Barcodes
Barcodes are another way of representing numbers, letters and characters but in a machine-readable form, instead of human-readable.
There are different barcodes (data carriers) to suit different uses and applications. Each is designed to help improve supply chain efficiency and accuracy.
Types of Barcodes
Barcode | Display | Capacity | Data structure | Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 digits | GTIN-13 | For marking products often sold at retail point-of-sale. It encodes the GTIN-13 and is more commonly used outside of North America, although able to be used globally. | Used on retail items that cross point-of-sale applications such as cans of soup, chocolate bars, medicines, medical devices. | |
| 8 digits | GTIN-8 | Used on small packages where the EAN-13 barcode would be too large. It encodes the GTIN-8. | Used on small retail items such as cosmetics, that cross point-of-sale applications. | |
| 12 digits (zero suppressed) | GTIN-12 | Encodes a GTIN-12 to uniquely identify a product and is most commonly used for retailer point-of-sale within North America, although able to be used globally. | Used on retail items that cross point-of-sale applications. | |
| 12 digits | GTIN-12 | Allows the use of certain GTIN-12s on smaller packages, in North America where the UPC-A may not fit. It utilizes a zero-suppression method to compress the GTIN-12 into an 8-digit format. | Used on small retail items such as cosmetics, packs of chewing gum, and cigarettes. | |
| 14 digits | GTIN-8 GTIN-12 GTIN-13 | Used to condense the GTIN into a more compact barcode suitable for use on small packages and loose fresh produce. It has the capability for omnidirectional scanning. | Used on very small items such as loose unpacked fruits. | |
| Up to 2,335 characters | Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers | A two-dimensional barcode. It requires image-based scanners. | Direct part marking of surgical instruments and rail components. Printed on Logistics Labels and grocery items at POS*. Approved for Retail POS* The only 2D barcode approved for use in the Australian Rail industry. Preferred barcode for healthcare sector, particularly for regulated pharmacy and medical devices. | |
| High character capacity | GS1 Digital Link URI syntax | A two-dimensional barcode to encode GS1 Digital Link URIs to extend product packaging to brand-authorised online information and experiences. | Scanned by consumers using specialist apps in their mobile devices to access product information on the web. Approved for Retail POS* | |
| High character capacity | GS1 Digital Link URI syntax | A two-dimensional barcode to encode GS1 Digital Link URIs to extend product packaging to brand-authorised online information and experiences. | Scanned by consumers using their native phone cameras to access product information on the web. Approved for Retail POS* | |
| High character capacity | Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers | A two-dimensional barcode. It requires image-based scanners. Cannot be read by native phone cameras. A smartphone app is needed. | Not approved for general retail POS. | |
| Up to 48 characters | Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers | Uses a series of GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) to include additional data such as best before date, batch/lot number, quantity, weight, and many other attributes. It also encodes the SSCC when used on logistic labels. | Used on cases, pallets, and logistic units in general distribution. Not for retail POS. | |
| 14 digits | GTIN-12 GTIN-13 GTIN-14 | Generally used on higher packaging levels of a product, such as a case or carton. It lends itself well to be directly printed on corrugated material. | Used on cases, pallets, and logistic units in general distribution. Not for retail POS. |
* Approved for Retail POS in conjunction with a linear barcode. Can encode just a GTIN only or GTIN plus attribute data.