Barcode & Inventory Glossary
Definitions of the barcode, inventory, asset, and API terms used in Orca Scan
1D Barcode (Linear Barcode)
A 1D Barcode is a traditional barcode format made up of black and white vertical lines. It stores information horizontally and is commonly used in retail, warehousing, logistics, and inventory tracking.
Learn more →2D Barcode
A 2D Barcode stores information both horizontally and vertically, allowing it to hold much more data than traditional linear barcodes. Common examples include QR Codes and DataMatrix barcodes.
Learn more →API (Application Programming Interface)
An API lets different software systems exchange data automatically. In Orca Scan, APIs are used to connect barcode data with other tools and systems.
Learn more →Asset
Assets are any physical item, equipment, tool, or resource owned or managed by a business that provides operational or financial value. Businesses commonly track assets using barcodes to monitor usage, location, and condition.
Asset Control
Asset Control is the process of managing, monitoring, and maintaining physical assets throughout their lifecycle. Businesses use asset control systems to track ownership, condition, maintenance history and usage to improve accountability and reduce lost or untracked equipment.
Asset Management
Asset Management is the process of tracking and maintaining physical assets throughout their lifecycle. This includes knowing where assets are, who’s using them, when they were serviced, and their current condition.
Asset Maps
Asset Maps display the live or last known location of assets on a map using GPS tracking data collected during barcode scans.
Learn more →Asset Register
An Asset Register is a centralised record containing information about physical assets, including serial numbers, locations, maintenance history, ownership, and status.
Asset Tracking
Asset tracking is the process of recording where assets are, who has them, and their current condition. Teams use barcode scans or QR codes to keep asset records up to date.
Audit Trail
An Audit Trail is a chronological record showing every action performed on an item or system, including scans, updates, movements, and user activity. Audit trails help businesses improve accountability, traceability, and compliance.
Learn more →Aztec Code
An Aztec Code is a compact 2D barcode format with strong error correction, commonly used in transportation, ticketing, and boarding pass systems.
Learn more →Barcode
A Barcode is a machine-readable image used to identify products, assets, locations, or records. When scanned, the barcode links physical items to digital data inside an inventory management or asset tracking system.
Learn more →Barcode Inventory System
A Barcode Inventory System is a stock-tracking workflow that uses scans instead of manual counts or spreadsheets. It helps teams update stock levels, locations, and movement in one place.
Learn more →Barcode Label
A Barcode Label is a printed label containing a barcode and related information used to identify products, assets, locations, or inventory during barcode scanning workflows.
Barcode Label Printing
Barcode Label Printing is the process of creating and printing barcode labels used to identify products, inventory, assets, shipments, or storage locations.
Barcode Parser
A Barcode Parser converts raw barcode data into structured information such as GTINs, expiry dates, batch numbers, or serial numbers, making barcode data easier to work with.
Learn more →Barcode Scanner
A barcode scanner is a device or app that reads barcode data and sends it into your system. In Orca Scan, that can mean a smartphone camera, tablet, or dedicated scanner.
Barcode Standards
Barcode Standards are agreed rules that define how barcode data is structured, stored, and interpreted. Standards such as GS1, HIBC, ISBT, UDI, and FMD ensure barcode data can be scanned and understood consistently across different systems, industries, and countries.
Barcode Tracking
Barcode Tracking is the process of scanning barcodes to track where items are, who’s using them, and what’s happening to them in real time. Businesses use barcode tracking to manage inventory, assets, equipment, deliveries, and operational workflows more accurately.
Batch Number
A Batch Number identifies products manufactured together during the same production run. Grouping products into batches improves traceability, quality control, and product recalls because businesses can quickly identify which items were produced together.
Example:
BATCH-16-07-2024
Bill of Materials (BOM)
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a structured list of all parts, materials, components, and quantities required to build or assemble a finished product. Manufacturers use BOMs to manage production planning, purchasing, and inventory control.
Bin location
A Bin Location is a labelled storage position within a warehouse or stockroom, such as a shelf, rack, drawer, or pallet space. Bin locations help warehouse teams quickly locate stock during picking, stock counts, replenishment, and inventory audits.
Examples:
A-12
,
BIN-004
,
RACK-3-LEVEL-2
Bulk Scan
Bulk Scan allows teams to scan multiple items quickly without manually opening each record individually. Bulk scanning is commonly used during stock takes, warehouse receiving, and inventory audits.
