Next Gen Barcodes

Why Global Retailers Are Accelerating the Shift to Next Gen Barcodes

Retailers around the world, including Woolworths in Australia, are transitioning from traditional linear barcodes to Next Gen Barcodes such as GS1 compliant QR codes and GS1 Data Matrix codes. The move is to improve product traceability, food safety, and operational efficiency.

This is being done to utilise the full benefits of Next Gen Barcodes, which include carrying richer data such as expiry dates, batch numbers, and product attributes,enabling automated compliance, accurate inventory visibility, and the ability to block expired products at checkout.

From the manufacturer to the retail point of sale and the end consumer, the same GS1 powered barcode helps document product status, location, batch details, expiry dates, and product attributes as items move through distribution and retail environments.

A retail warehouse manager can scan the same Next Gen Barcode as a shopper, accessing accurate inventory visibility, store availability, expiration dates, and batch numbers, supporting automated compliance and more efficient stock management.

Industry stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, can also scan the exact same GS1 compliant barcode to retrieve conformance data, food safety certificates, materials information, and recycling and packaging details. This shared barcode infrastructure enables suppliers to meet global traceability expectations while supporting retail onboarding and category growth.

Everyone scans the same barcode, whether in a warehouse, at a port of entry, at retail point of sale, or post purchase by a consumer, with each user receiving tailored information based on their role and location.

The move to Next Gen Barcodes is accelerating, and companies that modernise their product identification now with GS1 compliant identifiers and Next Gen Barcode formats will remain competitive, discoverable, and fully aligned with emerging retail requirements.