Price look-up code

The PLU code (also PLU number, from english price look-up code, price look-up code ') is an identification number for products.

The International Federation for Produce Standards ( IFPS ) managed since 2001 code numbers for products in the fruit and vegetable sector. The award of PLU codes for fruit and vegetables intended to simplify the inventory and the cash sale of these products. In 2010, over 1300 PLU codes were assigned. The numbers are usually four digits. Recently, also five-digit numbers are assigned, with the prefix 8 indicates genetically modified goods, and 9 stands for organic products, it mean, for example

• 84035 Nectarine, "Yellow Flesh", genetically altered;
• 94011 organic bananas, yellow.

The same fruit or vegetable may have different PLU codes assigned when the goods are to be distinguished by size, weight, or color, for example,

• 4128 apples " Cripps Pink", small (less than 205 g);
• 4130 apples " Cripps Pink " big (more than 205 g).

The fruit or vegetable is provided with a label that usually has oval shape with the appropriate number. At the checkout or in the inventory the goods then can be identified by the PLU codes. For example, different varieties of red apples can be calculated at different prices per kilogram properly.

Prior to the introduction of series scanner checkouts there were chain stores, such as Aldi Nord, for all type of goods used PLU code ( also in the non-food area). This learning- intensive, but cost -saving price input method was abolished there by the introduction of scanners POS 2003.

Vouchers from fast food restaurants usually also carry a labeled PLU code number by which employees can check the validity at each branch and enter the correct price.

The gastronomy is working with PLU code, the service, optionally, the number (example: 42 for water) or enter the article sold can select (the water ) from a database ( item master ).