Calibration Tracking
Calibration Tracking is the process of recording calibration schedules, test results, and certification history for equipment and measuring tools.
Chain of Custody
Chain of Custody is a documented record showing who handled an item, when it was transferred, and where it moved throughout its lifecycle. Barcode systems help create secure digital chains of custody for traceability and compliance.
Cloud
The Cloud refers to software, storage, and services hosted online instead of on a single local device. Cloud-based barcode systems like Orca Scan allow teams to access real-time inventory and asset data from anywhere using smartphones, tablets, web browsers, or industrial scanners.
Code 39
Code 39 is an alphanumeric barcode format commonly used to track inventory, assets, equipment, and operational records across manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare environments.
Learn more →Code 128
Code 128 is a high-density barcode format capable of storing large amounts of alphanumeric data in a small space. It is commonly used for shipping labels, warehouse tracking, logistics operations, and inventory management.
Learn more →Conditional Triggers
Conditional Triggers are automation rules that perform actions when specific conditions are met. For example, businesses can automatically notify teams when stock is low, flag expired inventory, or update workflows after a barcode scan.
Learn more →Consignment Inventory
Consignment Inventory is stock stored at a customer or distributor location that remains owned by the supplier until it is used or sold. This approach helps businesses reduce upfront purchasing costs while maintaining product availability.
Contact Tracing
Contact Tracing is the process of recording interactions, locations, or attendance information to identify who may have been exposed to a person, product, or incident. Digital contact tracing systems improve traceability, reporting, and response times compared to manual paper-based records.
Learn more →CSV Export
A CSV Export allows inventory or barcode data to be downloaded into spreadsheet tools such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for reporting, analysis, or sharing.
Learn more →Cycle Counting
Cycle Counting is an inventory auditing method where small sections of inventory are counted regularly instead of shutting down operations for a full stock take. This helps businesses maintain accurate inventory records with minimal disruption.
Learn more →Data Capture
Data Capture is the process of collecting information digitally using tools such as barcode scanning, QR codes, forms, or integrations.
DataMatrix
A DataMatrix barcode is a compact 2D barcode capable of storing large amounts of data in a very small space. DataMatrix codes are commonly used in healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, and UDI barcode systems.
Learn more →Digital Link
GS1 Digital Link is a new barcode standard that connects physical products directly to the internet using QR codes powered by GS1 standards. When a customer scans the code with their smartphone, they are taken to a live product page containing information such as ingredients, manuals, videos, recycling instructions, or promotions. Orca Scan’s Digital Link solution allows businesses to create and manage these QR codes and landing pages from a single platform.
Learn more →EAN (European Article Number)
An EAN barcode is an internationally recognised retail barcode standard used globally outside North America. EAN barcodes help businesses identify and track products consistently across international supply chains.
Learn more →Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is an inventory calculation used to determine the ideal amount of stock to order at one time. EOQ helps businesses balance ordering costs, storage costs, and stock availability to reduce overall inventory expenses.
Endpoints
An API endpoint is a specific URL that software uses to send or retrieve data automatically. In Orca Scan, endpoints connect barcode data to other systems and workflows.
Equipment Tracking
Equipment tracking is the process of recording the location, status, and condition of tools or equipment over time. It is often used for shared items like laptops, tools, and site equipment.
Learn more →Fabrication Tracking
Fabrication Tracking is the process of monitoring materials, components, and production stages throughout a fabrication workflow. Businesses use fabrication tracking systems to record progress, manage work orders, track completed assemblies, and improve visibility across manufacturing operations.
Learn more →FEFO Inventory
FEFO (First Expired, First Out) is an inventory management method where products with the earliest expiry dates are used first. FEFO is commonly used in healthcare, food production, pharmaceuticals, and other industries where expiry tracking is critical.
Field (Data Field)
A Field is an individual piece of information stored about an item, such as a serial number, expiry date, location, status, or assigned user.
Field Service Management
Field Service Management is the coordination of teams working outside the office performing inspections, repairs, installations, servicing, or maintenance work in the field.
FIFO Inventory
FIFO (First In, First Out) is a stock rotation method where older inventory is picked, sold, or shipped before newer stock. Businesses use FIFO to reduce waste, improve stock freshness, and prevent older inventory sitting unused in storage.
FMD (Falsified Medicines Directive)
The Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) is an EU regulation designed to prevent counterfeit medicines entering the supply chain. It requires many prescription medicines to include a scannable 2D DataMatrix barcode for authentication and traceability.
