GS1 DataBar

GS1 DataBar barcodes are used to identify small and hard-to-mark items like fruit, jewellery and cosmetics.  In Australia GS1 DataBar is mainly used on loose unpackaged furits.  Even though GS1 DataBar became an open global standard in 2014, not all retailers have activated this symbology at POS.

We recommend checking with your trading partners if they are ready to scan GS1 DataBar or contact us

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  • Capture more data within the barcode: additional data can be encoded, beyond basic product information (the GTIN)

  • Free up packaging space: in some cases, it frees up valuable space on product packaging for branding and other messaging; in others, it’s a viable alternative to the GTIN-8

  • Apply barcodes to more products: GS1 DataBar barcodes can be used on small or hard-to-mark consumer products

  • Improve shrinkage control for example, differentiating conventional vs organic produce via the GTIN on a smaller barcode

  • More accurate product identification for loose produce by scanning versus manual key entering

  • Improved scan rates compared to those of incorrectly-sized EAN-13 and EAN-8 Barcodes

  • Visibility of batch and serial numbers for traceability and recall of products at Point-Of-Sale

  • Product weight management

  • Ability to capture markdown pricing

  • Improved coupon and voucher control

  • Better category management and stock control: this improves product availability for customers

  • Better product information: with best-before and expiry data information available upon scanning, customer and product safety is improved

  • Faster at the checkout: more products can be scanned at self-scanning checkouts, and there is less queuing overall

Types of GS1 DataBar barcodes

There are seven barcodes in the GS1 DataBar family, however only one is actively used by Australian retailers, the Stacked Omnidirectional code. In general, they all carry the GTIN; with some in the family able to encode more information, such as serial numbers, weight, batch numbers and more.

 

GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional

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This only encodes a GTIN, but it is split and stacked to suit products of a particular shape and size. It can be scanned in any direction. 

Examples of use: loose fruits, cosmetics

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Whilst these barcodes are available to use, they are not currently used in the Australian market.

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