blownlight.com

The GS1 Databar and its features

by

Zeb Jones

The latest version of barcodes that was launched on 1st January 2010 across the world is the GS1 Databar. This new barcode symbology was initially known as RSS or Reduced Space Symbology since its size is almost half of the EAN or UPC symbols that are more commonly used. However, one must remember that the GS1 Databar is not a replacement of the EAN or UPC symbology. It is an upgraded version and will primarily be used in those areas where UPC or EAN cannot be used effectively. The GS1 Databar is particularly known for its alarming capacity to read and decipher the 14 digit code of the GTIN manufacturer. This, therefore, makes it extremely suitable for bar coding small items found in the pharmaceutical and electronics sectors. This kind of barcode can hold different kinds of information including expiry dates, batch codes, serial numbers and others. This it does with the help of its GS1 Application Identifier.

The different kind of formats that are available in GS1 Databar include Databar-14, Databar-14 Stacked, Databar Expanded, Databar limited and many more. Under the stacked version, one can generate tall barcodes which helps in utilizing space vertically. These help is solving different kinds of issues that crop up at the point-of-sale, grocery and healthcare shops. Items that were not marked with barcodes initially can be identified and all their relevant information obtained with the help of this barcode. Moreover, the manufacturers will be able to reduce their packaging costs due to the small size of the codes. This way they will get more space to print important product-related information. This in turn will ensure greater transparency of the product and increased efficiency of the retail system.

The data that gets stored through this system, helps one to trace the product, ensures flexibility in coupon applications and ensures proper quality control. It also helps in marking perishable and fresh food for which date stamps are important. Apart from improving their process of category management with the help of additional encoding of data, GS1 Databar will also help companies and organizations to reduce and cut down their costs and expenses.

The GS1 Databar can be easily linked to the 2D barcode, particularly to the MicroPDF barcode with the help of a linkage character. Once the linkage character is turned on, the scanner will be able to read the barcode at a very high speed.

This technology is been increasingly used in the pharmaceutical industry. It helps in identifying counterfeit drugs and medicines and, thus, prevents their sale. With the help of this new barcode technology, one can track the movement of a medicine in the entire supply chain network right down to the customer.

The Drug Pedigree requirement has been implemented in most of the states of the US. The rest are in the pipeline. In fact, USA has mentioned that by 2010 all retail outlets in the country should be equipped with the GS1 Databar scanner. UK has, however, pegged the date till 2014.

The cost of employing this technology is much higher compared with other symbologies. This is because the scanners used to decode the stored information are exorbitantly priced. However, it is expected that the prices will come down in the future due to continuous innovations and technological advancements taking place in this field.

A system of asset tracking will be made straightforward and easy by using

handheld scanners

. Only three gadgets are necessary if you want to work with barcodes, and this includes a decent scanner, a printer of which you can make use of and a design software application.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com