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The traditional 1D barcode still has a lot of significance, but you might be wondering how you can benefit from 2D barcodes. UPC barcodes were the first type of linear barcode invented back in 1974. They were created to encode information and track products throughout the supply chain, creating more efficiency for manufacturing industries. While 1D barcodes are quite popular, they do have some limitations. 1D barcodes encode less data than 2D barcodes, can only be scanned in one direction, and contain general information, nothing about the actual product, which lacks visibility for end users and traceability for businesses.
So, let’s talk about how 2D barcodes are impacting industries. In this blog, we will dive into what a 2D barcode is, why they’re growing in popularity, and what the future looks like with GS1 Sunrise 2027.
Learn the difference between 1D vs 2D barcodes
2D barcodes have a two-dimensional representation of the data. They’re stacked in a matrix design with squares or rectangles, consist of vertical and horizontal bars and have the capability to store and encode more data in a smaller space. 2D barcodes can include thousands of different characters compared to only a few dozen in 1D barcodes. Because they can include more characters, they can hold more information specific to the product. Not only do 2D barcodes hold more information, but they can be scanned in multiple directions or angles, even while partially damaged. 2D barcodes have many purposes such as storage for UPC codes, importing or exporting data, and sharing URLs.
There are a few common types of 2D barcodes. The common symbologies are QR codes, Data Matrix, PDF417, and Aztec codes.
QR codes: QR codes are one of the most popular 2D barcodes. QR codes stand for “Quick Response Code”, as their speed to be read is the top advantage. QR codes consist of an array of black and white squares that typically store URLs and can only be read by smartphone cameras, tablets, or 2D barcode scanners. They’re used to access nutritional information, product details in other languages, how-to product videos, PDFs with in-depth information, and more.
QR codes are very common in the retail industry, where they’re used for coupons, forms of payment, or loyalty programs, making it easy for the average consumer to scan with their smartphone. QR codes are widely favored because they can contain supply chain information and extra data beyond just the product information, all while offering a unique consumer experience.
Data Matrix: Data Matrix, another type of 2D barcode, is made up of black and white modules, or cells, that are arranged in a square pattern. They are smaller in size compared to QR codes, so they are a good option for marking individual product parts where space is limited. They can be designed in a rectangular version for smaller packaging. TEKLYNX label design software allows the codification of up to 2,335 ASCII characters. Since Data Matrix barcodes are more complex than the average 1D linear barcode, they can only be read by specific 2D camera scanners.
Data Matrix barcodes are used by those who need to encode more data and track products for drug traceability or anti-counterfeiting like the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry. They help comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). Data Matrix barcodes are also used for fresh foods in food & beverage and defense industries to track and trace, which is critical for supply chain operations.
PDF417: PDF417 is also a part of the 2D barcode family. PDF417 is a linear stacked barcode that is very popular on the United States driver’s licenses and is also used in the transportation and automotive, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries. The number 417 comes from four bars and four spaces on the barcode and 17 units long. The data in these units can be encoded vertically or horizontally and the more data that is encoded, the larger the barcode may get.
Aztec Codes: Aztec codes can also store large amounts of data in a small space, but they do not require quiet zones like the other 2D barcodes. They contain a “finder” in the center of the barcode, which resembles an aerial view of an Aztec pyramid. They’re commonly used in industrial and commercial applications, such as ticketing, tracking, and authenticating items like medicine. You may see this barcode on your airplane ticket or car registration.
One of the biggest advantages of 2D barcodes is accessibility. If your company needs to make any changes to your barcode, you don’t have to go in and change the barcode, you can just update the information on the web page, eliminating manual errors in label design.
2D barcodes are becoming widely used in many industries because they encode more information than 1D barcodes. They were developed due to the increase in consumer demand, data capacity, error correction, and scanning abilities.
Consumers are becoming more conscious about the products they buy and consume, which is driving the adoption of 2D barcodes. They care about where their product came from, how it arrived at the store, what the product contains, and who the brand behind the product is. So, more industries are using this to their advantage and implementing QR codes on their products to get that brand awareness, improve the consumer experience, and gain loyalty from their customers.
2D barcodes also have error correction capabilities which allows them to be readable and scannable in any direction and even if the barcode is partially damaged. This is essential for industries such as transportation and logistics (T&L) and healthcare, where labels are exposed to different environments.
Being able to be scanned by a phone or tablet transforms the way businesses and consumers can interact with 2D barcodes. In a technology-driven world, it provides consumers with a resource to access all kinds of product information right at their fingertips. This not only provides visibility but can help individuals make informed decisions about purchasing. 2D barcodes continue to be adapted worldwide and businesses are starting to use both 1D and 2D barcodes when designing labels.
The healthcare industry was among the first to adopt 2D barcodes, but now they’re widely used in retail, T&L, food & beverage, and even by marketing teams because they enhance user experiences via product packaging. UPC barcodes don’t contain information that is accessible to the consumer, whereas QR codes can link to an entire website on the brand or product the consumer is interested in. Due to their small size, they can also help free up packaging for a clean look.
Along with product information or loyalty programs, some QR codes will pull up information such as warnings, a product recall notification, handling information, ingredients, and allergens. This creates a sense of visibility for consumers and is a resource to help quickly identify products on the shelves. QR codes are not only changing the game for industries in the supply chain but for consumers too.
As demands for product information transparency and traceability grow, GS1 introduced Sunrise 2027 to increase the adoption of 2D barcodes.
Sunrise 2027 is an initiative for distributors, retailers, and consumers to move towards 2D barcodes and accept them at point-of-sale (POS) or point-of-care (POC). At the end of 2027, retailers must ensure their POS systems can scan or read 2D barcodes.
If you need to create GS1 barcodes for your products, get started by licensing a GS1 Company Prefix or a GS1 US GTIN. TEKLYNX partners with GS1 US so you can get authentic UPC Numbers (GTINs) directly through GS1 US by clicking the appropriate link below. You will be taken directly to the GS1 US store. When completed, come back to TEKLYNX and discover GS1-compliant barcode label design software.
GS1 Digital Link is a standard that allows 2D barcodes, such as QR codes to carry more than product information by embedding web links, taking consumers to detailed product information. They encode identifiers like GS1 GTIN’s and connect to online information. GS1 Digital Link is important for the migration of 2D barcodes and enhance the functionality globally. Learn more about GS1 Digital Link.
Sunrise 2027 is industry driven and not mandated for businesses. 1D barcodes are not being sunset and will still be used by many industries. Adopting 2D barcodes before 2027 can help businesses gain a competitive edge.
2D barcodes open a world of possibilities in the barcode and supply chain industry. They’re creating unique consumer experiences, expanding the way barcodes work, and integrating with modern technology. 2D barcodes are expected to play a key role throughout the supply chain by streamlining operations. As systems evolve, they will become even more integrated into daily operations.
See how you can create 2D barcodes in LABELVIEW label design software. Download a free 30-day trial to start designing today.
Doug Niemeyer is the President & General Manager at TEKLYNX Americas. He leverages his 25+ years of sales & marketing experience in technology and leadership to help grow the business. His passion for leadership, insatiable curiosity, and competitive spirit help to drive success, encourage progress and development while ensuring teams hold positive customer experiences in the highest regard, all with the purpose of helping companies barcode better. When he is not working you can find him in a gym, on a field or golf course playing or coaching.
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