Introducing GS1 DataBar
A new bar code for the retail sector
GS1 DataBar is smaller than the existing GS1 bar codes that you find on almost all the products currently sold. It can be used on the small products that are currently difficult to bar code, i.e. small peel-off labels on loose produce, such as tomatoes, apples, and pears. Making it easier for retailers as more and more products can be quickly and accurately scanned.
GS1 DataBar also encodes additional information; expiry dates, weights, batch numbers, serial numbers and more. Retailers and manufacturers will need this additional information 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.
- What is GS1 DataBar?
- When is GS1 DataBar being introduced in NZ?
- What do I do now?
- What will happen in 2014?
- Which scanners are compatible with GS1 DataBar?
- Where can I get more information?
What is GS1 DataBar?
GS1 Databar is simple, more data and less space.
GS1 Databar is a new point-of-sale bar code which allows more product marking. GS1 Databar enables GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identification for small hard-to-mark consumer product goods like fresh foods, jewelry and do-it-yourself hardware products, and can carry additional information such as weight, expiration date, and lots numbers.
GS1 DataBar not only increases the percentage of products that can be automatically identified at point-of- sale, it creates new options to solve today's business problems such as product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and couponing.
Examples
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GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
Only encodes a GTIN - the unique number that identifies the product. |
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GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional Only encodes a GTIN, but it can be split into two sections, one on top of the other. It is therefore suitable for certain shaped products.
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GS1 DataBar Expanded Can encode a GTIN and the additional information such as price, weight, and expiry date. |
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GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Combines the characteristics of the previous two symbols, it can encode a GTIN and the additional information. It can also be split into two or more sections, one on top of the other. |
When is GS1 DataBar being introduced to NZ?
GS1 DataBar is already being used globally.
You will often see it today on loose, fresh produce 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.
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.
You need to check that all your scanners are compatible with GS1 DataBar. 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. 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.
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.
You should also note that if you are buying second-hand scanners it is important that you check that they are GS1 DataBar compatible.
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. You will simply scan the new bar codes in exactly the same way as you do with current bar codes.
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, 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.
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.
Symbol Motorola
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.
Where can I get more information?
The best source of information is the supplier of your scanning equipment.
If you require additional information please contact us - 0800 10 23 56.
