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GS1 DataBar (RSS) Starter Kit for ManufacturersGS1 DataBar™ (formerly called RSS) 2010 "Starter Kits" provide audience-specific implementation advice and tools to assist in GS1 DataBar deployment. This is our Manufacturers' Starter Kit, which we designed to give consumer goods, healthcare, and hardware/hardlines manufacturers and fresh food producers the information and tools they need to implement GS1 DataBar for 1 January 2010. The content is broken into several sections:
Implementation advice and tools for ALL manufacturers
This section focuses on important things to consider, no matter what you manufacture, produce, or grow:
Familiarise yourself with GS1 DataBar
January 1, 2010 is the worldwide launch date for GS1 DataBar, formerly referred to as the Reduced Space Symbology, or RSS bar code. GS1 DataBar can carry the same data as a traditional EAN/UPC bar code (the one used at retail point-of-sale) but does so in about half the space. It can also carry more data in the same space, providing numerous advantages and potential supply chain applications. Learn more about the GS1 DataBar:
Remember that the GS1 DataBar will not replace EAN/UPC bar codes
GS1 DataBar will not replace traditional EAN/UPC bar codes, but rather join EAN/UPC bar codes as an option for trade item scanning. While EAN/UPC will remain useful for product identification for existing applications, GS1 DataBar enables expanded bar code implementation by meeting the objectives of identifying small items and carrying more information than the current EAN/UPC bar codes. GS1 DataBar will enable GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh fruits, vegetables, small cosmetics and more, enhancing the ability to provide category management and increase speed at checkout and self-checkout. GS1 DataBar’s ability to carry GS1 Application Identifiers like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates opens the door to identification solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and – in some countries – couponing. EAN/UPC bar codes will continue to be used, because the decision to switch to GS1 DataBar for existing applications will be made by brand owners when they are changing packaging anyway. Understand exactly what is happening in 2010
In 2010, GS1 DataBar will be used on small products, but only for GTIN-13 or GTIN -12, not GTIN -14. However, even before 2010, retailers can (if they want!) use GS1 DataBar for in-store printed products, even with information beyond GTIN in the bar code, if their systems are ready to go. In the interim between now and 2010, GS1 working groups are meeting to resolve old problems in new ways based on knowing that GS1 DataBar will be available. Among the groups are a global GS1 Fresh Foods and Variable Measure ID Work Group and a GS1 US/JICC-sponsored group working on a new coupon solution – there's more information on these work groups in the sections below. If additional information (beyond GTIN-13 or -12) is required to support any of their solutions, a business case will first be developed for the GS1 Global Board’s approval. Brief executives, stakeholders and key function holders
It is important that your executives, stakeholders and key function holders understand the basics about GS1 DataBar, and fully understand your program to deploy it. Organise an awareness campaign. You might ask a Senior Stakeholder to co-sponsor your efforts and guide your internal outreach. Your entire organization should be familiar with GS1 DataBar before the sunrise date. Launch a GS1 DataBar Program
Plan for changes in applications
Because GS1 DataBar can carry information beyond GTIN, industry standards groups are considering what data might be required and when. Building a consensus for this is key to supply chain efficiency because the industry wants to avoid multiple marking requirements (e.g., retail A asks for X additional data, but retailer B asks for Y additional data...) For supply chain applications, GS1 is forming or will form groups to make decisions on data usage to enable global package marking efficiencies to be maintained and to ensure interoperability between industry systems. To date, there are two global level groups working on when, where, and what data to use in the future. One is Fresh Foods Identification and the other Coupons in the US. Once an industry consensus is reached, you will want to properly manage and analyze the new data available to you. For example, expanded versions of the GS1 DataBar permit additional data elements (beyond GTIN) – up to a total length of 74 numeric characters. Various data elements can be embedded in GS1 DataBar. All, some, or none of this data may be useful to your specific business. The value of GS1 DataBar with the GS1 Application Identifier system is that it lets the industry select what information is needed in the GS1 DataBar and when and where you want to capture any part of it. After industry sets GS1 data requirements for specific applications, you can assess (for internal applications), which data elements should be captured and/or passed between systems. During your planning phase, you will need to assess the costs and benefits of storing and processing the additional data. Take advantage of available business case studies. Before leaving this section it must be stated again that GS1 has not approved GS1 DataBar for supply chain use beyond trade item identification, has not approved it for GTIN-14 at retail Point-of-Sale, and has not approved application standards that would require retailers to support data beyond at retail Point-of-Sale. GS1 has formed groups to develop business cases for use of additional data for Fresh Foods and Variable Measure products Assess retailer readiness
Stay up-to-date on the latest GS1 Readiness Report – year-end reports on scanner readiness, by market. The first report will be published in January 2008. More resources
In addition to this Manufacturers' Starter Kit, GS1 has also developed a Retailers' GS1 DataBar Starter Kit, and a series of GS1 DataBar Buyer's Guides.
Any questions?Still have questions on getting started with the GS1 DataBar?
Fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers:
Some specific implementation advice
GS1 DataBar can provide automatic identification data not available today and thus greater visibility and accuracy about what manufacturers, producers and growers are selling. However, for "center-store" manufacturers of consumer packaged goods, it's GS1 DataBar's smaller size that is likely to be more interesting. GS1 DataBar can provide:
To get started: Conduct an impact assessment
The first critical step for manufacturers is to conduct an impact assessment to develop a broader understanding of how GS1 DataBar will affect your specific business and how you can use them to create greater value around your brands and improve your ROI.
