Barcodes serve as a bridge between the physical item and its information. They are not just random compositions of lines and numbers; they are essential for efficient inventory management, ensuring that products are tracked accurately from warehouses to the customer's doorstep. They also facilitate swift order processing and enhance customer satisfaction by providing detailed product information. For better understanding, this guide will explore the importance, types, and practical uses of barcodes by taking the example of Myntra, an e-marketplace. By taking this practical, real-world example, the blog aims to offer valuable insights for both consumers and retailers on how to harness barcodes for better efficiency and customer satisfaction.
A barcode is a machine-readable code printed on product packaging that contains key product information, including the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), a unique identifier for every item. You’ll often find barcodes on products sold through marketplaces like Myntra, which use them to streamline operations. Barcodes play a vital role in managing inventory, tracking items efficiently, and speeding up order processing in both online and offline retail environments. They also help verify product authenticity, reducing the risk of counterfeit goods. In short, barcodes are essential tools that enhance accuracy, transparency, and trust for both sellers and buyers.
There are 2 types of barcodes that are used in the industry: 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes.
1D Barcodes- Many times, you may have noticed black and white parallel lines at the back of the product, having a number starting with ‘890’ below them. This type of barcode on myntra product is a 1D barcode, which is scanned using hand-held/system scanners to access the product’s information.
2D Barcodes- 2D barcodes are in a grid format and are composed of squares, dots, and lines. They are mostly used in healthcare and retail products. They can store more information in comparison to a 1D barcode and can also encode website’s or product links.
Online marketplaces like Myntra use these barcodes to uniquely identify the products they sell online. The unique identification number encoded in the one-dimensional/two-dimensional barcode consists of a 13/8 digit number that identifies a specific item. Barcodes streamline the inventory process and minimise errors, ensuring that customers receive only the correct products. Marketplaces utilise EAN for global product identification, QR codes for marketing and information sharing, and GS1-128 for shipping and supply chain management, enhancing overall operational efficiency and customer experience.
Information encoded in barcodes can be accessed by downloading GS1 India’s Smart Consumer app or by entering the GTIN on the GTIN Validation page of GS1 India. All the information related to the product will automatically be reflected in both cases. For businesses or sellers, please note that GS1 India is the only authority in India that is authorised to issue barcodes starting with ‘890’. No other company can provide standardised, interoperable, and structured unique identities to products except for GS1 India.
Here is how you can use the Smart Consumer app to scan a Myntra barcode -
Open the app by clicking this link - https://smartconsumer.org.in/, or you can also download the application from the Play Store or the App Store. After opening the app, enter the GTIN or scan the barcode from your smartphone. Once entered/scanned, the complete product information will show in the application. If no product is registered with the entered GTIN, then it means the barcode is inauthentic or outdated.
In case of a QR code, customers can scan the myntra barcode with a Smartphone camera. Utilise your smartphone's camera to scan Myntra product barcodes directly. This quick method grants instant access to product details, including authenticity and specifications.
If you are a seller who wants to register for authorised barcodes, you can visit GS1 India website. GS1 barcodes are the only structured and standardised barcodes acceptable for global trade. To get registered for Myntra barcode, follow the steps listed below -
You will receive your barcode allotment letter in 7-10 working days after filling out the form. Along with your allotment letter, you will also find your Global Company prefix (GCP) that can be used to log in to DataKart and to start generating GTINs or the Myntra barcode number.
Getting a barcode on Myntra products involves a systematic approach to ensure each item is uniquely identified and can be tracked efficiently. This barcode generation process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Myntra's vast inventory and ensuring smooth operations on the platform.
Checking the barcode on a Myntra product involves a combination of visual inspection methods and digital verification techniques to ensure the authenticity and correctness of the product received. Here is how you can go about it:
Visual Inspection Methods
The Myntra barcode number is a GTIN. It is like a detailed map that guides you to specific information about a product. It's divided into four components - Country code tells you where the product came from (its origin). India has ‘890’ as its country code, which is why products manufactured in India have barcode numbers starting with ‘890’. The next component is the company code - a unique code allocated by the GS1 member organisation (GS1 India) to the company for its unique identification. After that comes the Product code, which uniquely identifies the product/SKU, and lastly check digit to validate the composition of the barcode number. This organised setup helps Myntra quickly find product details and manage its inventory more efficiently. It's a smart way to keep everything in order, ensuring that customers and the company can easily track and manage products.
The barcode helps in inventory management, product identification, and verification of authenticity on Myntra's platform.
Find the barcode on the product's packaging or attached tags.
Yes, you can manually input the barcode number into the Smart Consumer app or GTIN verification page of GS1 India.
Validity is confirmed if the product details match those on Myntra's website/app upon scanning.
Barcodes link to specific product information, including type, size, and colour, acting as a unique identifier.
Contact Myntra's customer service for assistance with damaged or illegible barcodes.
Barcodes only facilitate tracking; use the order number on Myntra's website or app for tracking.
The barcode encodes product-specific information like ID, size, and colour, which is interpretable through scanning apps or Myntra's database.
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