This is what you need to consider in the implementation

How complex the transition from barcode to 2D data carrier is depends largely on the individual circumstances, the objectives and the choice of product. For example, it is much easier to change the barcodes on a product where it is not integrated into the packaging layout but applied in the form of an adhesive label.

For a product like washing powder, where the EAN/UPC barcode has already been pre-printed on the empty packaging, the implementation is much more complicated. The only practical way would probably be to replace the barcode with GS1 DataMatrix codes that include a serial number in addition to the GS1 article number. In this way, the packaging can continue to be pre-printed, albeit with higher demands on the printing process and the filling process. In production, the packages are then filled as usual and the additional data is subsequently linked to the serial numbers in the ERP/PIM. However, this circumstance requires an exchange of master data at serial number level with the retail partners, who must then also be able to retrieve this data at all necessary points (such as the checkout environment).

Use our blueprints as a guide

In order to support you optimally during the implementation, we have developed blueprints for you. Please contact us if you need an additional blueprint.

Blue Print

 		 is being or has been piloted at
 		 Complexity

 
Replace EAN/UPC barcode with GS1 DataMatrix

 

low

 
Replace EAN/UPC barcode with GS1 DataMatrix for piece goods Coop medium  
Replace EAN/UPC barcode with GS1 DataMatrix for variable-quantity fresh products  GS1 Belgilux medium  
Add EAN/UPC barcode with QR code and GS1 Digital Link   low  
Supplement or replace EAN/UPC barcode or GS1 DataMatrix with QR Code and GS1 Digital Link   high  
General serialization of products   high

Blue Print: Replace EAN/UPC barcode with GS1 DataMatrix

Goals

  • Reduction of the space required for the GS1 data carrier
  • Use at the checkout (Point Of Sale) and in self-scanning

 

Steps

  1. Together with the supply chain partners involved in the process, determine which products are suitable for testing the transition.
  2. Define a schedule with your partners.
  3. Replace the EAN/UPC barcode with the GS1 DataMatrix code.
  4. Document your experience and the requirements that need to be met in your operation in order to start pilot projects with a trading partner.

Blue Print: Replace EAN/UPC barcode with GS1 DataMatrix for piece goods

Goals

  • Add additional data such as MHD, batch number in the 2D code with the help of the GS1 Application Identifier (AI).
  • Use at the checkout (Point Of Sale) and self-scanning

Steps

  1. Together with the supply chain partners involved in the process, determine which products are suitable for testing the conversion.
  2. Determine with your trading partner what additional data should be encoded in the 2D code in addition to the mandatory GS1 article number (GTIN).
  3. Consider the production process of the selected products and ensure that the additional data such as the BBD is available in the printing process.
  4. Contact your solution provider for the printing process and clarify whether the existing solution is capable of printing the necessary data in a GS1 DataMatrix.
  5. Check how you can cover the different requirements of your trading partners in your own production.
  6. Define a schedule with your partners.
  7. Replace the EAN/UPC barcode with the GS1 DataMatrix code.
  8. Document your experiences and the requirements that need to be met in your operation in order to start pilot projects with a trading partner.

Blue Print: Replace EAN/UPC barcode with GS1 DataMatrix for variable-quantity fresh products

Goals

  • Use of the GS1 article number (GTIN) instead of the nationally unique GS1 article number (RCN) at best.
  • Bar coding of product weight or individual price for quantity-variable fresh products
  • Replacement of EAN/UPC barcodes by GS1 DataMatrix
  • Using GS1 Application Identifier (AI) to add additional data such as MHD, batch number in 2D code
  • Use at the checkout (Point Of Sale) and self-scanning

Steps

  1. Together with the supply chain partners involved in the process, determine which products are suitable for testing the conversion.
  2. Determine with your trading partner what additional data should be encoded in the 2D code in addition to the mandatory GS1 article number (GTIN).
  3. Consider the production process of the selected products and ensure that the additional data such as the BBD is available in the printing process.
  4. Contact your solution provider for the printing process and clarify whether the existing solution is capable of printing the necessary data in a GS1 DataMatrix.
  5. Check how you can cover the different requirements of your trading partners in your own production.
  6. Define a schedule with your partners.
  7. Replace the EAN/UPC barcode with the GS1 DataMatrix code.
  8. Document your experiences and the requirements that need to be met in your operation in order to start pilot projects with a trading partner.

Blue Print: Add QR Code and GS1 Digital Link to EAN/UPC Barcode

Goals

  • Supplement EAN/UPC barcodes with QR codes that can be used for consumer engagement
  • Add additional data such as MHD, batch number in the 2D code using the GS1 Digital Link standard
  • Specify which web page is displayed if a consumer scans the QR code with their cell phone

Steps

  1. Together with the supply chain partners involved in the process, determine which products are suitable for testing the extension.
  2. Determine for your company what additional data should be encoded in the 2D code in addition to the mandatory GS1 article number (GTIN). This depends on the consumer needs you want to cover.
  3. Consider the production process of the selected products and make sure that the additional data is available in the printing process or can be pre-printed.
  4. Contact your solution provider for the printing process and clarify whether the existing solution is capable of printing the necessary data in a QR code. Take into account the space requirements.
  5. Add the QR code and GS1 Digital Link to the EAN/UPC barcode.
  6. Document your experience and the requirements that must be met in your operation in order to be able to start pilot projects with a trading partner.

