The universal product code or UPC code for short Is a type of tracking code that is printed on almost all retail products, on the packaging. There are two main parts to a UPC code; the first is a machine readable barcode which you may recognize as a set of black bars that is unique to the item it identifies. The second part of the UPC code is the 12 digit number beneath the barcode. A UPC code serves many purposes but the main purpose is to make it easier for products to be identified along with their features, brand name, type of item, color, unique features and quite possibly the size. The UPC code can be helpful in tracking inventory in Retail Stores, grocery stores, warehouses or any other organization. Organizations can apply with the global standards organization which was previously known as the uniform code council. They manage and assign the universal product codes within the United States of America. 

  The 8'th form of waste is the underutilization of skills and talents in both people and machines.

  Discussion Opportunities:

1. In what ways have you experienced the waste of underutilized skills and talents?  
2. How would you go about removing this type of waste?

  Upstream is a term used to refer to any given process step that occurs before the current step.  Looking upstream often can be a valuable technique used to find the actual causes of an initial effect.  You will hear this term used in reference to value streams or process maps.