Enhancing Traceability and Inventory Management with GS1’s 2D Barcodes
GS1’s new 2D barcodes are set to revolutionize the retail sector by offering more detailed product information beyond traditional identifiers. Unlike the 1D barcodes that only encode simple data like the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), 2D barcodes serve as compact data repositories, including details such as expiration dates and manufacturer information. This advancement allows for greater transparency, improved inventory management, and enhanced traceability, making it a game-changer for the industry.
Adoption and Benefits
Leading retailers like Woolworths in Australia and 7-Eleven in Thailand have already integrated 2D barcodes into their operations, with impressive results. Woolworths, for example, saw a 40% reduction in food waste and a 21% increase in store productivity by using these barcodes on fresh meat and poultry products. 7-Eleven Thailand implemented GS1 DataMatrix barcodes to prevent the sale of expired products, significantly improving quality control and customer satisfaction across 12,000 stores.
Challenges and the Future
Despite these benefits, the transition to 2D barcodes presents challenges, including the need for retailers to upgrade their point-of-sale (POS) scanner technology. Currently, 80% of retail POS systems can read 2D barcodes, with this figure expected to rise to over 85% by 2027. However, the industry’s shift toward 2D barcodes is inevitable, and those who adapt quickly will unlock new capabilities and benefits in retail operations, customer engagement, and product traceability.
GS1 is actively working with industry leaders to maximize the potential of 2D barcodes, positioning them as a key driver for smarter, more efficient shopping experiences.
