Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What information does a bar code primarily provide?

1. Product usage instructions

2. Manufacturer and stock keeping units

3. Storage conditions for the product

4. Retail pricing and promotional deals

The correct answer is: Manufacturer and stock keeping units

A bar code primarily conveys important information that facilitates inventory management and product identification. This includes key details such as the manufacturer’s identity and stock keeping units (SKUs), which are unique identifiers assigned to each distinct product and service that can be purchased. The SKU allows for efficient tracking and management of inventory levels, making it easier for retailers and businesses to manage their stock and streamline operations. In contrast, other options may provide useful information but are not the primary purpose of a bar code. Product usage instructions, for example, are typically found on the packaging rather than encoded within the bar code itself. Storage conditions, although critical for certain products, would also not be included in a bar code format but rather indicated on the product label. Retail pricing and promotional deals are more dynamic and can change frequently, which is why they are usually managed within the retailer's database rather than encoded within a bar code. The function of a bar code focuses on facilitating quick and accurate identification of products in the supply chain, which is essential for efficiency in sales and inventory control.