EAN (European Article Numbering)

What Is an EAN Number Used For?

The EAN system makes it possible to:

– Uniquely and quickly identify products
Each product receives its own EAN number, which functions as a unique ID. This means that regardless of where or when the product is scanned – in-store, at the warehouse, or by a partner – the system immediately recognizes the exact item. This eliminates confusion and ensures accurate product handling across the entire supply chain.

– Simplify inventory management and goods reception
When your products are labeled with EAN barcodes, you can scan them quickly during receiving, stock counting, or picking and packing using a handheld scanner. This saves time and reduces manual errors, as you avoid typing product names or SKU numbers. In Rackbeat, for example, you can scan the product directly into the system and have your stock updated instantly.

– Automate sales and logistics processes
EAN barcodes make it easy to automate workflows across purchasing management, sales, and shipping. When a product is scanned during a sale, it’s automatically deducted from inventory, and the correct item is shown on the invoice. In logistics, the EAN system ensures that the correct items are picked, packed, and shipped – without unnecessary steps or errors.

– Improve traceability and accuracy in the supply chain
A standardized system like EAN provides clear visibility into where your products are in the supply chain – from manufacturer to end customer. This makes it easier to trace issues, handle recalls, and document what was sold, when, and to whom. This is particularly important in industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where traceability is a legal requirement.

With an EAN number in place, your products are always clearly registered and easy to track. You save time, improve accuracy – and gain peace of mind when your stock levels match reality.

How Do You Get an EAN Number?

If you want to start using EAN barcodes on your products, you need to be assigned your own unique EAN numbers, which requires registration with GS1.

Here’s how the process works:

• Step 1: Register your company with GS1 Denmark
  Start by creating an account on GS1 Denmark, the official Danish provider of the EAN system. You’ll choose the membership plan that fits your company size and needs.

• Step 2: Receive your GS1 company prefix
  Once registered, your company will be assigned a unique numeric prefix – this acts as the “sender ID” on all your EAN numbers. It allows others to identify your business as the manufacturer or supplier.

• Step 3: Create your own EAN numbers for products
  You can now start generating individual EAN-13 or EAN-8 numbers for your products. You decide which items get which codes, and you manage everything via GS1’s platform. Each combination represents one specific product variant (e.g., same product in different sizes or colors).

• Step 4: Label your products with barcodes
  The generated EAN numbers should now be applied to your products as barcodes. This can be done using labels, direct printing on packaging, or automated labeling systems. Once labeled, your products are ready to be scanned – for example, in Rackbeat.

Tip: Many major retailers, wholesalers, and online marketplaces (such as Amazon and Zalando) require valid EAN numbers before they will list your products.

Benefits of Using EAN

Implementing EAN barcodes in your inventory management brings a range of advantages – both for daily operations and long-term business success:

• Faster and more accurate inventory registration
  EAN barcodes eliminate manual data entry and reduce the risk of human error. Simply scan the item, and it is instantly recognized and registered correctly in your system. This speeds up receiving, picking, and stocktaking significantly.

• Improved efficiency throughout the supply chain
  When both you and your partners use EAN numbers, communication around products becomes much simpler. Suppliers, logistics partners, and customers all speak the same “language,” which reduces misunderstandings, duplicate work, and unnecessary delays.

• Lower risk of errors in sales and logistics
  Scanning minimizes mistakes throughout the order flow – from product selection to picking and shipping. This means fewer incorrect deliveries, fewer returns, and increased operational reliability. With Rackbeat, you can even scan directly from picking lists and packing slips.

• Better customer experience and increased trust
  Delivering the right products, on time and in the correct quantity strengthens both customer satisfaction and your company’s reputation. Barcodes on documents and packages also give your business a more professional appearance.

• Access to large retail chains and online marketplaces
  Many major retailers and marketplaces – like Amazon – require valid EAN numbers. By using EAN, you’re ready to join professional sales channels and scale your business effectively.

EAN and Rackbeat – the Perfect Match

At Rackbeat, we’ve made it easy to integrate EAN barcodes into your inventory management. Rackbeat supports the addition, scanning, and display of barcodes directly within the platform and on the PDF documents you use every day.

With Rackbeat, you get:

• Easy EAN-13 barcode assignment to your products

• Full support for your warehouse flow – from goods reception to shipping

• Integration with accounting systems like e-conomic (including EAN invoicing)

• User-friendly setup and flexible layout configuration

Ready to Streamline EAN, Product Numbers and Inventory Management?

If you want to work more professionally with your product numbers, handheld scanners, and barcodes – and have an inventory management system that just works – we’re ready to help you get started.

Whether you run a webshop, wholesale business, or produce your own products, we can show you how Rackbeat can be tailored to your needs and simplify your day-to-day warehouse operations.

Book a free, no-obligation online meeting with one of our advisors right here:

Related Terms

• Inventory management

• Picking list

• Value chain

• Stocktaking

• Batch number

• FIFO (First In, First Out)

• Handheld scanner