The GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative is a significant step towards enhancing product identification, traceability, and consumer engagement. As brands transition to 2D barcodes, it's crucial to choose a solution provider that can ensure a seamless and successful implementation.

Why 2D Barcodes?

2D barcodes offer numerous benefits, including increased data capacity, enhanced product identification, increased consumer engagement, and better product authenticity, ultimately driving business growth, safety, and transparency in a rapidly evolving global market with growing demands. With the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, brands can leverage 2D barcodes to provide more detailed product information and enable better supply chain management.  

Choosing the Right Solution Provider

 When selecting a solution provider for GS1 Sunrise 2027, consider the following key factors:

1. 2D Barcode Expertise: Ensure the provider has experience with GS1-recommended barcodes, including QR with GS1 Digital Link, Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link, and GS1 Data Matrix.

2. 2D Support: Verify that the solution provider supports 2D barcode designing and printing that are recognized, decoded, and transmitted seamlessly through integrated systems.

3. Connected Consumer Experience: Check if the solution provider offers connected consumer experience ie. online experience along with QR codes and DataMatrix. This is a critical factor that distinguishes QR Codes and Data Matrix barcodes with GS1 Digital Link syntax from other QR Codes. Many QR Codes that scan perfectly well with a smartphone may not meet this criteria.

4. Verification: Look for a provider that offers code content/data and quality verification, check correctness of the GS1 barcode syntax and provide reports.

What to Expect from Your Solution Provider

A 2D-ready solution provider should be able to support the following:

Design GS1 recommended barcodes:

The solution should be able to encode, generate and print a GS1 compliant DataMatrix, DataMatrix with GS1 Digital link and QR code with GS1 Digital link barcodes. GS1 recommends QR codes and DataMatrix for its data carrying capacity, industry wide adoption, and digital linking services.   

QR Code with GS1 Digitial Link                                   DataMatrix                                     DataMatrix with GS1 Digital Link

Here are some Key Application identifiers defined by GS1 standards that are popular throughout industries
01 : GTIN Global Trade Item Number, a 14-digit numeric identifier for products
10 : Batch Number, alphanumeric identifier for batches or lots, up to 20 characters
13 : Packaging Date
17 : Expiration Date
21 : Serial Number

Examples: 
01 GTIN:
01234567890128; 10 Batch number : ABC123; 17 expiration date : 10/12/25; 21 Serial number : 0987654321

DataMatrix:  
(01)01234567890128(10)ABC123#(17)101225(21)0987654321

QR Code with Dig Link:  
https://example.com/01/01234567890128/10/ABC123/21/0987654321?17=101225

Support X-Dimension Factors:

Quiet Zones are blank areas surrounding a barcode free from any print or marks. These zones are required for accurate scanning, decoding and reduce interference.  

Minimum print quality for clear POS scanning in case of multiple codes should be compliant with the GS1 general specifications. The 2D barcode needs to be within 50 mm of the linear barcode’s center to achieve the high speed scanning target of 40 to 70 IPM (Items  per minute).

Enable Connected Data Services/Connected Consumers: 

The solution should enable your brand to digitally link to web and open your products to marketing and brand loyalty possibilities along with creating a personalized and engaging line of communication with the customers. 

Enables barcode verification:

Verify print quality with a vision system that checks for missing codes, verifies correctness of the code, and identifies damaged, smudged and displaced codes for accuracy and compliance. 

Printer Technologies for 2D Barcode Printing:

Support for various printer technologies, including CIJ, Laser, TIJ, TTO and Print & Apply.

• CIJ (Continuous Ink Jet): CIJ excels in high-speed coding on various surfaces. It is suitable where 2D barcodes are used for Lot/asset tracking and identification.
• Laser: Laser printing offers high-quality output and precise control, making it ideal for printing DataMatrix and QR codes with high density and resolution, suitable for applications requiring high quality durable and readable codes.
• TIJ (Thermal Ink Jet):TIJ offers versatile variable data printing capabilities and flexibility on various surfaces, making it suitable for printing QR codes and other applications where high-quality text and images are required.
• TTO (Thermal Transfer Over printers): TTO excels in printing high-quality DataMatrix and QR codes on flexible packaging and labels, offering durable and resistant codes, making it suitable for applications requiring long-lasting barcode readability.
• Print & Apply: Print and apply technology offers high accuracy, printing and applying labels with high-quality DataMatrix and QR codes, ideal for efficient and precise labeling in production lines.

Why Markem-imaje is Your Partner

At Markem-imaje, we understand the importance of a successful GS1 Sunrise 2027 implementation. Our team of experts have extensive experience with 2D barcodes, GS1 standards, CoLOS® Software and printer technologies. Our comprehensive COLOS® Software solution provides integrated offering including printers to make smooth transition from 1D Code to 2D Code journey We offer comprehensive and modular solutions that ensure compliance, compatibility, and consumer experience.

 To ensure a seamless transition to 2D barcodes, partner with a solution provider that has the expertise and capabilities to support your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our GS1 Sunrise 2027 solution and how we can help you succeed. 

This blog post is based on the GS1 document https://ref.gs1.org/sme-guidance/solution-provider-2d-readiness/  and is intended to provide general guidance on preparing for the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative in retail segment.