What does a barcode reveal about a product?
A barcode contains much less descriptive product information than many people expect.
Primarily an identifier
A classic EAN or UPC barcode encodes the GTIN. It does not automatically contain the product name, description, price, ingredients or image.
Databases provide context
Databases, manufacturers, merchant feeds and other sources connect a GTIN with actual product information.
Prices are dynamic
A price is not permanently part of the GTIN. The same product can be sold by several merchants at different prices at the same time.
Why the identifier matters
GTIN provides a stable common identity, which allows information and offers from different sources to be associated with the same product.