Based on the anticipated impacts and benefits, develop an implementation plan. The plan should:
Reminder: If your product is currently marked with EAN/UPC symbol, do NOT repackage it using GS1 DataBar in replacement of, or addition to, EAN/UPC until January 1, 2010. Evaluate the impact on your current printing methods
Printing a GS1 DataBar is no more difficult than printing an EAN/UPC bar code. Nevertheless, you should study how GS1 DataBar can be smoothly introduced into your production environment, if you manage printing/labeling in-house; or, alternatively, discuss the topic of printing GS1 DataBar with your external print shops. Such evaluations should be accomplished well in advance of the 1 January 2010 sunrise date.
Fresh food producers who DO already use bar codes:
Some specific implementation advice
These producers will find that GS1 DataBar brings more accurate and expanded data on their wares, and furthermore, includes the "last mile" in the supply chain, unlike the PLU (Price Look-Up Codes) Restricted Circulation Numbers or Variable Measure Numbers they are likely using now. In addition to the general GS1 DataBar implementation guidelines, fresh food producers who already use bar codes might want to consider the following specific suggestions:
Determine what information you would like to know
GS1 DataBar Expanded and GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked symbols can contain data beyond GTIN like Price, Weight, Expiration Date, Country of Origin and Serial Number....
Evaluate the impact on your current printing and weighing equipment
Printing a GS1 DataBar is no more difficult than printing an EAN/UPC bar code. Nevertheless, you should study how GS1 DataBar can be smoothly introduced into your production environment, if you manage printing/labeling in-house; or, alternatively, discuss the topic of printing GS1 DataBar with your external print shops. Your equipment may have to be made GS1 DataBar-ready. Such evaluations should be accomplished well in advance of the 1 January 2010 sunrise date.
Participate in the GS1 Fresh Foods ID work group and support industry pilots
GS1 envisions a world where fresh food identification provides retailers with shrink reduction and category management tools just like those used by consumer packaged goods in the “center store,” allows manufacturers to 'mark once, ship to all,' allows the industry to have compatible systems across borders, allows backward compatibility with commodity codes for seamless migration. The GS1 Fresh Foods ID Work Team is working to:
Join us to help! Send a mail to databar@gs1.org. More information for fresh foods producers and growers
Some further information:
Fresh food producers who DON'T already use bar codes:
Some specific implementation advice
For example, GS1 DataBar's small size means that for the first time, individual fruits and vegetables can be labeled, bringing to growers and their customers all the benefits of the GS1 System of standards. If you've never used bar codes before, in addition to the general GS1 DataBar implementation guidelines, these specific suggestions are for you:
First and most importantly: Contact your local GS1 Member Organisation!
You certainly have questions about how to obtain GS1 DataBar for your produce, how to properly use GS1 DataBar, whether to simultaneously maintain the PLU or other coding you may already use ... Your local GS1 Member Organisation will help you understand the GS1 System of standards, and enable you obtain the information, numbers and Application Identifiers you will need to properly create GS1 DataBar symbols for your produce. Participate in the GS1 Fresh Foods ID work group and support industry pilots
GS1 envisions a world where fresh food identification provides retailers with shrink reduction and category management tools just like those used by consumer packaged goods in the “center store,” allows manufacturers to 'mark once, ship to all,' allows the industry to have compatible systems across borders, allows backward compatibility with commodity codes for seamless migration. The GS1 Fresh Foods ID Work Team is working to:
Join us to help! Send a mail to databar@gs1.org More information for fresh foods producers and growers
Some further information:
GS1 DataBar and Coupons
GS1 DataBar implications for coupon functionality are significant. They include:
An interesting early reference document on the topic is the September 2005 study by the U.S. Joint Industry Coupon Committee entitled "The Business Case For Reduced Space Symbology on Coupons". However, there are still issues related to the disparity between US coupon practices and the rest of the world. Discussions and work are underway to evaluate the whether a sufficient case exists for multi-national solutions and whether offer serialisation techniques being introduced in the USA can be utilised elsewhere. Manufacturers interested in using GS1 DataBar for coupons should wait for the appropriate standards and application guidelines to emerge from this work. |
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All kinds of manufacturers and producers across the world have many reasons to be enthusiastic about GS1 DataBar. GS1 DataBar’s ability to carry GS1 Application Identifiers like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates opens the door to identification solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and couponing....
Many manufacturers who have already begun GS1 DataBar trials have learned that it is very useful to set up a GS1 DataBar program, with all the usual steps and functions of project-management methodology, including:
The impact and benefits of GS1 DataBar will likely vary from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on the types of products manufactured, the market they sell in, and the way they manufacture. Nevertheless, some general suggestions for successful implementation can be made.
Certain producers and growers in the meat, delicatessen, produce, cheese, fish and bakery industries are accustomed to using bar codes of one sort of another for their loose or pre-packed variable measure items. 
Produce departments often represent the greatest differentiator for food retailers and the area of highest profit margin; and yet, today there is no global classification system for category management and many of the tools available for the “center-store” have never been enabled for produce. Produce is an area where GS1 DataBar will certainly yield significant efficiencies.