Understanding random weight barcodes

RMH supports price embedded random weight barcodes. As the name suggests, with price embedded barcodes the retail price of the item is embedded in the barcode. When a price embedded barcode is scanned or entered in POS, RMH divides the retail price by the unit price to determine the weight.

There are two industry standard formats for random weight barcodes:

  • UPC-A: This is a 12-digit barcode that usually starts with 2. This is the standard format in the U.S..

  • EAN-13: This is a 13-digit barcode that usually starts with 20 or 02. This is the standard format in Europe.

Both formats use the same structure: they start with a barcode type which is 1 or 2 digits, followed by an item code (sometimes called the PLU) which must be 5 digits, and the price which must also be 5 digits. The last digit is a check digit which is calculated by the system.

When setting up random weight items in RMH:

  • If the item code/PLU part of the barcode is less than 5 digits, you should use leading zeros to make it 5 digits long, e.g., 04011.

  • The price and check digit parts of the barcode should always be zeroes in the item record. These zeros will be replaced by the price of the item and a check digit that is calculated by the system when the label is printed.

Random weight items typically fall into three categories in a store:

  • Items weighed at POS: These are typically loose fruits or vegetables that have an industry standard PLU sticker attached, or have an Item Lookup Code (ILC) that is unique to the store. If there is an integrated scale in the POS lane, the cashier enters the PLU/ILC and the weight from the integrated scale is used to calculate the price.

Note: If the POS lane does not have an integrated scale, the ILC does not need to conform to the random weight protocol and does not have to be a random weight barcode. Instead, the cashier can simply scan or enter the ILC and enter the quantity.

  • Pre-labeled random weight items: These are products that are packaged outside of the store, such as meat or poultry. They typically come pre-labeled. The items must be added to RMH with the relevant UPC-A or EAN-13 barcodes used by the producer. The price or weight are embedded in the barcode and the cashier only has to scan or enter the barcode to ring up the item.

  • Random weight items that are labeled in store: These are products that are packaged in the store, such as deli items. They are weighed in store and the labels are printed and affixed to the items by store employees. The items must be added to RMH with the relevant UPC-A or EAN-13 barcodes used by the store. The price or weight are embedded in the barcode and the cashier only has to scan or enter the barcode to ring up the item.