode is used for smaller items that don't require a full 13-digit code.

3

CODE-39

Alphanumeric barcode that supports both numbers and letters, used in various industries

4

GS1

Global standards organization for barcodes, ensuring product identification and tracking across supply chains

5

GTIN

Global Trade Item Number, a unique identifier for trade items developed by GS1

6

ISBN

International Standard Book Number, a unique identifier for books


ISBN-10: Older format of ISBN, consisting of 10 digits.

ISBN-13: Current format of ISBN, consisting of 13 digits.

7

ISSN

International Standard Serial Number, used to uniquely identify serial publications like journals

8

JAN

Japanese Article Number, a barcode standard used in Japan, similar to EAN

9

PZN

Pharmazentralnummer, a unique identifier for pharmaceutical products in Germany



Steps to Link UOM with UPC in iVendNext

Linking UOMs with UPCs in iVendNext is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure accurate inventory management:


Step 1: Access the Item Master

  1. Navigate to the Items section in iVendNext.

  2. Locate the item you want to link the UOM and UPC to.


Step 2: Add UOM to the Item

  1. Open the item details by clicking on the item.

  2. Go to the Units of Measure section.

  3. Add the desired UOM (e.g., pieces, kilograms, liters) to the UOMs table.



Step 3: Link the UPC Code

  1. In the item’s details, enter the UPC code in the designated field.

  2. Save the item to update the information.


Step 4: Verify the Linking

  1. Check the item details to ensure that the UOM and UPC are correctly linked.

  2. Perform a test transaction to verify that the UOM and UPC are correctly recognized and processed.



Example: Linking UOM with UPC for a Product

Let’s consider an example of a product like bottled water:


  • UPC Code: 123456789012

  • UOMs:

    • Each (EA): Sold individually.

    • Case (CS): Sold in a box of 12 bottles.

    • Liter (L): Sold by volume.


By linking these UOMs with the UPC code, iVendNext can accurately track inventory whether the product is sold individually, by the case, or by volume. This ensures that the inventory levels are updated correctly, and the sales process is streamlined.



Importance of Standardized UOMs and UPCs

Using standardized UOMs and UPCs is crucial for maintaining consistency across different processes, such as inventory tracking, sales transactions, and reporting. Here’s why:


  • Inventory Accuracy: Standardized UOMs and UPCs ensure that inventory levels are tracked accurately, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking.

  • Efficient Checkout Process: UPCs linked with UOMs simplify the checkout process by automatically recognizing the product and its measurement unit.

  • Consistent Reporting: Standardized UOMs and UPCs ensure that sales and inventory reports are consistent and reliable.



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