Universal Product Code (UPC)

Twelve-digit barcode printed or affixed on virtually everything sold in supermarkets or retail stores, including books, magazines, candy, etc., for automatic checking-out at the cashier counter. UPC not only identifies an item, it also provides real time information on quantity sold, store traffic pattern, and inventory and ordering information. Introduced by IBM in 1973 for use in electronic point-of-sale applications, it was supplanted by European Article Numbering (EAN) code in 1976.