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What UPCs are and why they matter

Understanding barcodes so items scan correctly at checkout

Written by Michael Cook

Updated at December 22nd, 2025

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Table of Contents

Before you begin Universal Product Codes Understand what a UPC is Know how a UPC is built Recognize common UPC types Watch for common UPC issues in XSite Check the physical product Review item activity in XSite Fix or remove the UPC if needed Tips & Warnings

This article shows you how to review and verify an item’s UPC in XSite and correct or remove it if it does not match the physical product so you can ensure items scan correctly at checkout and sales are recorded accurately.

Before you begin

You need access to Items in XSite so you can view and edit item details.

Universal Product Codes

Understand what a UPC is

  • A UPC (Universal Product Code) is the barcode scanned at checkout.
    It tells the system what the product is and who made it.

Know how a UPC is built

  • Most UPCs have 12 digits.
  • The last digit is a check digit used to catch barcode errors.
  • The code is split so scanners can read it in either direction.

Recognize common UPC types

  • UPC-A (12 digits) is the most common format.
  • UPC-E (8 digits) is a shorter format used on small items.

Watch for common UPC issues in XSite

  • Some items may show 8 digits and others 12 digits.
  • An 11-digit UPC usually means the last digit is missing.
  • Use the search bar to look up the item by UPC.

Check the physical product

  • Compare the barcode on the item to the UPC shown in XSite.

Review item activity in XSite

  • Open the item in XSite.
  • Select Inventory to see if the item has recorded sales.

Fix or remove the UPC if needed

  • Update the UPC to match the physical product, or
  • Remove the incorrect UPC if the item has no sales history.

Tips & Warnings

  • A missing or incorrect UPC can cause items not to scan at the POS.
  • Do not remove a UPC from an item that is actively selling without checking reports first.
  • If an item will not scan, confirm the barcode format before changing prices or departments.
  • When in doubt, compare the physical item to what is stored in XSite.
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