With loads of data to process and the need to provide customers with a reliable experience, businesses are turning to the GS1 2D barcodes.
Traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcodes have fared well until now, but the modern business world requires advanced data storage and processing beyond their capability.
So why are businesses adopting the new global standard and turning to 2D barcodes? The reasons are data storage capabilities, quick generation, and more.
Today, one can use a top-tier GS1 digital link creator to produce thousands of GS1 codes easily and quickly.
Let’s understand the advantages of 2D barcodes and how we can use them in modern industries.
What is a GS1 2D barcode?
2D or two-dimensional barcodes are square shapes of black and white spaces. The most common example of this type of barcode is a QR code.
GS1 2D barcodes have a large data storage capacity, so they can store information like batch numbers, weight, price, expiration dates, and more.
You’ll usually find them on retail products, medical equipment, and the like. Companies, consumers, and clients can easily scan them to get relevant information about the product or equipment.
2D barcode types to know
Let’s get a brief understanding of various types of 2D barcodes:
Stacked 2D barcodes
As the name suggests, stacked 2D Barcodes have multiple layers of linear barcodes on top of each other where they store encoded data.
Some common examples are GS1 DataBar, PDF417, and Codablock, among others. Because of their robustness, they are usually deployed in government identification, logistics, and shipping labels.
Matrix 2D barcodes
These barcodes contain several cells or modules to store data that can be arranged vertically and horizontally. They come in various sizes and shapes, such as rectangles, squares, hexagons, bars, and dots.
A major reason to adopt Matrix 2D Barcodes is their ability to embed a variety of data, such as URLs, numeric codes, and images.
Some of the most popular examples include Aztec code, Data Matrix, QR codes, and MaxiCode. They find their application in marketing, inventory management, and digital payments thanks to their data storage flexibility.
What are GS1 Digital Link and GS1 DataMatrix?
Smartphones scan the pixel grids of a GS1 barcode to show relevant information and redirect users to websites. The GS1 Digital Link directs users to a specific landing page.
Both brands and customers can benefit significantly from its power and flexibility. Not only do they provide brands with consumer information, but they also enhance the supply chain traceability of multiple products.
Meanwhile, a GS1 DataMatrix contains individual dots and squares that are packed together in a square shape. Usually, it stores information like expiry dates, GTIN, serial number, batch number, and the like.
It is crucial to understand that DataMatrix and the GS1 DataMatrix are not the same thing, as many think.
The latter is scannable from all directions. Smartphones can also read the typical DataMatrix, but not all models have the capability to do it using a single app. So, the user might have to download separate apps to read both.
In addition, the GS1 DataMatrix starts with a special sequence that helps users recognize that the code follows the GS1 standard. The DataMatrix barcodes, on the other hand, embed web experiences, which the GS1 lacks.
One reason the GS1 DataMatrix has become so popular is that it can store a lot of information despite its limited size.
Benefits of implementing digital link GS1 2D barcodes
For many decades, UPC barcodes have reigned supreme in several industries, but that is about to change.
Digital Link 2D Barcode has gained prominence because of its various advantages. Let’s discuss what they are.
Omnichannel flexibility
GS1 barcodes are perfect for providing consumers a fast and smooth experience across physical and digital touchpoints.
Because of their inherent flexibility, QR codes and 2D barcodes, in general, that follow GS1 standards can adapt to serve various destinations depending on their context.
It means that the GS1 QR code can be programmed to link to multiple destinations or resources. The information could include product information pages, websites, particular media pages, and much more.
Customer engagement
GS1 barcode brings transparency to the market by giving customers the information they need.
These days, customers are conscious of the origins of the raw material, the location of manufacturing facilities, ingredients, expiry date, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and much more.
A free QR code generator enables customers to use their smartphones to make a simple scan and access all of this information within seconds. It leads to customer satisfaction and gives a positive touch to the brand’s reputation.
Future-proofing
The GS1 2D barcodes aren’t just functional tools for traceability and regulatory compliance. They will become a necessity as the one-dimensional barcode nears the end of its life.
1D barcodes have served brands and customers well for decades but are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demands for traceability and authentication.
So, the industry has decided to shift to the 2D barcodes for point-of-sale (POS) or point-of-care (POC), also known as Sunrise 2027.
Industry examples of GS1 2D barcodes
Let’s look at some of the most pertinent 2D barcode examples in various industries.
Healthcare and pharmaceutical
The GS1 barcode generator looks like the future of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. It can make all the difference in assisting medical staff with identification and enhancing medicine delivery to provide the best possible patient care.
There are several deaths in hospitals that happen because of medical errors, which can be prevented by adding GS1 2D barcodes on patient identification labels.
Retail
The retail industry has also made its stance clear by adopting the GS1 2D barcode. Many stores are already using it, and many more will follow suit. The industry uses it for an obvious reason: to store a lot of product information.
One problem with the 1D barcode was that it heavily favored retailers. But that is changing with 2D barcodes, where customers can be fully part of the process. They can pull out their smartphone at any time of the day and scan the code to learn about a product.
Customers would want to use it because it provides them with all the product information they need without aimlessly roaming the internet. It enhances brand engagement and allows customers to really understand what the former is offering.
Pick the most reliable QR code generator to create GS1 2D barcodes
We have explored the advantages and use cases of the advanced GS1 QR code substantially. If you are a business that wants to switch to the new standard, the question to ask is: Which QR code generator should you use to create all the QR codes you need?
If one looks at it objectively and considers everything carefully, QR TIGER’s GS1 QR Code Generator is the best choice. With its advanced set of features, GDPR and CAA compliance, and reliable customer services, it is definitely a tool worth your time.
No matter which industry you are in, QR TIGER is at the forefront of helping businesses create modern and reliable GS1 2D barcodes.
