You’ve indicated that, of the use cases you want to unlock, you’re not sure about consumer engagement. All the barcodes below enable a variety of B2B use cases across the supply chain by harnessing the power of advanced product data encoded in a 2D barcode. If you are sure that you want consumer engagement, go back and select the other option.
Three 2D barcode options encode a lot of product data in a small space
QR Codes use data in the GS1 Digital Link URI format. These barcodes are multifunctional: they contain valuable information that simultaneously powers POS and many other business processes, while also can connect consumers to the website of choice for the brand.
There are two versions of Data Matrix. Data Matrix (like the QR Code) can be used to encode GS1 Digital Link syntax. GS1 DataMatrix is a subset of Data Matrix that is specifically designed for encoding GS1 element string syntax. Both enable structured data to be encoded in these barcodes using GS1 standards.
QR Code powered by GS1
- Consumer scannable with smartphone; used for consumer engagement
- Scans at point-of-sale
- Encodes additional data
- Small footprint on packaging
GS1 DataMatrix
- Encodes additional data
- Essential for regulated healthcare products
- Scans at point-of-sale and point-of-care
- Connects to the web using apps and specialised solutions
- Small footprint on packaging
Data Matrix
- Encodes additional data
- Connects to the web using apps and specialised solutions; consumer scannable with some smartphones
- Scans at point-of-sale
- Small footprint on packaging
The example barcodes above encode the following common data elements to unlock many of the 2D use cases, but can encode much more as well.
• GTIN: 09521101530001
• Batch/lot number: ABC123
• Expiration date: 4 January 2027
GS1 Digital Link syntax only
• URL: https://example.com/01/09521101530001/10/ABC123?17=270104
Reclaim valuable packaging space
Today many businesses use multiple barcodes on their packaging—an EAN/UPC to identify the product and a 2D barcode to provide more product information to consumers or trading partners. But 2D barcodes will be able to serve both purposes, allowing you to free up packaging space while still harnessing the benefits of increased product data.