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Barcodes, introduced over half a century ago, have become the foundation of the global economy, providing efficient product tracking and inventory management. Over ten billion barcodes are scanned worldwide every day, highlighting their importance in modern business.

However, with increasing consumer expectations and the need to provide more detailed product information, a new revolution in this field is necessary.

The global barcode standardization agency GS1 has announced a transition to next-generation QR codes. This is a QR code with a barcode embedded within it.

They will contain more information and allow consumers to access product data. Retailers will be able to scan the QR code to track inventory levels and expiration dates, while consumers will be able to obtain more detailed information about ingredients, supply chains, usage, and recycling.

"One scan, endless possibilities," said GS1 President and CEO Renaud de Barbu.

These changes promise not only improved inventory management but also a positive impact on the environment, as manufacturers will be able to update information without having to reprint packaging.

Companies such as Carrefour, Lidl, Procter & Gamble, L'Oreal, PepsiCo, and Nestlé have signed a joint statement in support of the transition to QR codes.

According to Renaud de Barbu, the first small retail chain in the world to implement GS1-based QR codes was a delicatessen in Brazil with three branches. In two months, with the support of GS1 and solution providers, they implemented the technology, and their benefit was improved inventory management—they reduced waste by 50%.

Technologies based on the GS1 data matrix are already being implemented in healthcare, improving patient safety and increasing the efficiency of hospital logistics.

Thus, the transition to new barcode and QR code technologies could be the next step in the evolution of business and healthcare, opening up new opportunities for all market participants.

ORIENT news

Photo: cleverence.ru