Bar Code Scanner Environments
GS1 BarCodes are scanned in different places so GS1 specifies what bar code can be used where and establishes specifications for its use. Equipment and service providers can then use the GS1 specifications to design systems. The table below shows where GS1 Bar Codes are approved by GS1 for use.
Key Concepts
- POS (Point of Sale) is a special scanning environment requiring bar codes that are created in segments to achieve "tall" symbols for omnidirectional scanners
- There are several GS1 DataBar symbols types. A sub-set of GS1 DataBar symbols are capable of being scanned at retail POS and are currently being considered for broad future use including retail POS.
- Logistics scanning specifications are based on a presumption that automated scanning (conveyor mounted) will occur and scanning from longer distances using hand held scanning devices will be common
- When a bar code must accomodate POS and logistics, it must be EAN/UPC (POS requirement) printed at a larger size (logistic requirement)
- Healthcare items may use any of the GS1 Bar Codes and must use EAN/UPC if crossing POS, but increasingly healthcare items are marked with GS1 DataBar and GS1 DataMatrix based on their size and data requirements
- ITF-14 and GS1 DataMatrix symbols are used for direct marking but for very different purposes. ITF-14 is used to mark corrugated shipping containers because it is easy to print and easy to read. ITF-14 is rarely used beyond this application because it only “encodes” GTIN and it cannot be scanned at POS. GS1 DataMatrix is the only “matrix” bar code GS1 uses. It is easy to print and can even be etched into metal. GS1 allows for its use in direct part marking and healthcare applications, but not in retail as it requires camera-based (instead of laser-based) scanners.
Key Questions