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New smaller bar code carries more data
With its smaller size, the new bar code called Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) will enable GTIN identification for hard-to-mark products such as fresh foods, increasing shrink reduction and category management. While EAN/UPC will remain useful for product identification, RSS will allow expanded bar code implementation by meeting the objective of identifying small items and carrying more information than the current EAN/UPC bar code.
GS1, a not-for-profit standards organisation, announced a global sunrise date of 1 Jan 2010 for RSS back in June this year, marking the first time since the EAN/UPC bar code was adopted that GS1 has endorsed a bar code for global, open (unrestricted) trade item identification.
The announcement follows a business case review by a global task force comprising retailers, fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, GS1 member organisations (MOs) and trade associations.
RSS's ability to carry GS1 Application Identifiers such as serial numbers, lot numbers and expiration dates, opens the door to identification solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and couponing.
EAN/UPC will continue to be used for the foreseeable future as the decision to adopt RSS for existing applications will be made by brand owners.
"This announcement marks a major milestone for GS1. With RSS and the GS1 Application Identifier System available in trade item scanners, GS1 will extend the more than 30 years of consumer benefits delivered by EAN/UPC" said Scott Gray, business manager, GS1 Global BarCodes.
The adoption date of 2010 sets the goal for bar code systems to be capable of scanning RSS bar codes and processing GS1 Application Identifiers. Separate dates will be set for the use of the additional data for new application areas by global standards work groups. Initial priorities have been established for identification of fresh food, variable measure, and pharmaceutical products sold at retail. In addition, research areas will be supported, such as boosting GS1's variable bar code printing technology knowledge and expert network.
