UPCA, or Universal Product Code version A, is a widely used barcode format in the retail industry for tracking trade items. The UPCA barcode consists of a 12-digit numerical code that uniquely identifies products. Its structure includes a number system character, which identifies the type of product (e.g., 0 for general items, 3 for pharmaceuticals), followed by a five-digit manufacturer's code assigned by the Uniform Code Council (now GS1 US). The next five digits represent the product code assigned by the manufacturer, and the final digit is a check digit used to ensure the correct composition of the barcode. UPCA barcodes are essential for efficient inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, and supply chain logistics, enabling the seamless identification and tracking of products throughout the retail and distribution processes.