For independent grocers and the wholesalers that serve them
GS1 DATA-BAR: What it would be like...?
What the heck is GS1 DataBar?
These days, informing consumers regarding the origin of a product, the ingredients that make it up, and the chemical processes it goes through before it reaches the shelf are the next standard of UPC barcodes. With the American public becoming increasingly aware of what food they are eating questions they may have about their grocery purchases are many times left unanswered... Until the GS1 DataBar.
After gathering tons of information regarding logistics and technicality, GS 1 created a solution to improve the supply chain to supermarkets. Though it still is in its early stages several large distributors have already adapted the GS1 DataBar.
So what is the GS 1 data bar? The GS 1 DataBar, looks exactly like a small Universal Product Code (UPC), yet it holds a lot of pertinent information regarding the product. For a fish it holds the “best by date”, region it was caught, and even the name of the vessel it was caught on.
UPC E bar codes only let you know what the products name is and how much it costs. With GS1 the amount of data available comparatively is mind-boggling. And on top of that you will spend less time at the checkout counter because the GS1 code is on all of your produce.
From the grocers side the GS 1 Data-bar notifies the grocers if they are buying an almost out of date product. Allowing every grocer to have the freshest food at their stores (hence the local boom?).
After gathering tons of information regarding logistics and technicality, GS 1 created a solution to improve the supply chain to supermarkets. Though it still is in its early stages several large distributors have already adapted the GS1 DataBar.
So what is the GS 1 data bar? The GS 1 DataBar, looks exactly like a small Universal Product Code (UPC), yet it holds a lot of pertinent information regarding the product. For a fish it holds the “best by date”, region it was caught, and even the name of the vessel it was caught on.
UPC E bar codes only let you know what the products name is and how much it costs. With GS1 the amount of data available comparatively is mind-boggling. And on top of that you will spend less time at the checkout counter because the GS1 code is on all of your produce.
From the grocers side the GS 1 Data-bar notifies the grocers if they are buying an almost out of date product. Allowing every grocer to have the freshest food at their stores (hence the local boom?).
What does this mean for grocers?
Firstly, it would be wise for POS software providers to be updated with the GS1 DataBar capabilities so that they are not left behind. It is critical that your POS provider acknowledges technological changes and keeps your store infront of the technology curve. For example, IT Retail, a well known grocery POS systems and software provider has long been GS1 capable. In recent years because of the health food shift they have been encouraging their customers to make the switch to GS1 to improve their customer experience.
*The company GS1 is a non-profit company with a vision to create one type of data- bar that allows a universal and global method of traceability and holding various product data and information. With it’s vision and everyone coming together, we can all see this occur one day in the stores we walk into and shop.
*The company GS1 is a non-profit company with a vision to create one type of data- bar that allows a universal and global method of traceability and holding various product data and information. With it’s vision and everyone coming together, we can all see this occur one day in the stores we walk into and shop.
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PG Independent September 2011
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