Learn more →Formulas
Formulas automatically calculate values using data stored inside a system. Businesses commonly use formulas to calculate stock totals, expiry periods, inventory values, or operational metrics without manually updating spreadsheets.
Learn more →GLN (Global Location Number)
A GLN is a unique identifier used to identify locations within the supply chain, including warehouses, stores, suppliers, and distribution centres. GLNs help businesses track where products are stored, shipped, or received across multiple locations.
Goods In
Goods In refers to the process of receiving products or inventory into a warehouse or storage location. Barcode scanning during goods-in helps teams verify deliveries, update stock levels, and reduce manual data entry.
Goods Out
Goods Out is the process of picking, packing, and dispatching products from a warehouse or storage location. Barcode scanning helps improve shipping accuracy and inventory tracking during fulfilment.
GS1
GS1 is the global organisation responsible for barcode and supply chain standards, including GTINs, EANs, UPCs, and GLNs. These standards help businesses identify, track, and exchange product data consistently across global supply chains.
Learn more →GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
A GTIN is a globally recognised product identifier issued by GS1. It allows retailers, suppliers, warehouses, and inventory systems to recognise the same product consistently across the supply chain. GTINs include formats such as EANs, UPCs, and GTIN-14 carton codes. Unlike SKUs, you cannot create GTINs yourself; they must be generated and provided by GS1.
Learn more →Hedging Inventory
Hedging Inventory is extra stock purchased or stored to protect against future supply chain disruptions, price increases, shortages, or seasonal demand changes.
HIBC
HIBC (Health Industry Barcode) is a barcode standard used within healthcare to identify and track medical devices, surgical instruments, and healthcare products.
Learn more →HIBCC
HIBCC (Health Industry Business Communications Council) is the organisation responsible for developing and maintaining HIBC barcode standards for the healthcare industry.
History Log
A History Log records every change made to a record, including scans, updates, locations, timestamps, and user activity. History logs help businesses maintain accurate audit trails and operational visibility.
Learn more →Inspection Tracking
Inspection Tracking is the process of recording inspections, observations, and follow-up actions for assets, equipment or inventory across operational sites.
Integration
An Integration connects Orca Scan with other software systems so data can move automatically between platforms. Integrations help businesses connect barcode scanning workflows with tools like Google Sheets, Excel, Power BI, SQL databases, and reporting platforms.
Learn more →Inventory
Inventory refers to the products, materials, parts, or goods a business stores, uses, sells, or manages as part of its operations. Inventory can include raw materials, finished products, spare parts, tools, and operational supplies.
Inventory Accuracy
Inventory Accuracy measures how closely your recorded stock matches what you physically have on shelves or in storage.
Inventory Audit
An Inventory Audit is the process of checking physical stock against recorded inventory data to identify missing items, stock discrepancies, or inventory errors.
Inventory List
An Inventory List is a recorded breakdown of all stock or assets held by a business, including quantities, locations, item details, and current availability.
Inventory Management
Inventory Management is the process of storing, tracking, and controlling stock throughout the supply chain. Businesses use inventory management systems to improve visibility, operations and reduce stock errors.
Learn more →Inventory Optimisation
Inventory Optimisation is the process of balancing stock levels to avoid overstocking and stock shortages while improving inventory efficiency, cash flow, and product availability.
Inventory Tracking
Inventory Tracking is the process of monitoring stock levels, stock locations, and inventory movements in real time. Businesses use inventory tracking systems to reduce stock errors, improve warehouse visibility, and maintain accurate inventory records.
Learn more →Inventory Turnover
Inventory Turnover measures how quickly inventory is sold, used, or replaced over a specific period. High inventory turnover often indicates strong stock movement and efficient inventory management.
Inventory Visibility
Inventory Visibility means being able to see what stock you have, where it is, and what’s happening to it in real time across your business.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
An ISBN is a unique identifier assigned to books and book-related products. ISBNs help publishers, retailers, and libraries identify specific book editions and formats.
Learn more →ISBT
ISBT is a global barcode and labelling standard used for blood products, tissue samples, cellular therapy, and other medical products of human origin.
ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)
ITF is a compact numeric barcode format designed for high-volume warehouse and logistics environments. Because ITF barcodes can be printed directly onto cardboard and packaging materials, they are commonly used on cartons and shipping boxes.
