Printing solutions 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 will 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 a reliance on pre-coded labels. Of course, coding products in real time on production lines comes with its own challenges. Simply 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 will cause a high number of rejections, rework, and defective stock. Poor quality 2D codes can
KennedysConfection.com
The official sunrise date for the GS1
Digital Link – when the legacy linear barcode can be removed for GS1-Digital-Link- enabled packs, is currently set for 2027”
also have a knock-on effect on lines that require the aggregation of serialised products. The repercussions would be even more severe if an unreadable 2D code leaves the factory unnoticed. Brands can face financial penalties such as fines, loss of business, product recalls, and potential legal implications. The official sunrise date for the GS1 Digital
Link – when 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 likely be a transition
period with the GS1 Digital Link, and Domino is already seeing change among brands, retailers, and manufacturers, who are finding many new innovative uses 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. Despite this, the adoption of the GS1 Digital Link is likely to begin to expand quickly as more and more brands realise the benefits of greater data sharing.
One of the main challenges that will face
confectionery producers is to agree internally on the content of the GS1 Digital Link and ensure that production and packaging lines are equipped to handle the new data requirements and effective printing.
Kennedy’s Confection would be keen to hear from any readers who have already started their 2D code journey. We would love to find out more about your thoughts on potential implementation challenges and, of course, its benefits.
Kennedy’s Confection December/January 2023/24 53
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