How to Barcode Your Shop: Codes, Labels, Scanners and a Rollout Plan

Which barcode for which item

Rules that apply

• GS1 India issues company prefixes for globally unique EAN-13 numbers; codes you invent are not registered and should not be used on goods sold outside your shop
• If you pack goods under your own label, Legal Metrology packaging rules apply: name and address, net quantity, MRP and other declarations on the label, and registration as a packer
• A barcode label does not replace the MRP and other declarations required on packaged goods

Labels and printers

• Direct thermal labels need no ribbon and suit short-life labels; they fade with heat and light over time
• Thermal transfer labels use a ribbon and last much longer, better for hardware and clothing tags
• A small number of standard sizes covers most shops; choose one that fits your smallest product
• A4 sheet labels on an ordinary printer work for small volumes, but alignment takes care
• Print a test sheet and scan it before printing a full run

Scanners

A wired USB scanner acts like a keyboard: it types the code into whatever field has focus, so it works with most billing software without setup. Wireless scanners free the cashier to scan heavy items in the cart. 2D scanners read QR codes and barcodes on phone screens as well as printed 1D barcodes. Phones can scan with the camera in many billing apps, which is enough for a low-volume counter.

Rollout plan for a running shop

1. 1Export or list all items and mark which already have a manufacturer barcode.
2. 2Scan the manufacturer barcodes into those items first; this is the quickest win.
3. 3Generate codes for the remaining items, category by category, starting with the fastest movers.
4. 4Print labels for current stock and label shelves, then label new stock as it arrives.
5. 5For a week, bill by scanning where possible and fix every "not found" at once.
6. 6After a month, check what share of bill lines were scanned; aim to raise it steadily.

The numbers to watch

Where TripleBill fits

TripleBill lets you set the barcode type (Code 128, EAN-13 or QR), generate a code for any item or enter the manufacturer's, and print label sheets in your chosen size. The POS and invoice form accept a USB barcode scanner, and the Android app can scan with the camera. Barcode billing and labels are on Starter and above; garment mode on Pro generates a barcode for each size × colour.