Why are barcodes set to disappear?
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
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Why are traditional barcodes expected to disappear?
Why are barcodes set to disappear? Thanks for asking. Ever since they were first introduced in the United States in 1973, barcodes have been part of our everyday consumer lives. They helped stores around the world transition to digital. But their days are numbered. That's right, traditional barcodes are due to be gradually replaced by 2D versions as part of a worldwide initiative called Sunrise 2027. It's led by GS1, the non-profit standards organisation that oversees the barcodes industry. The reason for this change is to provide more information and functionality for both consumers and retailers.
What is the Sunrise 2027 initiative and how will 2‑D barcodes replace 1‑D codes?
The 2D codes can link to various types of data, such as ingredients, recipes, promotions, games, recycling information and more. They can also improve inventory control, product recall and food safety. How do barcodes actually work? You could say a product's barcode is its ID card. The barcode has a 13-digit global trade item number, known as a GTIN for short. It can be used to find the product's price and expiry date. Barcodes were so revolutionary because they enabled fast and accurate identification of products in various domains, such as retail, logistics, manufacturing and healthcare.
How do barcodes work and what information do they store?
They allowed supermarkets to automate the checkout process, reducing human errors and managing their inventory more efficiently. They improved the customer experience too, by reducing waiting times, providing more information and enabling loyalty programs. First generation and 2D barcodes already coexist. Distributors hope the former will disappear by 2027, but some experts say the transition will be complicated and that they could last another decade. Barcodes can only store up to 25 alphanumeric characters, while 2D barcodes, including QR codes, can store thousands. The switch to 2D is a no-brainer really, due to the advances it will allow, in particular in product traceability and the management of stock, returns and unsold items.
Bear in mind that 2D barcodes and QR codes are both scanning labels that encode information, but they're not exactly the same. QR codes are a type of 2D barcode, but not all 2D barcodes are QR codes.
Why might the transition to 2‑D barcodes take longer than expected?
consumption habits? 2D barcodes can better guide consumers in responsible purchasing, thanks in particular to their transparency on environmental criteria. Customers have direct access to a product's origin and composition. They may even find assembly instructions for kit furniture, for example. There you have it. Now you know why barcodes are set to disappear.
How will 2‑D barcodes change consumer habits compared to QR codes?
In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:31
2
Why are traditional barcodes expected to disappear?
0:31–1:13
3
What is the Sunrise 2027 initiative and how will 2‑D barcodes replace 1‑D codes?
1:13–1:55
4
How do barcodes work and what information do they store?
1:55–3:04
5
Why might the transition to 2‑D barcodes take longer than expected?
3:04–3:28
6
How will 2‑D barcodes change consumer habits compared to QR codes?
3:28–3:39