Context: Global Standards 1 (GS1) is preparing to replace the current barcodes with next-generation formats such as QR Codes powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix. The global rollout is expected by 2027, and aims to improve product traceability and supply chain transparency.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about bar code; next-generation Barcodes.
What is Barcode?
- Barcode is the small image of lines (bars) and spaces of varying widths that is used to identify a particular product number, person or location.
- The bars are used to represent the binary digits 0 and 1, sequences of which in turn can represent numbers from 0 to 9 and be processed by a digital computer.
- This encoded information can be interpreted by a barcode scanner. The scanner shines a laser or LED light on the barcode, and detects the reflected light. The reflected light is converted into a digital signal, and interpreted.
What is QR Code?
- QR Code (quick-response code) is a two-dimensional bar code. It consists of a printed square pattern of small black and white squares that encode data which can be scanned into a computer system.
- The black and white squares can represent numbers from 0 to 9, letters from A to Z, or characters.
- QR codes can encode URLs, text, payment information, geo-location etc.
- Applications: Digital payments, inventory management, government IDs, medical certificates, boarding passes etc.
Next-generation Barcodes:
- The upgraded barcodes will be structured to:
- enhance supply chain traceability, information-sharing and support recall tracking.
- support integration with technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, especially for applications requiring secure and multi-party data sharing.
- The barcodes would be compatible with smartphone cameras, allowing broader accessibility without the need for proprietary scanners.
Applications:
The upgraded barcode -
- Would enable businesses, consumers and regulators to access product-specific information- including expiry dates, sourcing data and recall notices through a single scan.
- Would help track the movement of medicines, medical devices and agricultural goods through standardised labelling.
- Tool to verify product authenticity in sectors such as pharmaceuticals. Integrated into Ayushman Bharat for inventory management and cost tracking.
Global Standards 1 (GS1)
- GS1 is a not-for-profit entity that develops and maintains open standards used across retail, logistics, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors.
- In India, GS1 standards are already used in national programmes such as FASTag, Ayushman Bharat and ROHINI (a hospital registry).