T
ransitioning to 2D barcode technology – the incorporation of which has been set for 2027 – is likely to present certain challenges for businesses, including the
confectionery sector. Historically, product designs and packaging have been tailored around the 1D barcode, taking into account factors such as code readability and the placement of important information such as ingredients and marketing materials. The shift to 2D codes may therefore require adjustments to production and packaging processes, which will demand both time and resources of all departments of a business. Confectionery manufacturers need to consider the compatibility of their current coding and marking equipment to check that it is capable of printing 2D codes. Upgrades to existing technology might be required because 2D codes are more difficult to print, requiring a higher resolution output. These higher print-quality standards may stretch the capabilities of some older coding applications. Along with printer considerations, changes to production line hardware and software may become necessary. Barcodes are read throughout the lifespan of a product – from component tracking and traceability to stock checking, order picking and much more. With the implementation of 2D codes, many businesses will need to migrate from the traditional barcode scanners they already have to 2D code readers. Equipment upgrades like these will require investment from business owners, so it is crucial to start planning early to manage this expenditure. One of the big advantages of 2D codes is that they can store a much larger amount of data. Data is encoded on both the horizontal and vertical arrangement of the pattern, whereas the 1D barcode can only be encoded horizontally. While 2D codes are small in size, they can hold up to 2,000 characters more than the currently used 1D codes. This will give the ability to present a much larger amount of data within a minimal amount of space. The smaller size also allows businesses to mark smaller items, where a 1D barcode does not fit.
2D codes are also well suited to tracking
KennedysConfection.com
Promotions, imagery, application download, product descriptions and website or
streaming links are just a few examples of the materials that can be stored within a 2D code."
The benefits of 2D do not stop at the factory gates. They also give consumers the opportunity to scan product QR codes easily using a mobile phone at any location, giving them access to information they would normally have to visit a URL to view.
A new marketing tool?
and tracing production batches in the supply chain. The most common use of these codes is for tracking individual products throughout their creation until they reach the consumer – and sometimes through reuse and recovery at the end of the product’s life. When scanned, the code will display all the important information about where the product came from and its journey from its raw material components to a finished product. This enables manufacturers to ensure their products are being produced correctly and that they meet all the customer requirements. It also gives much greater transparency when dealing with errors, as the codes can help to identify problems and prevent similar issues from occurring again. Unlike 1D barcodes, 2D codes can still be read even if partially obscured or distorted, allowing for a more robust read. As the data size held within the 2D code is much greater than a traditional 1D code, this can also eliminate the need for an external database to hold process or product data. This can simplify the process of data management and reduces dependency on centralised systems for traceability.
The down-chain visibility of the 2D code further allows businesses to leverage marketing materials and key information about the product in one convenient location. Promotions, imagery, application download, product descriptions and website or streaming links are just a few examples of the materials that can be stored within a 2D code. This offers confectionery businesses a range of tools they can use to highlight their key brand messages. This, in turn, can help foster a closer relationship between the brand and the consumer. As the 2D code can hold so much important information, there is less of a need to design packaging mechanisms around long ingredient lists or promotional materials, enabling businesses to stand out, by creating bolder and more artistic packaging designs that entice the consumer. For some businesses, a reduction in printed data could also drive reduced costs, lead to more innovative packaging variations and bring about environmental benefits too.
A lengthy process
The complete switchover to 2D codes is expected to be a lengthy process. Aside from the time it will take manufacturers to move over in production, there are wider implications along the supply chain. For example, many retailers may not have 2D code reading facilities in their storage warehouses or at the point-of-sale, so there will likely be a grace period even after 2027 when barcodes and 2D codes are used simultaneously while the technology along the supply chain catches up.
There are many benefits to be had from moving to 2D codes. While some sectors are already realising these benefits, others have not yet considered a move. However, while the benefits of a global shift to 2D codes are numerous, barcodes have been in use for over 50 years and, as with any large-scale industrial change, there will be challenges to negotiate and hurdles to jump. My final word of advice? Preparation is key!
Kennedy’s Confection March 2024 37
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