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GS1 DataBar (RSS) Starter Kit for Retailers
Part of our GS1 DataBar™ (formerly RSS) 2010 Project is a series of "Starter Kits" -
audience-specific implementation advice and tools to assist in GS1 DataBar deployment. This is our Retailers' Starter Kit, which we hope will give retailers the information and tools they need to implement
GS1 Databar for 1 January 2010.
Familiarise yourself with GS1 DataBar
 1 January 2010 is the worldwide launch date for a new type of bar code called GS1 DataBar. This bar code was formerly referred to as the Reduced Space Symbology (or RSS) bar code, but adopted its new public name on 12 February 2007.
GS1 DataBar can carry the same data as a traditional EAN/UPC bar code in less space, or more data in the same space, providing numerous advantages and potential business applications for both retailers and manufacturers.
Learn more about the GS1 DataBar:
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Remember that the GS1 DataBar will not replace EAN/UPC barcodes
GS1 DataBar will not replace traditional EAN/UPC barcodes, 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 objective of identifying small items and carrying more information than the current EAN/UPC bar code. GS1 DataBar will enable GTIN identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh fruits and vegetables, enhancing the ability to conduct category management and increasing speed at 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 adopt GS1 DataBar for existing applications will be made by brand owners. GS1 has developed a Manufacturers' GS1 DataBar Starter Kit, which addresses (among other topics) the key questions about where and when the GS1 DataBar could be used, even for existing applications.
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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 the 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 the 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. 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.
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Launch a complete GS1 DataBar Program
 Retailers who have already begun GS1 DataBar trials have learned that it is very useful to set up a complete GS1 DataBar project, with all the usual steps and functions of project-management methodology, including:
Program Leader:
- Name someone as the official GS1 DataBar Program Leader. The GS1 DataBar Program Leader should be a person who knows your organisation well, understands the stakes, can inform and educate, can make decisions about actions and priorities, and will engender support for this important strategic project. This person should register for GS1’s distribution list to ensure they receive updates on activities at: http://eroom.uc-council.org/eRoom/facility/GS1BarCodes/0_4f436 (userid/password barcodes/barcodes)
- Make a connection with the GS1 Member Organisation GS1 DataBar Program Leader in your country. See the list at http://eroom.uc-council.org/eRoom/facility/GS1BarCodes/0_4f436 (userid/password barcodes/barcodes)
- If there is no GS1 DataBar Program Leader in your country’s GS1 Member Organisation, send a mail to gs1databar@gs1.org
Project Management:
- Establish steering committee, approval cycle/framework, project control groups
- Determine scope, objectives, risks & dependencies, resource requirements, costs and benefits tracking, high-level and detail-level business requirements and process, test strategy, project review process
- Determine "where" trade items are scanned in your operation (in store inventory control, deli, grocery, meat, produce, small items, receiving, pick and pack, distribution...?)
- Recruit resources as needed to provide expertise in these areas
- Set measurements and targets for implementation: what needs to be done by when, what type
Change Management:
- Identify management sponsor, develop work groups, establish communication mechanisms, create transition plans, perform impact assessments...
Supplier & Vendor Management:
- Communicate, set targets, determine rollout plans and transition plans...
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Brief executives, stakeholders and key function holders
It is important that that your executives, stakeholders and key function holders (ie Store Operations, IT, Purchasing...) understand the essentials about the GS1 DataBar, and fully understand your program to deploy it. Organise an awareness campaign. You should ask a Senior Stakeholder to co-sponsor your efforts and guide your internal outreach.
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Assess GS1 DataBar-readiness of your scanners
 In the industry today, trade item scanners are:
- GS1 DataBar Ready
- GS1 DataBar Ready, but the feature is turned off
- Upgradeable to become GS1 DataBar Ready
- Not Upgradeable for GS1 DataBar and must be replaced
In order to develop a good project plan, you must do an assessment of all of your scanning equipment to determine the status of each piece.
Most recent scanners are GS1 DataBar-capable, but they are generally installed at the retailer's location with this functionality not yet "turned on." You may need to contact your equipment vendor to enable this functionality. Examples of equipment that will have to be tested for GS1 DataBar compliance include POS table-top and handheld scanners, handheld and wireless devices, price verifiers, and kiosks.
To be GS1 DataBar-compliant, scanners must be able to recognise information from a GS1 DataBar accurately (including AIs such as expiration date, country of origin, etc) and present that information to applications that might treat it. The applications themselves do not yet have to be able to accept this new data, or process the information. Right now, you should simply assess a scanner's ability to read the GS1 DataBar symbology and present GS1 Application Identifier information accurately.
GS1 DataBar has been approved for all trade item scanning. This has a primary impact on items in the store; however some retailers scan trade items in distribution. Some examples include pick and pack operations, cases for “cash and carry” retailers, or scanning items sold at point-of-sale but large enough to be scanned in a logistics environment. The reality today is that bar codes on trade items cross all scanning environments, so assessing readiness will likely include distribution environments for many retailers.
