Important information for logistics: Sunrise 2027, the Data Matrix code (2D barcode) or QR code will replace the barcode

GS1 is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and implementation of supply chain standards and solutions. The organization was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

GS1 works with companies and organizations around the world to ensure products and information can be communicated consistently and efficiently throughout the supply chain. GS1's standards cover product, location and asset identification, data collection and electronic communication in the supply chain.

GS1's most well-known products are the EAN-13 barcodes, which can be found on almost all retail products worldwide. GS1 also operates the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), which enables companies to synchronize and exchange product data on a global scale.

GS1 is a membership organization whose members include companies from various industries such as retail, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics, automotive and healthcare.

2D matrix code can be used for WebAR or WebXR (3D product presentation in augmented reality)!

Barcodes – Image: kamellys|Shutterstock.com

In the 1970s, the barcode revolutionized shopping in supermarkets worldwide by enabling automated checkout. With the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) as part of the barcode, it has become the universal standard in global exchange of goods and is scanned ten billion times on products every day. But now it's time for a new generation of codes to arrive.

The matrix code (also known as QR code) already has some advantages over the barcode, such as the ability to store more information in a smaller space and the ability to encode information in all directions.

DataMatrix 2D Code – GS1 DataMatrix, Data Matrix and QR Code are types of 2D barcodes

In addition, the matrix code is already used in various industries and applications, such as advertising, e-commerce, automotive and healthcare. Advancing digitalization and the increasing importance of data in logistics could lead to matrix code being used even more in the future.

However, it should also be noted that the barcode is still widely used and successfully used in many areas of logistics. Therefore, there will likely be some transition period during which both codes exist in parallel. Ultimately, the actual spread of matrix code in logistics depends on various factors, such as industry acceptance, technology availability and implementation costs.

Suitable for:

• Barcodes are changing the world: the present is linear, the future is two-dimensional
• QR-like “2D barcodes” will revolutionize retail as we know it
• The GS1 Global 2D Program – Basic FAQs

Data matrix code explanation

A data matrix code is a two-dimensional type of code that consists of a matrix of square modules that can be either black or white. These codes are used to store a variety of information such as text, numbers, graphics and other data.

Data Region

The Data Region is the central area within the data matrix code that contains the actual data. The Data Region is surrounded by an empty zone called the quiet zone, which is used to make the code more readable.

The size of the data region varies depending on the size of the data matrix code. If the code is larger, the Data Region can also be larger to store more data.

It is important to note that the Data Region has a fixed size and structure that depends on the specifications of the data matrix format. This means that it is important to ensure correct adherence to specifications when creating data matrix codes to ensure that the code can be read correctly.

Finder Pattern

The “Finder Pattern” is an important part of data matrix codes that is used to recognize and decode the code. It is a pattern of black and white squares located in the corners of the code.

The pattern consists of a large square in the corner of the code surrounded by a border of smaller squares. This combination of squares forms a unique pattern that can be recognized by the software to locate the code.

The size and ratio of the squares within the Finder Pattern are standardized so that the software can easily identify them. Once the pattern is recognized, the software can analyze the code and extract the information it contains.

Overall, the Finder Pattern ensures that data matrix codes can be recognized and decoded quickly and reliably, making them a useful technology for a variety of applications.

Alternating Pattern

The alternating patterns in the data matrix code are used to mark the beginning and end of the code and to determine the orientation of the code. The data matrix code consists of a square grid of black and white squares called modules. The Alternating Pattern consists of a special arrangement of black and white modules in the corners of the code, forming a unique structure.

The Alternating Pattern allows a reader to recognize and decode the code even if it is in any orientation. This is particularly important in applications where code may be placed on a variety of surfaces and may be rotated or moved.

In addition, the Alternating Pattern also allows a reader to identify the beginning and end of the code. This is important because the code may not be placed in a clearly defined area and it may be difficult to visually identify where the code begins and ends.

1D barcodes have limitations that do not allow finding solutions to important business needs. Because of these limitations, companies have moved to using 2D barcodes to enable better solutions for traceability, supply chain transparency, consumer engagement, recall, waste reduction, and others.

1D barcodes, such as EAN/UPC, are only capable of carrying a product identifier known as a Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®). 2D barcodes can include additional data such as expiration date, batch/lot number, serial number and more. Including this data in the barcode brings added value because the information can be automatically recorded and further processed.

Some 2D barcodes, such as the QR code with GS1 Digital Link, can contain additional data while connecting consumers and other users to online resources and experiences.

DataMatrix 2D Code – GS1 DataMatrix, Data Matrix and QR Code are types of 2D barcodes

Not only can 2D barcodes contain more data, but they are also smaller than their 1D counterparts and also have features such as built-in error correction that increase their reliability.

No, EAN/UPC and other 1D barcodes, like GS1 DataBar, will not disappear. 1D barcodes will coexist and coexist with 2D barcodes as long as there are applications for them. If there is no need to add Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) data to the barcode (e.g. batch/lot number or expiry date) or consumer interaction by connecting to online resources, a 1D barcode (EAN/ UPC) can be used.

