It is ubiquitous in retail: the barcode. The combination of dashes of varying thickness and spaces represents a computer-readable 13-digit numerical code that identifies and distinguishes products. But from 2027, that will no longer be enough.
According to the will of the organization GS1, which is responsible for the standardization of such machine-readable codes, trade should switch to so-called matrix codes from 2027. This group also includes the so-called QR codes, which Austrians know from, for example, the ‘green passport’.
Replacement of scanner hardware necessary
The plan, called “Sunrise 2027”, has been running since 2021 and GS1 has now announced that it will not be issuing new barcodes from 2027 onwards. From now on, all stores must have scanners that can read the new matrix codes.
Barcodes should continue to be used, but should be phased out in due course, reports the IT portal Golem.de. Retailers incur costs as a result of the switch: scanning hardware may need to be replaced and retail chains will also have to update their software solutions.
tip: Retailers can use the GS1 compatibility test to determine whether existing devices are compatible with the new codes.
Codes must contain additional information
According to GS1, the codes should offer a number of advantages: Because longer strings of characters can be displayed in the matrix codes, so-called Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) should be built in, with which information about a product can be retrieved using, for example, a smartphone – or the now it concerns details about the origin, best before date or preparation recipes. Dealers should also benefit: GS1 praises the new codes as anti-counterfeiting technology.
In any case, the trade will face a major challenge with the changeover: numerous product scanners that cannot yet cope with the new technology will have to be replaced and adjustments will also be required in the area of packaging and checkout software.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
