What is GS1 Barcode? Here Is The Complete Explanations

A barcode is a visual representation of data that can be scanned by barcode readers to quickly and accurately retrieve information about a product or service. One of the most common types of barcodes used by organizations worldwide is the GS1 barcode.

Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, using GS1 barcodes is a critical aspect of effective supply chain management. But why is this needed? If you want to know more about the definition, types, benefits, and how to implement the GS1 barcode, read the article below.

What Is GS1 Barcode

The GS1 barcode is a specific type of barcode that organizations use all over the world to identify and track items in their supply chain. The barcode consists of a series of vertical lines of varying widths and spacings, representing a series of digits.

It can contain up to 13 digits of information, including the manufacturer’s identification number, the product’s unique identifier, and the check digit, which is used to ensure the accuracy of the barcode information.

The data represented on the barcode is used to encode key identifiers (product, location, shipment, etc.) and critical properties (serial numbers, batch/lot numbers, dates, and so on) using GS1 syntaxes (plain, GS1 element string, or GS1 Digital Link URI).

Types of GS1 Barcodes

GS1 barcodes are unique identification codes used by businesses worldwide to identify and track products. Depending on the application, the GS1 standard provides numerous barcode types. Here are the common types of barcodes used by GS1:

EAN/UPC

EAN (European Article Number) and UPC (Universal Product Code) are the world’s most widely used barcode formats. Because they are designed for large-volume scanning, EAN/UPC barcodes are appropriate for retail point-of-sale (POS).

GS1 DataBar

DataBar barcodes are frequently used to label fresh foods since they may store additional product information such as fresh food weight. These barcodes can store information such as an expiry date or item’s batch number and other POS data such as item weight.

GS1-128

Because the GS1-128 barcode is very versatile, it can be used in various industries, including retail, healthcare, and logistics. This barcode is intended to retain product information such as the manufacturing date, weight, product code, and other vital characteristics.

ITF-14

ITF-14 is a barcode type used in supply chain management to identify and track products. This barcode is generally used to name cartons and cases of items, and it is considered a packing industry standard.

Read About: Comprehensive Guide of Barcode Types and the Applications

The Benefit of Using GS1 Barcode

The GS1 barcode offers numerous advantages to both businesses and consumers. Here are four of the top benefits of using the GS1 barcode:

Standardized Supply Chain

GS1 standards can improve supply chain communication. GS1 barcodes help you track the correct information from the start, improving accuracy and efficiency.

Improve Transparency and Traceability

Supply chains need transparency and traceability. GS1 standards let companies see where their products stop along the supply chain.

Visibility to Meet Customer Demand

Companies must satisfy customers, and GS1 standards can improve supply chain visibility with suppliers. With GS1 barcodes, you can work with another supplier to meet the demand for a product if you know your supplier can’t.

Help Customers Access Information

GS1 barcodes can also benefit customers. By scanning the barcode, consumers can quickly find product information like price, ingredients, and more.

How to Implement GS1 Barcode

GS1 barcodes are implemented to keep track of inventory, monitor product movement, and ensure accurate data transmission. Here are the steps to implement a GS1 barcode system in your business or organization:

Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix

Assigning an Identification Key begins with a Member Organization’s GS1 Company Prefix. The GS1 Company Prefix lets companies assign unique global identification keys for trade commodities, logistic units, locations, parties, assets, coupons, etc.

Assign Numbers

After getting a GS1 Business Prefix, you can assign numbers to your trade objects (products or services), locations, legal entities, individual company assets, service connections, returnable assets (tubs, pallets, kegs), and logistic units.

Select a Printing Company

To select a barcode printing company, you should decide what you are barcoding. Products with multi-color graphics, text-based labels, and static data will need a different type of printing.

Select the Scanning Environment

The barcode type, size, placement, and quality specifications determine where the barcode will be scanned. Knowing where your barcode will be scanned allows you to create the appropriate specifications for its production.

Select a Type of Barcode

Barcode selection is crucial to barcode implementation. Depending on your products and services, you can use the EAN/UPC symbol, GS1 DataBar, GS1-128, ITF-14, or another type of barcode.

Pick a Barcode Size

Design can begin after selecting the barcode symbol and data. The size of the symbol in the design will depend on the chosen symbol, where it will be used, and how it will be printed.

Format the Barcode Text

You should format the barcode text according to Human Readable Interpretation (HRI) as a backup if the barcode is damaged or of poor quality. Therefore, you should follow the format set by the barcode standard you used.

Pick a Barcode Color

Black bars on white backgrounds make barcode symbols stand out best. If you use other colors, use a standard color. For example, GS1 barcodes require dark bar colors (e.g., black, dark blue, dark brown, or dark green).

Pick the Barcode Placement

Discuss placement with the packaging engineer to avoid damaging or hiding GS1 barcodes. Next, choose a printing company to optimize printing after determining placement.

Build the Quality Plan

A barcode quality plan is a document that outlines the procedures and standards for producing high-quality barcodes and helps ensure the barcodes are readable and accurate. To help you build the quality plan, you can utilize GS1 General Specifications to provide a quick reference list of symbol quality specifications.

In conclusion, the GS1 barcode is a widely-used standard for product identification and tracking in the supply chain. It provides many benefits to companies and consumers, including improved efficiency, accuracy, and traceability.