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
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.
Introducing GS1 DataBar
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.
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.
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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.
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