The Bar Coding and Item Labels feature automatically generates a bar code for each item based on the Item Name/Number, or Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), on the item record. Item bar codes are generated based on the contents of the Item Name/Number field in an item record. Most bar codes use a number or alphanumeric string for this field.
Bar codes are also generated for each transaction, as well as serial numbers if you use them.
NetSuite's bar code integration works with any bar code scanner that functions as a keyboard input device. The scanner translates the bar code into text, as if you typed it on the keyboard.
You can input and track information in NetSuite by generating bar codes for each item and transaction. For example, you can:
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Print labels to affix to the items that show the item price, and bar codes for item number and serial number.
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Scan bar code labeled items to add them to a sales transaction or receive them on a purchase transaction.
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Scan transaction bar codes to bulk receive, fulfil, pick, pack, ship, bill or approve orders.
Bar codes for items can be generated in one of the following formats:
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UPC – specific number of integer characters
A UPC bar code symbol is a pattern of black bars with white spaces with numbers below. The numbers are encoded in the symbol and uniquely identify the product. This group of numbers is referred to as a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The symbol is read by scanners to capture the GTIN, which is used in conjunction with computer systems to track sales and product orders. The GTIN in a UPC Bar Code Symbol is always 12-digits in length.
Note
A 12-digit UPC code will have the country digit appended as the first digit. The country digit for the US is 0.
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EAN – Bar codes that have 13-digits are EAN format.
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Code 128 – allows alphanumeric and non-printing characters
Code 128 is a very high density alphanumeric bar code, and is more flexible than the UPC format. The symbol can be as long as necessary to store the encoded data. It is designed to encode text, numbers, several functions and the entire 128 character ASCII character set.
You can indicate which bar code format you are using on a per item basis.
Using Code 128 Bar Codes
Leave the UPC Code field blank on item records. Items use the Code 128 format for bar codes by default.
When the UPC Code field is clear, the SKU/UPC field on item labels displays the Item Name/Number and prints in Code-128 bar code format.
To use a UPC or EAN bar code:
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Go to the item record at Lists > Accounting > Items.
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Click Edit next to the item record in the list.
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Enter the code in the UPC Code field. Enter a maximum of 999 characters in this field to identify an internal name or number to store the item's UPC Code. You can use the text you enter here when adding the item to transactions, searching, or viewing reports.
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When you enter text in this field, the SKU/UPC field on item labels displays this UPC Code and prints in UPC bar code format.
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When this field is clear, the SKU/UPC field on item labels displays the Item Name/Number and prints in Code-128 bar code format.
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Click Save.
NetSuite supports bar code labels for the UPC A format and the EAN format. If an invalid number is entered in the UPC Code field, the bar code might not display properly.
Note
Bar codes on transactions are always generated in Code 128 format. When bar codes are printed on labels or transactions, the transaction or Item Name/Number it represents prints below the bar code.
To scan bar codes properly, you must use popup windows instead of lists. To use only popup windows, go to Home > Set Preferences and set the Maximum Size of Drop Downs to 0. Then, click Save.
Activating the Bar Coding and Item Labels Feature
To activate the Bar Coding and Item Labels feature:
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Go to Setup > Company > Setup Tasks > Enable Features.
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On the Items & Inventory subtab, check the Bar Coding and Item Labels box
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Click Save.
Although some use the term barcode, NetSuite uses the term bar code.