Learn more →JSON
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format used to structure and exchange information between systems. It’s commonly used in APIs, barcode parsing, integrations, and cloud applications because it is easy for both humans and software to read.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory
Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory is an inventory management method where stock is ordered or received only when needed for production or fulfilment. JIT helps reduce storage costs and excess inventory but relies on accurate forecasting and reliable suppliers.
Landed Cost
Landed Cost is the total cost of getting inventory delivered and ready for use or sale. It includes the product cost alongside shipping, taxes, duties, insurance, handling fees, and other supply chain expenses.
Lead Time
Lead Time is the amount of time between placing an order and receiving the goods or completing the process. Businesses monitor lead times to improve planning, purchasing, and inventory availability.
Lookup Table
A Lookup Table automatically matches barcode data with related information stored elsewhere in your system, helping reduce manual data entry during scanning.
Learn more →Lot Number
A Lot Number is used to group multiple related batches together. Businesses often use lot numbers to track products manufactured across a full working day, shipment, or production period.
Maintenance Tracking
Maintenance Tracking is the process of recording and managing equipment inspections, servicing, repairs, and maintenance schedules. Businesses use maintenance tracking systems to reduce downtime, improve asset reliability, and maintain accurate service histories.
Learn more →Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest quantity of a product a supplier is willing to manufacture or sell in a single order.
Mobile Barcode Scanning
Mobile Barcode Scanning uses smartphones or tablets to scan barcodes without dedicated hardware. Businesses use mobile barcode scanning for inventory tracking, asset management, inspections, and warehouse operations.
Learn more →Moving Average Cost
Moving Average Cost is an inventory valuation method that continuously recalculates the average cost of stock as new inventory is purchased. This helps businesses track inventory value more consistently when prices change over time.
MRO Inventory
MRO Inventory refers to Maintenance, Repair, and Operations supplies used to support daily business operations, rather than direct product sales. Examples include tools, safety equipment, cleaning supplies, spare parts, and maintenance materials.
No-Code Platform
A No-Code Platform allows businesses to build workflows, inventory systems, and barcode solutions without writing software code or developing custom applications.
Offline Barcode Scanning
Offline Barcode Scanning allows users to scan, search, and update records without an internet connection. Once the device reconnects, data automatically syncs.
Optimisation
Optimisation is the process of improving a workflow, system, or operation to make it more efficient, accurate, and reliable.
Orca Sheet
An Orca Sheet is a cloud-based spreadsheet inside Orca Scan used to store, organise, and manage barcode data. Businesses can customise Orca Sheets with fields, workflows, triggers, filters, and integrations to build barcode systems without writing code.
Learn more →PDF417
PDF417 is a stacked 2D barcode format capable of storing large amounts of text and structured data. It is commonly used on transport tickets, government identification documents, boarding passes, and compliance labels where more data needs to fit into a compact barcode.
Picklist Tracking
Picklist Tracking is the process of tracking items during order picking and fulfilment. Picklists guide warehouse teams on which products to retrieve, helping improve picking accuracy and warehouse efficiency.
Learn more →Purchase Order (PO) number
A Purchase Order Number is a reference created by a buyer when ordering products from a supplier. It records what was ordered, quantities requested, and agreed pricing before goods are received. Purchase orders are commonly used during goods-in and inventory receiving workflows.
Purchase Requisition
A Purchase Requisition is an internal request submitted to approve the purchase of products, materials, or services before a formal purchase order is created.
QR Code
A QR Code is a type of 2D barcode that can store links, contact details, inventory data, forms, and much more. QR codes are widely used for mobile barcode scanning because they can be scanned quickly using smartphones and tablets.
Learn more →QR Code Form
A QR Code Form allows users to submit information by scanning a QR code with their smartphone. Businesses use QR forms for inspections, visitor logs, maintenance requests, and data collection without requiring users to install an app.
Learn more →Receiving Inventory
Receiving Inventory is the process of checking and recording stock when it arrives at a warehouse, stockroom, or operational site. Barcode scanning helps teams update inventory quickly and reduce receiving errors.
RFID
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a tracking technology that uses radio signals to identify and monitor tagged items without requiring direct barcode scans.
Sales Order (SO) number
A Sales Order Number is a reference created by a seller to confirm and process a customer purchase. It links products, quantities, shipping details, and fulfilment activity to a specific customer order.
Scan History
Scan History is a complete audit trail showing when an item was scanned, updated, moved, or modified, including timestamps and user activity.
