Introducing GS1 DataBar
A new bar code for the retail
sector
As a result of this, and after many years of discussion and agreement between retailers and manufacturers around the world, a new bar code, called GS1 DataBar, is being introduced.
GS1 DataBar is smaller than the existing GS1
bar codes that you find on almost all the products you currently sell.
This means it can be used on the small products that are currently
difficult to bar code, and it can be used, on small peel-off labels, on
fresh, loose produce such as tomatoes, apples, pears etc. This makes it
easier for retailers as more and more products can be quickly and
accurately scanned.
GS1 DataBar can also encode the additional
information, such as expiry dates, weights, batch numbers, serial
numbers and more, which retailers and manufacturers will need to meet
future customer demands and regulatory requirements.
So, if you work in retail, no matter what size your business is, you need to prepare for GS1 DataBar today.
Please click on the following links for more information about GS1 DataBar:
What is GS1 DataBar?
Bar codes are usually taken for granted, yet their impact on retailers has been enormous.
You will find bar codes on most products that you sell. They are quick and simple to scan, helping you to serve your customers quickly. And for many retailers they also help to simplify stock control and re-ordering.
The
bar codes you find on products today are managed by an organisation
called GS1, a not-for-profit organisation that ensures the numbers that
are encoded in the bar code symbols are unique and secure.
The
bar codes used on most products are called EAN-13 bar codes. They were
introduced over 30 years ago and today they are used successfully
throughout the world by almost all manufacturers and retailers.
The problems with existing bar codes
But not all products are bar coded, particularly those which are simply too small for existing bar codes, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, DIY hardware, jewellery and so on. Also, loose, fresh produce such as apples, pears, tomatoes etc are not usually bar coded. Products that are not bar coded cause problems for retailers – they take longer to sell and mistakes are often made.
In
addition, existing bar codes can only identify a product – using a
globally unique number from GS1. Increasingly, retailers and
manufacturers want to include more information in the bar code, such as
expiry dates, weights, batch numbers, serial numbers and more.
KEY CONCEPTS
- GS1 DataBar bar codes 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.
- They will be available in all trade item scanning systems beginning January 1, 2014 and may be used between parties that agree to introduce them any time prior: their use is increasing steadily, for example on New Zealand fruit exports to the USA in and from the 2010 season.
- These new bar codes will not necessarily replace EAN/UCC 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.
When is GS1 DataBar being introduced?
GS1 DataBar is already being used globally.
You will often see it today on loose, fresh produce such as apples, pears and so on, but also on other products in limited trials between manufacturers and retailers. These trials will not affect you and will have no impact on the way you work today.
However, from 2014 GS1 DataBar will be
an open, global standard – just like existing GS1 bar codes. This means
manufacturers will be able to use it on any products, with the
expectation that it will be scanned successfully by retailers
everywhere.
This means you need to ensure all your scanners
are ready for GS1 DataBar. And you need to act now – and not wait until
2014.
What do I do now?
Although GS1 DataBar will not become widely used until 2014 it is essential you prepare for it today.
Most importantly, you need to check that all your scanners are compatible with GS1 DataBar. To do this, please check with the supplier of your scanning equipment or check the list of compatible scanners.
If your scanners are compatible then
you do not need to do anything else now, although in 2014 you will need
to ensure that the GS1 DataBar option in your scanners is switched on
and working. Your scanner supplier can show you how to do this.
Also,
please bear in mind that some scanners can be upgraded to be compatible
with GS1 DataBar. This is usually fairly simple and your scanning
equipment supplier will be able to help you with this.
However, if your scanners are not compatible and cannot be upgraded, then when you next replace your scanning equipment you must ensure it is GS1 DataBar compatible. Your supplier will know which scanners are compatible – and almost all new equipment is.
You should also note that if you
are buying second-hand scanners it is important that you check that they
are GS1 DataBar compatible. Again, the list of compatible
scanners will help you do this.
What will happen in 2014?
When GS1 DataBar becomes an open, global standard in 2014, products that are on general sale will start to appear with GS1 DataBar symbols on them, rather than the existing EAN-13 bar codes in use today.
If you have GS1 DataBar compatible scanners then you will just need to make sure the option is switched on and working. Your scanning equipment supplier will be able to tell you how to do this. Then you will simply scan the new bar codes in exactly the same way as you do with current bar codes. You will not need to do anything else.
If
your equipment is not compatible then you will not be able to scan any
products with GS1 DataBar symbols on them.
Whenever you sell
such a product you will have to type in the number that appears beneath
the bar code symbol. This will take you time and of course you may key
in the number incorrectly, taking more time and possibly causing the
wrong product to be identified.
Clearly this will affect
customer service and as more and more products begin to use GS1 DataBar
then these issues will become more significant – until you will need to
give serious consideration to replacing your scanning equipment.
Remember, you need to check your scanning equipment
today and not wait until 2014. And if you are buying any equipment – new
or second-hand – please check it is GS1 DataBar compatible.
Which scanners are compatible with GS1 DataBar?
The good news is that most scanners that have been available since around 2000 are compatible with GS1 DataBar.
This means if you have bought your scanning equipment in the past ten years it is more than likely that it is compatible and you will not need to replace it.
However, some of these scanners will need
upgrading and in most cases the scanner will need the GS1 DataBar option
turned on. To understand how to do this you will need to contact the
supplier of your scanning equipment.
Below you will find a list of leading scanner suppliers
and details on equipment they provide and whether it is GS1 DataBar
compatible or not.
Datalogic
Denso Wave
Handheld Products
Metrologic
Symbol Motorola
NCR
Disclaimer: The information provided here is by companies that have confirmed their scanning equipment is GS1 DataBar capable or needing upgrading. The list may not include all brands of scanning equipment but will be continually updated as equipment companies provide us with information. The equipment mentioned is provided for information purposes only and does not imply endorsement of the products by GS1.
What does GS1 DataBar look like?
 |
This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and it only encodes a GTIN – the unique number that identifies the product. |
 |
This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional. It also only encodes a GTIN, but it can be split in two sections, one on top of the other, and is therefore suitable for certain-shaped products. |
 |
This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Expanded and it can encode a GTIN and the additional information such as price, weights, expiry dates and so on.
|
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This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked and it combines the characteristics of the previous two symbols in that it can encode a GTIN and the additional information and it can also be split into two or more sections, one on top of each other. |
Where can I get more information?
The best source of information is the supplier of your scanning equipment.
Your supplier will be able to tell you if your equipment is compatible or not, if it can be upgraded or, if needs be, how to turn the GS1 DataBar option on.
Finally, if you have any questions then please contact
us.
