Bar codes are often stamped on items during manufacturing and distribution for batch traceability. This helps companies limit errors, control quality, and investigate issues. This is extremely useful in the following scenarios:

Product Recalls

In the automotive industry, car makers will sometimes issue product recalls if they determine that a defective part is compromising the safety of the users. Not every vehicle is affected. They use the codes to check whether the unit is indeed part of the affected batch that requires retrofitting.

Food Safety

Food manufacturers have to be careful about contamination as this could lead to food poisoning among consumers. If they detect one, then they can use batch tracing to move affected items from the line or get them out of shelves and warehouses.

Forest Products

Traceability ensures that products have come from legal and sustainable sources. Thus, buyers can protect themselves and their businesses from regulatory scrutiny.