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.

Remember, you need to check your scanning equipment today and not wait until 2014. And if you are buying any equipment – new or second-hand – please check it is GS1 DataBar compatible.