What Is a Barcode? 1D and 2D Types and How Warehouses Use Them
A barcode encodes data, such as a product code, as bars or a dot pattern that a scanner reads instantly instead of someone typing it. This guide covers the common 1D and 2D barcode types, GS1 numbering, and how warehouses use barcodes to keep stock data accurate.
Short answer: A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data, usually a product or location code. There are two main families: 1D (linear) barcodes such as EAN-13 and Code 128, and 2D barcodes such as QR Code and DataMatrix. In a warehouse, scanning a barcode at every receipt, move, pick and shipment keeps system stock in line with what is physically on the shelf.
What types of barcode are there?
| Type | Format | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 / UPC | 1D, 13 or 12 digits | Retail products and marketplaces |
| Code 128 | 1D, letters and numbers | Warehouse labels, locations, shipping documents |
| ITF-14 | 1D, for shipping units | Outer cartons and cases |
| QR Code | 2D, high capacity | Web links, payments, product information |
| DataMatrix | 2D, very small footprint | Electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices |
What is a GS1 number?
GS1 is the organisation that manages global product numbering standards. Retail EAN-13 barcodes carry a GS1 number (GTIN). The first digits identify the GS1 member organisation that issued the number, not the country where the product was made; for example, 885 is assigned to GS1 Thailand.
How do warehouses use barcodes?
Receiving
Scan goods against the expected receipt; print an internal label for items without a barcode.
Put-away
Scan the shelf location to confirm where the item was stored.
Picking
Scan the location and the item; the system warns on a mismatch.
Counting
Scan by location; the system compares counts with the record immediately.
Shipping
Scan before packing and before loading.
Barcodes only deliver accurate data when every step is scanned. Any step that is still written on paper and typed in later becomes the source of stock errors.
Equipment and systems
1D barcodes can be read by laser or imager scanners; 2D codes need an imager or camera. In the ci.Himalayas WMS family, ci.Himalayas/Base scans barcodes with an Android smartphone, and WMS Standard works with wireless handheld terminals and can print barcode labels for items that arrive without one.
FAQ: barcodes
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a pattern of bars or dots that encodes data, such as a product code, so a scanner can read it instantly instead of someone typing it.
What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
1D barcodes are linear and hold little data. 2D codes such as QR Code and DataMatrix hold much more data in a small area and need an imager or camera to read.
What does 885 at the start of a barcode mean?
It is the prefix assigned to GS1 Thailand. It shows which GS1 organisation issued the number, not where the product was made.
What if a product has no barcode?
Print an internal barcode label at receiving and link it to the product code in your warehouse system.
Updated October 2026 by C NET (Thailand)
