Discover the GS1 Barcode System - Part 1: Overview

tec-it.com - This video provides an overview of the barcodes and 2D codes used in the GS1 barcode universe, explaining fundamental use cases and detailing basic terms. A second video delves into the proper creation of GS1-128 codes.
The choice of barcode type is determined by the application:
✴️ EAN and UPC
For retail product labeling, EAN codes, primarily utilized in Europe, and UPC codes, commonly employed in North America, take precedence. EAN, an acronym for "European Article Number," and UPC, which stands for "Universal Product Code," serve as standardized identifiers for streamlined inventory and sales management.
These codes are scanned by the Point of Sale system, abbreviated as POS system - for example, the scanner at a supermarket's checkout. Encoded is a unique product identification - the GTIN or "Global Trade Identification Number." Any additional data such as item description or price is retrieved by the POS system using this GTIN from the market's database or the cash register.
➡️ Important! A GTIN must be unique worldwide. GS1, a not-for-profit organization, is responsible for assigning GTINs. If you need GTINs for product distribution in retail, contact the GS1 organization in your country (see www.gs1.org).
The focus of the remaining barcode types is on Supply Chain Management and Logistics applications:
✴️ ITF-14
The ITF-14 barcode is used in logistics and distribution for marking trading units or outer packaging (such as cartons or boxes). ITF-14 can't be used for retail product labeling.
✴️ GS1-128
GS1-128 is a Code 128 with a FNC1 codeword at the first position; the structure of the encoded data follows GS1 standards. GS1-128 is used particularly for encoding (variable) product data, identifying logistical units in supply chains, and in healthcare. In the next video, I will show how to create a correct GS1-128 code.
✴️ GS1 DataBar
GS1 DataBar codes exist in various variants and are usually readable with current POS systems. Certain GS1 DataBar code variants, in addition to encoding the GTIN, allow encryption of additional data such as weight, expiration date, or price. Think, for example, of the labeling of weighed fresh products.
✴️ GS1 DataMatrix
The 2D code "GS1 DataMatrix," like GS1 DataBar, can encode data in a structured form. A GS1 DataMatrix differs from "normal" DataMatrix codes by an internal marker with a special FNC1 codeword; the structured coding of data follows the Application Identifier Standard of GS1. I explain AIs, also called application identifiers or data identifiers, and FNC1 in the next video.
A GS1 DataMatrix can be applied not only through usual labeling but also through direct marking by laser, engraving, etching, or dotting. The code remains readable even under challenging conditions such as oil, cleaning agents, abrasion, or harsh weather. GS1 DataMatrix is suitable for sensitive applications in the healthcare sector or industrial environments due to the listed advantages.
✴️ GS1 QR Code
Who doesn't know QR codes? These can be read perfectly with smartphones to obtain information about a product or to register for an event (and for countless other purposes). The coding methodology follows that of GS1 DataMatrix.
In the next video, I will explain how to correctly encode structured data in a GS1-128 code: • Discover the GS1 Barco...
T A G S
#ean #upc #gs1 #GS1DataBar #GS1DataMatrix #GS1QRCode #Code128 #DataMatrix #QRCode #ITF-14 #barcode
C O P Y R I G H T ©
TEC-IT Datenverarbeitung GmbH, Austria
www.tec-it.com
Music: "The Forest of Lights" by Hiddeminside (www.jamendo.com/track/873884/...)
T R A D E M A R K S
GS1® is a registered trademark of the GS1 organization in various countries.
QR Code® is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in the United States and other countries.
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