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2DBarcodes are the next evolution in product identification
FMCG is fast becoming a game of data , and GS1 Australia ’ s 2DBarcode technology allows your business to better use product information to boost productivity and minimise losses .
We all know what the role of the barcode is : It ’ s printed on a product ’ s packaging , to identify it as that particular product for a point-of-sale or inventory system .
It ’ s been that way for decades , without any real modifications when compared to some of the major changes that have come to the retail experience over the years .
Data is playing a critical role in today ' s FMCG world . More granular product and point-of-sale data will greatly assist companies to make more informed decisions into the future .
Global standards organisation GS1 Australia identified this and worked to create the next major leap in barcode technology – what they are calling 2DBarcodes .
“ A 2DBarcode allows for a much higher capacity of data and allows you to include additional information in the barcode – like the product ’ s batch number or serial number , and a best before date , it could even allow customers to scan the barcode with their phones and be taken to a website laying out product information about the item in question that is important to them ,” GS1 Australia Director of Retail , Andrew Steele , said .
According to Steele , each of these functions has its place in a modern retail environment .
Allowing a business to easily identify which items in their supply chain correlate to a particular batch number or serial number will assist with issues around recalls .
Currently , it ’ s common to see entire product lines pulled from shelves should a single batch be identified as faulty , or dangerous , but a 2DBarcode could allow nonimpacted versions of the same product to still be sold .
In the rare event that a recalled product does reach the checkout for sale , the barcode can alert the customer that the item can ’ t be sold .
Similarly , if the barcode holds information about when a product is beyond its best before or use-by date , a store assistant scanning the item can be alerted that the item isn ’ t available for sale before a customer purchases it .
These are some of the early benefits that supermarket giant Woolworths has realised as they implement 2DBarcodes , starting in fresh foods .
" At Woolworths we plan to build on the potential of these barcodes to offer customers valuable information on provenance , quality and sustainability . As we work towards a better tomorrow with our suppliers , 2DBarcodes can help us communicate a product ’ s verified sustainability credentials to customers ." said Roberto Olivares , Senior Project Manager at Woolworths
Steele finished by saying , “ allowing customers to scan these barcodes and link them to a web page that explains pertinent information , such as what ingredients or materials are used , how sustainable the product is , warranty information , etcetera , is a great way to being transparent with customers and allows them to feel more informed about what they ’ re purchasing .”
To get in touch with GS1 Australia and find out how you can implement 2DBarcodes in your business , click here . www . gs1au . org / for-your-industry / 2d-barcodes