Blue Print: supplement or replace EAN/UPC barcode or GS1 DataMatrix with QR code and GS1 Digital Link

Goals

  • Add or replace EAN/UPC barcodes or GS1 DataMatrix with QR codes that can be used for consumer engagement
  • Add additional data such as MHD, batch number in the 2D code using the GS1 Digital Link standard
  • Determine which web page is displayed if a consumer scans the QR code with their cell phone

Steps

  1. Together with the supply chain partners involved in the process, determine which products are suitable for testing the extension.
  2. Determine for your company what additional data should be encoded in the 2D code in addition to the mandatory GS1 article number (GTIN). This depends on the consumer needs you want to cover and the requirements of your trading partners.
  3. Consider the production process of the selected products and ensure that the additional data is available or can be pre-printed in the printing process.
  4. Contact your solution provider for the printing process and clarify whether the existing solution is capable of printing the necessary data in a QR code.
  5. Replace the EAN/UPC barcode or GS1 DataMatrix with the QR code and GS1 Digital Link.
  6. Document your experience and the requirements that need to be met in your operation in order to start pilot projects with a trading partner.

Blue Print: General serialization of products

Goals

  • Serialization of all products so that additional data can be exchanged with trading partners as consumer unit master data
  • Most precise tracking and traceability

Steps

  1. Together with the supply chain partners involved in the process, determine which products are suitable for testing the extension.
  2. Determine for your company which and how the additional data should be exchanged as master data in addition to the serialized GS1 article number (SGTIN) encoded in the 2D code. This depends on the consumer needs you want to cover and the requirements of your trading partners.
  3. Consider the production process of the selected products and ensure that the additional data can be captured based on the serial numbers.
  4. Contact your solution provider for the printing process and master data exchange and clarify whether the existing solutions are capable of covering the necessary processes.
  5. Start serializing your products.
  6. Document your experiences and the requirements that must be met in your operation in order to start pilot projects with a trading partner.

Your benefits

Verschlüsselung GTIN

Encryption GTIN

Geringer Platzbedarf

Low space requirement

Korrekte Daten

Encryption of additional data

GS1-Akademie-Fuer-Berufseinsteiger-Absolventen-b-outlined.png

MHD control at the checkout

GTIN

GTIN also for variable-quantity consumer units

Information

Possibility to add additional information

FAQ - We are happy to answer your questions

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about the changeover and their answers for you here. Contact us if the answer to your question is missing.

The Ambition Date 2027 from GS1 Global enables dual marking of 1D and 2D codes. Why is GS1 Switzerland's recommendation different?

Our recommendation is based on the current state of implemented PoS (point of sale) solutions among our users, feedback from our stakeholders on what they would like to see in an efficient transition phase, and practical considerations regarding the space required for dual labeling on products.

GS1 Switzerland recommends the use of GS1 DataMatrix for retail checkout sales. However, Ambition Date 2027 also allows other 2D codes approved by GS1.

The use of different GS1 2D codes in one application area should only be pursued if this creates added value for the user. From our perspective, this is not the case with the question of whether a GS1 DataMatrix or a GS1 QR code is used. Currently, in most checkout environments that can scan 2D code, QR codes are disabled. The reason for this is the pocket that today's QR codes of the manufacturers do not contain GTIN, therefore they are not used at the checkout and can interfere with the scanning process. Therefore, from today's perspective, the GS1 DataMatrix is much more suitable.

Can I switch directly to the QR code with GS1 Digital Link? This approach covers all my requirements.

This step is open to you. But the question is whether your partners in the supply chain can meet your request at this point in time. The complexity on the retailer's side is much higher if several data carriers have to be supported simultaneously at the points of sale. 
If only GS1 DataMatrix is used in a sales channel, the retailer can ignore the QR codes on the products by not activating the QR code symbology at the checkout. GS1 DataMatrix codes also encode GS1 Application Identifiers (AI), which global retailers have been using in logistics for decades.

What are the first steps in the implementation?

Use the Blue Prints as a guide to estimate the issues you will be confronted with. Read the application recommendation "2D data carriers for fresh products" if you have to label fresh products. First discuss the various open questions in your company with the responsible persons. 

How can GS1 Switzerland support me?

  • You can use publications and use cases from GS1 Switzerland and GS1 Global for orientation.
  • The Standards Expert Group offers you a platform for exchanging experiences.
  • We are happy to support you in our system consulting or individually in the implementation.