One problem people occasionally run into is that they attempt to make up their own UPCs, which then don't work once they've been printed.  This is because of what's known as the check digit.

A UPC is a 12 digit number, but the twelth digit is not random or created by the barcode's maker - it's automatically calculated from the first eleven.  Extreme POS software will allow you to put any twelve digit number there; however, many printers will automatically calculate the twelth digit and print the correct one.

In order to ensure that you are creating valid UPC codes, you may have the software generate it for you.  In inventory maintanence, simply go to the 'tools' tab, check the automatically generate my item numbers box, then hit new item defaults and make sure "use station defaults for new items" is checked.  After doing this, when you hit add, a valid, unique UPC code will be filled in by default.  You may change this number until you save the item.  In order to make certain it won't overlap with an actual product, all software-generated UPC codes start with 4, which is reserved for store specific items.

This month, Extreme Point of Sale Inc is proud to offer a new option for label printers - the Bixolon SRP-770II.  Offering the ability to print 2 inch or 4 inch labels, the Bixolon gives a crisper looking label.  As an introductory offer, during the month of September mention this article to recieve $100 off the regular $499 price on this model.

In addition to support for this new model of printer, we're offering a new alternative label design for the Cognitive 2 inch.  This design features a larger price but does not print many of the other fields, such as category and department.  You may switch back and forth between these designs.