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About Scanner Test Cards and the GS1 DataBar Readiness Report
GS1 has developed a very clear procedure and a GS1 DataBar Test Card to help you assess and report your company’s situation as it relates to the GS1 DataBar 2010 adoption date. Furthermore, GS1 will be maintaining a GS1 DataBar Readiness Report to measure the percentage of scanners of the Top 100 retailers that are GS1 DataBar compliant. GS1 hopes to see 70% of the total scanners of the Top 100 retailers are GS1 DataBar compliant by May 2007; 80% by May 2008 and 90% by May 2010. The report will be used by the industry to monitor progress each year.
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Assess the GS1 DataBar readiness of other material, such as printers, scales, produce bags, and more
 Retailers who have begun GS1 DataBar trials have discovered that the readiness of more than just scanners must be considered. For example, label printers and bar code design software that generate barcodes, as well as printer scales, such as those found in meat, deli, seafood, bakery, ready-to-serve meal sections, etc. Experience of early adopters using GS1 DataBar on produce, also suggests you should confirm your plastic produce bags are sufficiently transparent to permit scanning, without removal of the produce within.
GS1 has created Buyers' Guides to help the industry know what to look for when purchasing hardware and software. The list of considerations is not all-inclusive, of course, but should give you some important points to confirm with solution providers.
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About your Private Label products
If you as a retailer have private label product for your stores (internal use, not supply chain use), you could consider use of the GS1 DataBar once your stores are ready to use the symbol. Ensuring your private label suppliers are equipped to design and your label printing company is equipped to print and verify the quality of GS1 DataBar symbols should be factored into your program.
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Plan for changes in applications
 Although to qualify as "GS1 DataBar Ready" your scanners only need to recognise information from a GS1 DataBar and accurately present that information to applications that might treat it, you will, of course, want to plan and prepare for changes to applications that will gain value from added information.
For example, expanded versions of the GS1 DataBar permit additional data elements (beyond GTIN) – up to a total length of 74 numeric characters. Here are some initial suggestions for consideration as you start your planning:
- Data – Various data elements can be embedded in the 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 you select what information you need in the GS1 DataBar and when and where you want to capture any part of it. For internal applications, you decide which data elements should be captured and/or passed between systems. 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.
- Planning - 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.
- Displays/Outputs – Is it necessary to display or print any of the additional data elements (i.e. - reports, labels, customer display)? Do applications need to produce or reproduce a GS1 DataBar label at the store (e.g. – markdown an item with an embedded price)?
- Scanning/Processing - Are applications capable of reading additional data fields? Once read, can the application appropriately handle the various additional data elements embedded in the barcode, such as pricing/weight (using the extra data to perform functions similar to today’s ‘Type 2 or 20 series’ price imbedded barcodes), expiration date (to read expiration data from the GS1 DataBar and present user warnings), serial numbers (to capture serial numbers from the GS1 DataBar and take some action)?
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 and is moving to support the GS1 US Board approval of the Coupon Re-engineering proposals.
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Engage your vendors and suppliers on this topic
 You should also engage with your vendors and suppliers on the topic of the GS1 DataBar. Some thoughts:
- Ensure new contracts or purchases related to trade item bar code hardware and software are GS1 DataBar ready (see GS1 DataBar Buyer's Guides)
- For suppliers providing EAN/UPC designed below size specifications based on packaging constraints, communicate that you will accept GS1 DataBar beginning on 1 January 2010
- Communicate your expectations and requirements; monitor progress and changeover of packaging; provide mutual support during the transition phase.
As the 2010 approaches, obtain sample GS1 DataBar symbols from suppliers and test them
- Do not permit truncated GS1 DataBar symbols. GS1 DataBar must meet minimum size and quality specifications due to their already small size and type of product coded.
Quickly notify suppliers of the GS1 DataBar symbols which don’t scan properly, just as you would with EAN/UPC
- Notify service vendors that you are GS1 DataBar compliant: When a scanner that is GS1 DataBar Ready is being serviced, prior to live in-store operation, ensure GS1 DataBar is switched on.
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Plan training for personnel
Your store personnel will have to be trained on the GS1 DataBar, especially those who work in delis, produce, meat counters, cashiers and attendants at self-checkouts.
Retailers who have launched GS1 DataBar programs already have noted that:
- With a long rollout, it may be difficult to keep training and hints fresh
- Some cashiers react to produce barcodes by scanning the items individually – rather than ‘scan one and weigh’ as they should
- When scanning produce in plastic bags, if the bag is pulled tight as it is placed on the scanner/scale, the GS1 DataBar will often scan with no other intervention.
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More resources
In addition to this Retailers' Starter Kit, GS1 has also developed a Manufacturers' GS1 DataBar Starter Kit, and a series of GS1 DataBar Buyer's Guides.
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Any questions?
Still have questions on getting started with the GS1 DataBar?
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