With rapid advances in technology, the popularity of the GS1-128 barcode is revolutionizing the barcode usage landscape. GS1-128 barcodes are gradually replacing traditional 1D barcodes due to their greater storage capacity, interoperability with modern identification technologies, and global standardization.
1D Barcode Overview: Limitations and Challenges
1D barcodes have a wide range of applications, such as inventory management and product identification. These barcodes have been in use since 1974, but due to their inability to encode complex information and limited data capacity, they are being replaced by more advanced barcode types. Following are some of the challenges and limitations of 1D barcodes.
- Limited data capacity: The data capacity of a 1D barcode is limited, and as the data size increases, the barcode size will also increase. Therefore, users limit the size to 8-15 characters. Inability to encode alphanumeric data: Most 1D barcodes cannot encode alphanumeric data, such as special symbols or letters. The only types that can store alphanumeric characters are Code 39, Code 93, and Code 128.
- Lack of global standardization: 1D barcodes such as UPC and EAN may vary by region or industry. The lack of standardization creates difficulties for compatibility and interoperability between barcoding systems. Global supply chains can be complicated when businesses and trading partners use different barcode standards.
- Readability and Scanning Issues: Poor print quality, degraded and damaged barcodes can make it difficult to scan 1D barcodes, further causing errors and delays in the workflow.
- Limited range of applications: 1D barcodes are best suited for inventory control and identification processes. They may not be the best choice for complex applications such as regulatory compliance or traceability that involve extensive data encoding or system integration.
- Space limitations: The more data, the larger the size of the 1D barcode. Therefore, they are not suitable for small products or limited label space.
- Future technology lacks flexibility: 1D barcodes are not flexible enough to accommodate advanced tracking and identification systems. The increasing convergence of technologies such as RFID and QR codes in supply chain management and retail requires barcodes that can coexist seamlessly with these systems, which 1D barcodes cannot provide.
Introducing the GS1-128 Barcode: Superior 1D Barcodes
The GS1-128 barcode is a variation of the linear or one-dimensional barcode that efficiently encodes alphanumeric data. These barcodes are built on the GS1 system, ensuring they are industry standard and compatible with a wide variety of systems and applications. GS1-128 barcodes are based on the Code 128 symbology and can store variable length data. As such, barcodes are used in several industries and applications such as traceability, product identification, inventory management, and compliance with industry standards.
GS1 128 barcode format
Below is an example of a GS1 128 barcode showing the GS1 128 barcode format:
Advantages of GS1-128 barcodes
- Enhanced Data Capacity: The growing popularity of the GS1-128 barcode can be attributed to its enhanced ability to store and transmit information over traditional 1D barcodes. Unlike most 1D barcodes, GS1-128 barcodes can encode alphanumeric data. This remarkable feature provides businesses with more data storage and flexibility. The increased data capacity allows organizations to add batch numbers, expiration dates and serial numbers to barcodes.
- Improve Supply Chain Efficiency : Implementing GS1-128 barcodes improves supply chain efficiency through accuracy and optimized workflows. By seamlessly integrating large volumes of data into a unified barcode system, these barcodes facilitate a fast and accurate scanning process, improving operational efficiency and minimizing errors. Increased efficiency can improve inventory management, logistics optimization and visibility across the supply chain.
- Global Standardization and Interoperability : GS1-128 barcodes are GS1 compliant and this is one of its key strengths. GS1 is the world's leading standards body, ensuring interoperability and compatibility by promoting collaboration across sectors and industries. Standardization improves operational efficiency and builds reliability and trust among business partners. As a result, businesses can leverage the GS1-128 barcode for strategic positioning, a globally recognized standard that simplifies communication, supply chain coordination and data exchange.
- Regulatory Compliance and Traceability: Businesses in various industries must ensure regulatory compliance and product traceability. GS1-128 barcodes are well suited to market needs as they can encode data such as batch numbers, expiration dates and regulatory information. This important feature allows for easy and precise tracking of products throughout their life cycle. GS1-128 barcodes provide product safety and regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and consumer goods companies.
GS1-128 Barcode Adoption Challenges
Implementing GS1-128 barcodes can present various adoption challenges due to a number of factors.
- Existing infrastructure and systems: One of the major barriers to adoption is aligning the GS1-128 barcode with existing systems and infrastructure. Many businesses have well-established infrastructure, protocols, and machinery tailored to accommodate traditional 1D barcodes. As a result, implementing GS1-128 barcodes requires modifications, potential updates, and even replacement of current systems, requiring a significant investment of time and resources.
- Cost Considerations: GS1-128 barcode integration requires software, hardware and training costs. Businesses need to invest in a GS1-128 barcode printer, scanner and labeling system. They may require upgraded or new software to create and decode these barcodes. Staff training is critical to the use and integration of GS1-128 barcodes. The cost of a project depends on its scope and infrastructure.
- Industry-Wide Implementation: The GS1-128 barcode needs industry-wide adoption to maximize its potential. Retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and logistics partners must collaborate to make this happen. Different standards, processes and methodologies across organizations make industry-wide adoption challenging. Not to mention, educating stakeholders about the benefits and necessity of GS1-128 barcodes takes time and effort.
Coexistence and Integration: The Current Role of 1D Barcodes
It is critical for businesses to seriously consider the implementation of GS1-128 barcodes. It requires developing an effective transformation strategy. It is better to adopt a gradual and incremental strategy than to opt for a sudden and absolute 1D barcode replacement. This strategy may entail a phased implementation of GS1-128 barcodes in current systems and workflows, while maintaining support and utilization of 1D barcodes where necessary.
Enterprise Transformation Strategy
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your business' unique needs and prerequisites to determine the best barcode format for each application or product.
- Find key areas where GS1-128 barcodes may be advantageous over 1D barcodes, such as compliance with global standards or enhanced data capacity.
- Equipment, systems and software must be upgraded or updated to handle both barcode types, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility.
- Provide appropriate training to employees and partners involved in data management and barcode scanning to ensure a seamless transition and successful use of both barcode symbologies.
- Work with industry partners to standardize methods for data sharing, barcode usage, and supply chain integration.
Looking Ahead: Potential for GS1-128 Barcode Status
GS1-128 barcodes have the potential to dominate certain industries. Businesses are likely to increasingly utilize GS1-128 barcodes as they grasp the benefits of increased data capacity, global standards, and interoperability with modern identification systems. Widespread use of GS1-128 barcodes in enterprises may lead to a shift away from traditional 1D barcodes.
Evolving Technology and Barcode Solutions
As technology evolves, new barcode solutions may be developed to meet evolving needs and meet challenges. Combining barcodes with future technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) devices or artificial intelligence could open up new avenues for product monitoring, data management and supply chain optimization.
How can Dynamsoft help you transform?
If you are willing to implement GS1-128 barcodes into your business workflow, you will need a barcode scanner that supports this symbology.
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK is a multifunctional barcode reading control, which only needs a few lines of code to embed barcode reading function into web or desktop applications. This can save months of development time and costs. Can support various image file formats and DIB format obtained from cameras or scanners. With Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK, you can create powerful and practical barcode scanner software to meet your business needs.
Choosing Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK will help you build a powerful GS1-128 barcode scanner with a few lines of code. You can also add GS1-128 barcode scanning capabilities to existing systems.
Using the SDK's flexible API, you can build barcode scanning solutions that support multiple symbologies, from 1D barcodes to GS1 barcodes and 2D barcodes.