Next generation barcodes to meet new expectations
Consumers, brand owners, retailers and regulators: it seems everyone wants to know more about products—and as a result, everyone is looking for better ways to access information about a product by scanning a code on its packaging.
The problem? Most barcodes today provide a very limited amount of information. Traditional barcodes are typically scanned by companies and organisations to access supply chain information for business systems. Traditional QR Codes are typically scanned by consumers to access a webpage with product information.
Discover the possibilities available for your product with next generation barcodes
Next-level business efficiencies
In addition to holding the GS1 GTIN®, these high-capacity barcodes can also have a product’s batch or lot number, serial number, expiry date and more. With access to that data, business partners up and down the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, reduce waste, and simplify recall and return processes.
Next-level consumer engagement
QR Codes powered by GS1 give producers, brand owners and retailers new ways to connect with consumers and shoppers. Just by scanning one of these barcodes with a smartphone, consumers and shoppers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, promotions and more, as well as brand-authorised details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order and other kinds of information.
Next-level point-of-sale
Next generation barcodes can do more things for more people: both GS1 DataMatrix barcodes and QR Codes powered by GS1 standards bring a whole range of ways to improve business operations and deliver new experiences for consumers, simply by holding a lot more information while still going “beep” at the register.
Are you ready to take your product to the next level?
Use the 2D Pilot Toolkit to support the planning and execution of your next generation barcodes pilots and implementations.
Examples from around the world
Multiple benefits from 2D barcodes at Woolworths
Woolworths and selected suppliers are using 2D barcodes with GS1 standards to achieve substantial results, including enhancing food safety and reducing food waste by up to 40%.
Parla Deli from Brazil scans the world’s first 2D barcode
Parla Deli is unlocking business value and connecting to customers by implementing the very latest GS1 standards.
7-Eleven Thailand boosts consumer safety and satisfaction with next generation barcodes
Next generation barcodes powered by GS1 that can hold a lot of information and still go “beep” at the register are providing consumers in Thailand a better experience.
Global Migration Programme at GS1
GS1 is partnering with industry leaders to harness the power of the next generation barcodes to not only meet but exceed the increasing demands beyond the “beep” at the checkout.
This journey will enhance the experiences of consumers, brands, retailers, and everyone in between. GS1 is supporting industry around the world to harness the power of these barcodes to enable new business solutions for today...and into the future.