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BARCODING, LABELLING & PACKAGING
manufacturers will need to consider when transitioning to the GS1 Digital Link. Firstly, manufacturers must consider what
information to include inside the code – whether this will be dynamic, batch- or item-related data, or higher-level product-focused information. Depending on their applications, brands may need to access and aggregate data from ERP systems and production lines for use in the 2D GS1 Digital Link. Solutions for printing the QR codes will also
need to be considered – including technology for product handling, printing, and code inspection. As with any product code, a GS1 Digital Link- enabled barcode can only be effective if it is correctly printed and can be effectively scanned. Dynamic data contained within a 2D code, such
as batch-related information (including batch numbers and ingredient variations, including nutrition and allergen info), product expiry dates, and unique product IDs, will require in-line, on- product coding rather than pre-coded labels.
unnoticed. Brands can face financial penalties such as fines, loss of business, product recalls, and potential legal implications. Domino is committed to helping brands and
manufacturers to prepare for the rise of dynamic 2D codes. As a company, we have developed a range of globally compliant solutions designed to handle the fast processing of serialised data and high-quality, fast-paced printing of 2D codes, as well as verification systems and solutions to check code accuracy and facilitate data sharing.
WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GS1 DIGITAL LINK? The official sunrise date for the GS1 Digital Link, at which point the legacy linear barcode can be removed for GS1-Digital-Link-enabled packs, is currently set for 2027. As with any new standard, there will be a
When linear barcodes were first introduced in the
1970s, few could have anticipated just how important they would become. We are now experiencing the same journey with 2D codes and the GS1 Digital Link – and Domino is actively supporting this transition. As a world-leading coding and marking provider with expertise in helping brands to fulfil regulatory serialisation requirements via 2D codes and long-standing partnerships with key industry associations, including GS1, Domino is well-placed to help manufacturers prepare for this new dimension in barcodes.
HOW MUCH OF A CHANGE WILL IT BE FOR MANUFACTURING TO MOVE FROM 1D TO 2D BARCODES? While the GS1 Digital Link standard provides a vision – and now a roadmap – for a future where a single, data-rich 2D code replaces the 1D, linear barcode, there are some challenges that
Coding products in real time on production lines
comes with its own challenges. In such instances, ‘bolting’ a coder onto an existing production line may not be optimal because often, production machinery is not designed with coding in mind, and so, product handling or the ‘presentation of the product’ to the coder becomes a crucial consideration in creating high quality codes. Manufacturers that choose to code products in- line without effective product handling will undoubtedly be subject to production line variations that will affect final code quality. At best, a poor quality 2D code resulting from inadequate product handling will cause a high number of rejections, rework, and defective stock. Poor quality 2D codes can also have a knock-on effect on lines that require the aggregation of serialised products. The repercussions can be even more severe if an unreadable 2D code leaves the factory
transition period with the GS1 Digital Link, and we are already seeing ripples of change among brands, retailers, and manufacturers, and many new innovative use cases for GS1 Digital Link codes. Worldwide, many retailers have also begun the process of updating their POS scanners to read 2D barcodes. Of course, there is significant variation in maturity levels between regions and among manufacturers and retailers. Still, the adoption of the GS1 Digital Link is likely to expand quickly as more and more brands realise the benefits of greater data sharing. One of the main challenges manufacturers will
face is to agree internally on the content of this new GS1 Digital Link and ensure that their lines are equipped to handle new data requirements and effective printing. Those seeking more information on how best to do this should save time by enlisting the support of a global coding and marking provider with a range of globally compliant barcoding solutions and experience in data management and roll-out of 2D codes.
Domino Printing Sciences
www.domino-printing.com
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