Scanner reads a 13-digit barcode with a leading zero as a 12-digit number

Legacy KB ID: 5140

Question

Why does my scanner omit the first digit of a 13 digit barcode?  It cannot identify the product. I am using the scanner from the Reckon Retail Starter Kit (Senor RSK)

 

Answer

Omit the leading zero from a 13-digit barcode.

 

The Issue

This is a very technical problem concerning the way different barcode protocols read a barcode that looks the same. 

Most scanners in Australia when they encounter a leading zero assume it is a country indicator that can be ignored.  Only the remaining 12 digits are recognised.  This does not match to any barcode in the POS database.

Random Barcodes may also experience this problem.  The common leading digit is “02”, but as it is a pair it is still read.

For a full technical explanation, see:

https://www.nationwidebarcode.com/are-upc-a-and-ean-13-the-same/

 

 

Workaround

Remove the leading zero from standard 13-digit barcodes.

For random barcodes, replace the leading “02” with another series – Like “20” to “29”.

 

 

Need more help?

Ask the Reckon Community at: https://community.reckon.com/reckon.

 

How did we do?

Surcharges do not calculate correctly on Refunds

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