GS1 DataBar frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- What is GS1 DataBar?
- Why is GS1 DataBar being introduced?
- Does GS1 DataBar replace existing bar codes?
- How does GS1 DataBar differ to existing bar codes?
- What does GS1 DataBar look like?
- When is GS1 DataBar being introduced?
- What do I have to do now?
- How do I know if my scanners will work with GS1 DataBar?
- What will happen in 2014?
- Who is GS1 UK?
- Where can I get more information?
1. What is GS1 DataBar?
GS1 DataBar is a new bar code that is being introduced throughout the world by GS1, the global organisation that is responsible for managing and developing the bar codes that are used in open retail trade throughout the world. GS1 DataBar can potentially be used on any products that are sold through retail point-of-sale (POS). Therefore, if you work in retail, no matter what size your business is, you need to prepare for GS1 DataBar today.
2. Why is GS1 DataBar being introduced?
The bar codes used on most products are called EAN-13 bar codes. They were introduced over 30 years ago and today they are used successfully throughout the world by almost all manufacturers and retailers.
But not all products are bar coded, particularly those which are simply too small for existing bar codes, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, DIY hardware, jewellery and so on. Also, loose, fresh produce such as apples, pears, tomatoes etc are not usually bar coded. Products that are not bar coded cause problems for retailers – they take longer to sell and mistakes are often made.
In addition, existing bar codes can only identify a product – using a globally unique number from GS1. Increasingly, retailers and manufacturers want to include more information in the bar code, such as expiry dates, weights, batch numbers, serial numbers and more.
As a result of this, and after many years of discussion and agreement between retailers and manufacturers around the world, a new bar code, called GS1 DataBar, is being introduced.
3. Does GS1 DataBar replace existing bar codes?
The bar codes used on most products sold in retail today are called EAN-13 bar codes. They were introduced over 30 years ago and today they are used successfully throughout the world by almost all manufacturers and retailers.
GS1 DataBar is a new bar code that can be used instead of EAN-13 bar codes, it does not replace them. Retailers and manufacturers may choose to use GS1 DataBar instead of EAN-13 because of its unique features and benefits. All existing EAN-13 bar codes will continue to scan, without you having to do anything different, just as they have for the past 30 years.
4. How does GS1 DataBar differ to existing bar codes?
GS1 DataBar is smaller than the existing GS1 bar codes that you find on almost all the products you currently sell. This means it can be used on small products that are currently difficult to bar code, and it can be used on small peel-off labels on fresh, loose produce such as tomatoes, apples, pears etc. This makes it easier for retailers as more and more products can be quickly and accurately scanned.
GS1 DataBar can also encode additional information, such as expiry dates, weights, batch numbers, serial numbers and more, which retailers and manufacturers will need to meet future customer demands and regulatory requirements.
5. What does GS1 DataBar look like?
Like the existing GS1 bar codes that you find on almost all the products you currently sell, GS1 DataBar generally comprises of black and white lines of varying widths. You will also usually find the number that uniquely identifies the product beneath these lines. However, although GS1 DataBar does not immediately look that different to existing bar codes, it does have many new unique features. You can see examples of how GS1 DataBar looks below. If you want to understand more about the differences between GS1 DataBar and existing GS1 bar codes then please visit the main GS1 UK website
6. When is GS1 DataBar being introduced?
GS1 DataBar is already being used throughout the UK and globally. You will often see it today on loose, fresh produce such as apples, pears and so on, but also on other products in limited trials between manufacturers and retailers. These trials will not affect you and will have no impact on the way you work today.
However, from 2014 GS1 DataBar will be an open, global standard – just like existing GS1 bar codes. This means manufacturers will be able to use it on any products, with the expectation that it will be scanned successfully by retailers everywhere.
7. What do I have to do now?
Although GS1 DataBar will not become widely used until 2014 it is essential you prepare for it today. Most importantly, you need to check that all your scanners are compatible with GS1 DataBar. To do this, please check with the supplier of your scanning equipment or check the list of compatible scanners.
If your scanners are compatible then you do not need to do anything else now, although in 2014 you will need to ensure that the GS1 DataBar option in your scanners is switched on and working. Your scanner supplier can show you how to do this.
Also, please bear in mind that some scanners can be upgraded to be compatible with GS1 DataBar. This is usually fairly simple and your scanning equipment supplier will be able to help you with this.
However, if your scanners are not compatible and cannot be upgraded, then when you next replace your scanning equipment you must ensure it is GS1 DataBar compatible. Your supplier will know which scanners are compatible – and almost all new equipment is.
You should also note that if you are buying second-hand scanners it is important that you check that they are GS1 DataBar compatible. Again, the list of compatible scanners will help you do this.
8. How do I know if my scanners will work with GS1 DataBar?
Please check with the supplier of your scanning equipment or check the list of compatible scanners.
9. What will happen in 2014?
When GS1 DataBar becomes an open, global standard in 2014, products that are on general sale will start to appear with GS1 DataBar symbols on them, rather than the existing EAN-13 bar codes in use today.
If you have GS1 DataBar compatible scanners then you will just need to make sure the option is switched on and working. Your scanning equipment supplier will be able to tell you how to do this. Then you will simply scan the new bar codes in exactly the same way as you do with current bar codes. You will not need to do anything else.
If your equipment is not compatible then you will not be able to scan any products with GS1 DataBar symbols on them. Whenever you sell such a product you will have to type in the number that appears beneath the bar code symbol. This will take you time and of course you may key in the number incorrectly, taking more time and possibly causing the wrong product to be identified.
Clearly this will affect customer service and as more and more products begin to use GS1 DataBar then these issues will become more significant – until you will need to give serious consideration to replacing your scanning equipment.
10. Who is GS1 UK?
The bar codes you find on products today are developed and managed by GS1, a not-for-profit organisation that ensures the numbers that are encoded in the bar code symbols are unique and secure.
For the last 30 years, GS1 has been dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards for use in the supply chain. GS1 standards provide a framework that allows products, services and information about them to move efficiently and securely for the benefit of businesses and the improvement of people’s lives, everyday, everywhere.
GS1 UK is part of the global GS1 organisation and supports its 21,000 member companies to ensure they maximise the benefits of using GS1 standards.
11. Where can I get more information?
The supplier of your scanners will be able to tell you if your equipment is compatible or not, if it can be upgraded or, if needs be, how to turn the GS1 DataBar option on. Please click here for a list of leading scanner suppliers.
You can also find more detailed information about GS1 DataBar on the main GS1 UK website
Finally, if you have any questions then please contact us.
