# Barcode

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> The barcode is the most widely used optical identification tool in logistics, enabling automated data capture and continuous shipment tracking across the supply chain.

The barcode is the most widely used optical identification tool in logistics, enabling automated data capture and continuous shipment tracking across the supply chain. It encodes information as a sequence of parallel bars of varying widths and gaps, readable by handheld or fixed-mount scanners. Warehouses and freight operators use barcodes to uniquely identify articles, packages, and shipping units, supporting goods-receipt booking, inventory management, and end-to-end track and trace. Established standards include EAN (European Article Number) for retail items and GS1-128 for pallet- and parcel-level logistics units. Where higher data density is needed, one-dimensional barcodes are increasingly complemented by two-dimensional codes such as QR or DataMatrix, which store significantly more information in the same space.

**Source:** [https://www.gs1.org](https://www.gs1.org)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Barcode |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 114 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.gs1.org |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/barcode](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/barcode)*

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