➡️ Three types of barcodes
| Auto-generated | Your own custom code | Manufacturer UPC |
How it works | SureStock creates a unique barcode for each material automatically | You define the value: any number, code, or identifier from your own system | Use the barcode already printed on the box or part |
Setup | None, works out of the box | Enter your codes manually | None, just scan the existing label |
Best for | Teams with no labeling system yet | Teams that already use their own labeling conventions | Parts that already have a manufacturer code, no re-labeling needed |
➡️ Option 1: Scan and assign
Scan the barcode with your scanner.
Tap Add New Item.
Search for the material you want to link it to.
Pick the location and set the quantity.
Tap Save Material.
Once you save, that barcode is linked to the material at the location you chose.
➡️ Option 2: Edit from the location
Go to the location where the material is stocked.
Find the material and click the three dots (⋯) next to it.
Select Edit availability.
Enter your barcode in the field and click Add code.
To remove an existing code, click the X next to it.
Click Save Changes.
➡️ A material can have more than one barcode
You can add an auto-generated barcode, a manufacturer UPC, and your own custom code to the same material. SureStock recognizes any of them when scanned, which is handy when a part has a manufacturer barcode on the box and your own label on the shelf.
➡️ Printing your labels
Once your barcodes are set, you can print labels from the web or the mobile app:
➡️ Best practices
✅ Use the manufacturer barcode whenever it's there.
It saves you from printing and sticking a new label.
✅ Keep one convention for custom codes.
If you create your own, stick to the same format (for example, your item number) so your team always knows what to expect.
✅ Label the shelf, not just the box.
When the box is gone, a shelf label means the material can still be scanned.
➡️ Common Issues
"I added a barcode, but it doesn't scan at another location."
Barcodes are saved per location. If the same material lives in several warehouses or trucks, add the code at each one. If you need to set a barcode across many materials or locations at once (for example, using your item numbers), contact Support and we can take care of it in bulk.
"I scanned a code but the material wasn't found."
The code hasn't been added to that material at that location yet. Use Option 1 to link it right from the scan.
➡️ FAQs
If I scan a manufacturer barcode to create a material, does it get saved as the UPC?
No. It's saved as a barcode, not in the UPC field. See Barcode vs. UPC in SureStock for why.
Can I remove the auto-generated barcode?
Yes. In Edit availability, click the X next to it and save.
Still need help?