Barcodes are the backbone of fast, accurate fulfillment. This FAQ explains why barcodes matter, which barcode types Hive works with, how barcode confirmation works during picking and packing, and what it means for your claims if items arrive without scannable barcodes.
Why do barcodes matter?
Barcodes allow us to handle your products quickly and accurately at every step — restocking, picking, packing, and returns.
- Speed: Scanning is faster than manual lookups, which means quicker restocking and faster order processing.
- Accuracy: Every scan confirms the right item, driving correct inventory counts and order accuracy.
- Automation: Reliable scans enable automated checks and consistent decisions, with fewer manual interventions.
Which barcode types does Hive work with?
You may see up to three barcode types on a SKU in the Hive App:
- Shop Barcode: Synced automatically from your shop system. Hive cannot edit this barcode — any changes need to be made in your shop.
- Alternative Barcode: Used when the physical barcode on your item doesn’t match the Shop Barcode (for example, a barcode containing extra digits, or an Amazon barcode). Alternative Barcodes can be added and edited in the Hive App.
- Hive Barcode: Generated automatically for each SKU and contains the Hive SKU ID (e.g. HID.0000123456).
How are my items confirmed during picking and packing?
Each SKU has a confirmation method that determines how it is verified during operational processes such as inbounding, picking, and packing:
- Strict Barcode Confirmation: Your items must be scanned during picking and packing. This is the default. Scanning greatly reduces human error and increases speed — and because every item is verified by scan, Hive offers compensation if an incorrect item is shipped.
- Standard Confirmation: Items are not scanned during picking and packing. Because there is no scan verifying each item, no compensation or claims are accepted for wrong items shipped.
What happens if my items arrive without barcodes, or the barcodes don’t scan?
- No physical barcode on the item: The SKU will be switched to Standard Confirmation so that it can still be processed.
- Barcode mismatch or unscannable barcode: If the barcode on your item differs from the one in the Hive App, matches another SKU, or cannot be scanned, we will contact you and ask you to update your barcodes in the Hive App within 24 hours.
How do missing barcodes affect claims and compensation?
Without a barcode scan, we cannot establish a deterministic link between a specific item and a claim — the audit trail is incomplete. In these cases, reimbursement or compensation claims will be declined.
Missing barcodes also mean slower handling times and a higher risk of mis-picks or stock discrepancies.
Which barcode standards does Hive accept?
- Linear codes: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39
- 2D codes: QR Code, Data Matrix
Best practice: Use GS1-compliant GTINs where possible, and keep codes unobstructed and high contrast.
Invalid or risky:
- Blurry or low-contrast prints that don’t scan consistently
- Duplicated internal stickers pointing to multiple SKUs
- Non-unique QR codes linking only to a generic website without item identity
What can I do to make sure my items are handled smoothly?
- Ensure your items arrive with scannable, standards-based barcodes.
- Keep barcodes unobstructed on the packaging and avoid reflective surfaces over the codes.
- Make sure the barcodes in the Hive App match the physical barcodes on your items.
- For edge cases where barcodes are impossible, contact us to request a change to manual confirmation — keeping in mind the implications for claims described above.
How can I change my confirmation method?
Please reach out to us via the Hive App if you believe your products cannot carry barcodes.