POS systems need to be updated to scan 2D barcodes and at least process the GTIN. Until these updates are made to all retailers, a transition period is required for dual marking with a 2D barcode and the existing EAN/UPC barcode. This ensures that advanced use cases can be implemented by retailers who have upgraded their hardware and software.

The industry has set an ambitious goal for retail POS scanners worldwide to be able to scan and process 2D barcodes by the end of 2027. Those deciding which barcode to use on their products could still use a 1D barcode or choose from standardized 2D barcode options.

The industry-defined goal is to enable the use of 2D barcodes in addition to existing 1D barcodes in retail.

Different regions of the world will approach the ambitious goal of moving from 1D to 2D barcodes at different paces. The Global 2D Program works with global communities to coordinate these activities.

GS1 DataMatrix, Data Matrix and QR Code are types of 2D barcodes that are all approved for use in the GS1 system for specific applications. They are not currently approved for use in the open supply chain at the retail point of sale (POS). If one of these barcodes is used on a retail POS product, a 1D barcode is required until the transition period is complete.

All three barcode types are capable of encoding GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) such as GTIN, batch/lot number and expiry date. The way these AI are encoded into the barcode changes the way they can be used. GS1 DataMatrix uses a syntax or data format called GS1 Element String. QR Code and Data Matrix use GS1 Digital Link URI syntax.

GS1 DataMatrix uses the GS1 element string syntax, which is also found in other GS1 barcodes, such as the GS1-128. This data format is widely used throughout the supply chain to convey important data where it is needed. In healthcare, fresh food, logistic units and a variety of other places. It does not offer the easier web compatibility of the QR code and data matrix that allows for better consumer engagement.

QR Code and Data Matrix use the GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, bringing GS1 data into a web compatible format that allows the information to be used for traditional supply chain applications such as: B. Price inquiries, and at the same time connect to online resources.

The QR code is currently preferred because the standard camera application on a mobile device is able to automatically scan the QR code and connect the user to the website or other resource.

Data Matrix can also be used to connect users to the web, but not all mobile device cameras can currently automatically process this type of barcode. One advantage of Data Matrix over QR Code is that Data Matrix is ​​usually the smaller of the two barcodes.

The GS1 Digital Link Standard expands the power and flexibility of GS1 identifiers by defining how the GS1 standard system is encoded into web addresses (URIs/URLs) so that they are natively connected to the Internet.

This means GS1 identifiers, like the GTIN, are now a gateway to consumer-facing information that includes brand loyalty, improved supply chain traceability information, business partner APIs, patient safety information and more. The possibilities are limitless.

While a URL typically points to a single, specific website, the GS1 Digital Link URI syntax enables connections to all types of business-to-business and business-to-consumer information. When you add a QR code to a product When you add a QR code to a product, using the GS1 Digital Link standard in barcodes means that it provides a URL that can be scanned and also carry GS1 identifiers - the same Identifiers that the entire industry relies on.

A 2D code (English 2D barcode or matrix barcode) refers to optoelectronically readable fonts that consist of lines or dots of different widths and gaps in between with the highest possible contrast. In contrast to one-dimensional barcodes, the data is not only encoded in one direction (one-dimensional), but in the form of an area over two dimensions, from which the name is derived. The advantage is a higher density of useful information. In this context, the term code does not stand for a type of encryption, but rather for images of data in symbols.

The data in a 2D code is read by machine using optical reading devices such as camera scanners and further processed electronically. Common applications of 2D codes include logistics for goods identification and mobile tagging. Due to the higher storage density, they are also used for optical data storage. For example, in the light sound process, digital audio signals are stored between the perforation holes of the film in the form of 2D codes.

More about it here:

• 2D code / matrix barcode

The DataMatrix code is one of the most famous 2D codes. It was founded in the USA in the late 1980s by Acuity Corp. developed.

Today, this code is one of the best-known types of 2D codes and is used for permanent direct labeling using lasers in production (e.g. printed circuit boards), with needle embossing in automobile manufacturing, in analysis devices and instruments (chemistry, medicine), but also increasingly as printed Code image used in document handling (tickets, IT franking when mailing). In the pharmaceutical sector, it is used for printing out electronic prescriptions, for medication plans and for the forgery-proof serial number of every medication package in the Securpharm system.

More about it here:

• DataMatrix code

Found on almost every product, the barcode represents a machine-readable multi-digit number that allows computers to distinguish between different products. The European trade standard for barcodes, the European Article Number, allows a maximum of 13-digit numbers, which, in the opinion of the organization responsible for standardization, GS1, is not enough. Therefore, GS1 plans to replace the one-dimensional barcode with two-dimensional matrix codes by 2027.

The GS1 matrix codes were already presented in 2021, as can be seen from an FAQ document, see also here . GS1 is working with the US association on a roadmap called Sunrise 2027 that stipulates that no new barcodes will be issued worldwide from 2027 onwards. Instead, all stores must have scanners that can read matrix codes. However, old barcodes can still be used.

Product manufacturers can choose between QR and data matrix codes, which can be found linked FAQs The greater capacity of the 2D codes is intended to benefit customers, dealers and providers. The plan is to include URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers) through which additional information about the product can be retrieved, such as recipes or traceability information.