Implementing 2DBarcodes with Woolworths

Product identification and labelling for Woolworths point of sale is transitioning to the use of 2DBarcodes by GS1. To support this shift and assist with a smooth transition, GS1 have prepared a handy guide for suppliers, in partnership with Woolworths.

Fresh food categories are the first to roll out, beginning with meat and poultry. Before suppliers can begin their transition to 2DBarcodes, you will need to consider the following.
 

1. Is your product variable or fixed weight?

Variable weight Products sold at a price per kilo, for example Lamb Loin Chops sold at $27.00 per kilo. If you supply variable weight products, the next consideration is the branding of your products, you can check this at Step 2.	Fixed weight Products sold at a total fixed price, for example Pork and Veal Meatballs are sold at a total price of $7.00. If you supply fixed weight products, please contact GS1 Australia for assistance in implementing 2DBarcodes with Woolworths.

2. Is your product supplier or Woolworths branded?

The current barcode numbers on your products are known as Variable Measure Numbers (VMN).  To transition to 2DBarcodes, these numbers will be replaced with a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
 

The GS1 DataMatrix requires a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) to operate at point-of-sale. To obtain GTINs for your 2DBarcodes, you will need to firstly establish whether your product is supplier branded or Woolworths branded.

Supplier branded product Displays a supplier's name/logo on the packaging. If your product is supplier branded, you will be allocating your own GTINs for each of your products.	Woolworths branded product Displays Woolworths name/logo on the packaging. If your product is Woolworths branded, Woolworths will provide you with GTINs for each of your products. Email Woolworths here.

3. Have you contacted your printing suppliers?

It is best to inform your scanning, printing and/or scale labelling supply partners early on in the process when transitioning to 2DBarcodes. This will help you avoid any complications that may occur with your product labels, in-store and down the track. 
 

"We’re pleased that so many of our suppliers can see the benefits of transitioning to 2DBarcodes. It's important for suppliers that are transitioning to 2DBarcodes to get in touch with their print partners early on in the process. This will help to smooth the transition and get the right quality product labels in store."  - Jennifer Keegan, Head of Support Portfolio Delivery, Woolworths Group.

You are ready to begin transitioning to 2DBarcodes

View the Woolworths GS1 DataMatrix reference guide and download the step-by-step implementation guide for suppliers.

Implementation guide      Reference guide