Barcode labels are small, printed tags that contain a series of black and white lines, which represent data in a machine-readable format. These labels are commonly used in retail, inventory management, and shipping to quickly identify products and track their movement. When scanned with a barcode scanner, the information encoded in the label is instantly retrieved, allowing for efficient processing and organization. The most common type of barcode is the UPC (Universal Product Code), which is often found on consumer goods. Other types include QR codes, which can store more information and can be scanned using smartphones. Barcode labels help streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency in various industries.