GS1 DataBar (RSS) - Overview

What is GS1 DataBar?

 

GS1 DataBar symbols can carry more information and identify small items than the current EAN/UPC bar code. GS1 DataBar enables GTIN identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh foods, jewelry and do-it-yourself hardware products and can carry GS1 Application Identifiers such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates. This creates the opportunity for solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, fresh variable measure product identification, and couponing. Recommendations for these application fields are bring developed or will be developed in the near future.

By 2010, GS1 DataBar standards will be available for bilateral agreement between trading partners for all trade items. The specific focus will be on Fresh Products scanned at POS. By the target date of 2014 , GS1 DataBar standards including attribute information (using AIs) can be used by all trading partners in an open environment. At minimum retailers should be able to scan and process GTINs in a GS1 DataBar.

EAN/UPC will continue to be used indefinitely where it works today. Changing to GS1 DataBar is left to the brand owner’s discretion.

GS1 DataBar Video

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Key Concepts

  • GS1 DataBar symbols were endorsed and adopted by GS1 after a compelling business case review by a global task force comprising retailers, fast moving consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, GS1 Member Organizations (MOs), and trade associations. Read about the full background to GS1 DataBar.
  • By 2010, GS1 DataBar standards will be available for bilateral agreement between trading partners for all trade items. The specific focus will be on Fresh Products scanned at POS.
  • By the target date of 2014, GS1 DataBar standards including attribute information (using AIs) can be used by all trading partners in an open environment. At a minimum, retailers should be able to scan and process GTINs in a GS1 DataBar.
  • By the target date of 2010, GS1 DataBar standards exclusive of EAN/UPC bar codes will be used on coupons in the United States.
  • GS1 DataBar symbols will not necessarily replace EAN/UPC bar codes, as it will be left to the brand owner (the party responsible for specifying package design) to decide.
  • GS1 DataBar and EPC make a new horizon of product information visible in the supply chain for increased collaboration between trading partners. GS1 DataBar provides a good migration path to EPC in the near future. The two technologies complement each other.
  • All scanners, bar code designed software, verifiers, printer scales and any other hardware and software used for labeling or scanning products should only be purchased after assessing whether they support GS1 DataBar and should not be purchased if they do not support GS1 DataBar.

 

Already know the basics? Find out more about implementing GS1 DataBar.