Learn more →Scan Validation
Scan Validation checks barcode data against rules or expected formats to help reduce scanning mistakes and improve data accuracy.
Serial Number
A Serial Number is a unique identifier assigned to a single physical item by its manufacturer. While multiple products may share the same model number, every individual item has its own serial number, making it possible to track that exact asset throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing to repair and resale. Think of it like a fingerprint for each specific product.
SKU
A SKU is an internal product code used to organise and track inventory within your own business. SKUs help teams identify product variations quickly during stock counts, picking and reporting. Unlike GTINs or supplier barcodes, SKUs are created and managed internally.
Example:
TSHIRT-BLK-M
or
ORCA-CASE-001
Specification
A Specification is a documented set of technical requirements or standards that explains how a system, barcode, API, or process should work. Specifications ensure different systems can communicate and operate consistently.
Specimen Tracking
Specimen Tracking is the process of tracking samples such as blood, tissue, or laboratory specimens throughout collection, testing, transport, storage, and disposal.
Learn more →SQL
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a language used to store, manage, and retrieve data from databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle. Businesses commonly use SQL databases to manage inventory, asset tracking, operational records, and reporting systems.
Learn more →Stock Control
Stock Control is the process of managing inventory levels to make sure businesses have the right stock available without over-ordering or running out.
Stock Movement
Stock Movement refers to any change in inventory location or quantity, including receiving stock, transfers, picking, shipping, returns, or adjustments.
Stock Rotation
Stock Rotation is the process of organising inventory so older or expiring stock is used before newer inventory. Effective stock rotation reduces waste and improves inventory control.
Stock Take
A Stock Take is the process of physically counting inventory to verify stock levels match recorded inventory data. Businesses perform stock takes to identify discrepancies, improve accuracy, and maintain reliable inventory records.
Supplier Relationship Management
Supplier Relationship Management is the process of managing communication, purchasing, performance, and collaboration between a business and its suppliers.
Thermal Printer
A Thermal Printer is a printer designed for barcode labels, shipping labels, and receipts. Thermal printers are commonly used in warehouses, logistics, healthcare, and retail because they print quickly without ink.
Learn more →Tool Tracking
Tool Tracking is the process of tracking tools and equipment to monitor where they are, who’s using them, and when maintenance or replacement is needed.
Traceability
Traceability is the ability to track the history, location, status, and movement of a product or asset throughout its lifecycle. Businesses use barcode traceability systems to improve compliance, recalls, audit trails, and inventory accuracy.
UDI (Unique Device Identification)
UDI is a healthcare identification system used to uniquely identify medical devices throughout their lifecycle. UDI barcodes improve traceability, patient safety, compliance, and product recalls across healthcare supply chains.
Learn more →UOM (Unit of Measure) Inventory
UOM Inventory refers to the way inventory quantities are measured and recorded within a system. Common units of measure include individual items, boxes, pallets, kilograms, litres, or metres.
UPC (Universal Product Code)
A UPC barcode is a retail barcode standard commonly used in North America. UPC barcodes allow point-of-sale systems to instantly identify products, pricing, and product information during checkout and inventory management workflows.
Learn more →Users
Users are the people who access and interact with a barcode system. In Orca Scan, users can be given different permissions to scan items, update records, manage inventory, administer sheets, or view operational data across teams and locations.
Learn more →Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI)
Vendor-Managed Inventory is an inventory management approach where the supplier monitors and replenishes stock levels on behalf of a business. This helps reduce stock shortages and simplifies inventory management for the buyer.
Views
Views allow businesses to organise and display data from multiple sheets in one place, making it easier to view and manage inventory across teams or locations.
Learn more →VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A VIN is a unique 17-character identifier assigned to a vehicle during manufacturing. VINs are used to track vehicle history, registration, servicing, recalls, and ownership.
Learn more →Warehouse Management
Warehouse Management is the process of organising, controlling, and optimising warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory tracking.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is software used to manage warehouse operations and inventory workflows. WMS platforms help businesses improve stock visibility, barcode scanning, order fulfilment, warehouse accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Webhooks
Webhooks allow one system to automatically send real-time data updates to another system when an event happens. For example, a webhook can instantly notify another application when a barcode is scanned, inventory changes, or a record is updated.
Learn more →Work Order Tracking
Work Order Tracking is the process of managing operational tasks such as repairs, servicing, inspections, or production work from start to completion.