What does GS1 databar look like?

GS1 DataBar is a new bar code that is being introduced into the retail sector.

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 unique new features, such as its smaller size and its ability to encode additional information, such as price, weights, expiry dates and so on.

There are in fact four different GS1 DataBar symbols that can be scanned at retail point-of-sale (POS), and you can see examples of these below. Which type is used will depend on the space available and if any of the additional information is required.

But as a retailer this is not that important to you; all you will need to do is scan the bar code just as you do now.

		This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and it only encodes a GTIN – the unique number that identifies the product.
		This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional. It also only encodes a GTIN, but it can be split in two sections, one on top of the other, and is therefore suitable for certain-shaped products.
		This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Expanded and it can encode a GTIN and the additional information such as price, weights, expiry dates and so on.
		This symbol is called GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked and it combines the characteristics of the previous two symbols in that it can encode a GTIN and the additional information and it can also be split into two or more sections, one on top of each other.

Remember, as a retailer you will simply scan the bar code as you do now, but 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