Internal item code
A company-defined code for internal recognition; do not assume it is a trade-item number.
ERP Guides
Item identity and labelling
How to Manage Product Barcodes
A barcode is a machine-readable representation of an item or package identifier. Effective management depends on mapping the number to the correct item and variant, printing a fit-for-purpose label and testing it at the actual scan point.
Label preview
Item code
STK-XXXXX
GTIN / trade number: assigned valueBlack · size 38
Illustration only; it does not contain a real GTIN or scannable product number.
Define the use before assigning a code
Internal codes, trade-item identifiers and package codes serve different needs
Before printing, determine where the barcode will be scanned and with whom it will be shared. A company code for internal warehouse use may not replace the trade-item identifier required by a retailer or marketplace.
Trade item number
When shared with suppliers, retailers or marketplaces, it must follow the relevant numbering rules.
Case and package identity
A single item and a case/package can represent different trade units; identify them for the intended scan use.
A GTIN is a trade-item identification number; allocation and product-variant rules follow the GS1 standard. Do not present an internal code as a GTIN. Consult the GS1 GTIN™ Management Standard directly.
Item mapping
Make the item represented by each code unambiguous
An item may have alternate supplier barcodes, but similar products or variants should not be mapped to the same record by mistake. Map each code to the item, colour/size/dimension, package level and intended use.
From barcode to item record
Scanned identifier
NUMARA-…
Type and source
Item record
Item · variant · unit
Label and transaction resolve correctly
If a number is assigned to multiple records, the system may not know which mapping is correct. Validate uniqueness when entering codes.
Label design
Show what scanners and people need on the label
Choose label fields for their intended location. Printing the human-readable number, item description and, where needed, variant alongside the barcode helps staff spot a mismatched label.
Readable item name
Let warehouse and sales staff identify the item quickly.
Item code and variant
Distinguish similar products and colour/size options.
Barcode number
Keep visible text for manual checking if a scan fails.
Package and quantity
State the represented unit when the label is on a case or set.
Scan validation
Verify that the scan resolves to the right item
A successful test is more than a scanner beep. It should open the expected item and variant and provide a clear result for wrong codes, duplicate scans and damaged labels.
Correct item and variant
Does scanning resolve to the expected colour, size, dimension or package record?
Number mapping
Does the printed barcode match the number stored on the item, and is it assigned elsewhere?
Print and scan
Is the label readable across the intended printers, with a clear symbol and human-readable number?
Packaging level
Does the scanned label represent an individual item, a pack or a case?
Item and package barcode management
Assigning barcodes to item records, storing alternate identifiers, preparing label content and validating scans for product/warehouse use.
How are production operations tracked by barcode?
Scanning work orders, operation starts/completions and shop-floor data collection is a separate production tracking workflow. Managing product barcodes alone does not create those operation records.
Frequently asked questions about barcode management
Does every product need a barcode?
It depends on whether the item must be identified only inside the business or also by trade partners and sales channels. An internal code may be enough for warehouse use; confirm accepted identifiers and barcode requirements with the channel or GS1 Türkiye for external trade.
Is an internal item code the same as a GTIN?
No. An internal item code identifies an item within the company’s system. A GTIN is a standard trade-item identifier with allocation and creation rules. Do not use an internal code as if it were a GTIN.
Should colour and size variants have separate barcodes?
If a scanned variant is managed as a distinct trade item or inventory unit, its identifier should distinguish it clearly. Check GS1 rules for product variants and packaging levels when allocating GTINs.
Can one item have more than one barcode?
Depending on system capability and process needs, alternate or supplier barcodes may be linked to one record. Keep each number’s source, purpose and represented item/variant clear.