AND THE YKK ZIPPER
Copyright Euronews
By Hannah Brown
Published on 30/12/2024
More barcodes are scanned each day than searches on Google. But they won’t be around for much longer, here’s what’s coming next.
Ten billion barcodes are scanned every day across the world. And since their introduction 50 years ago they’ve revolutionised the way we do business.
But as demand for more information on our products increases, it’s time for a new revolution. At least that’s what the global standards agency for barcodes, GS1 thinks.
In this episode of The Big Question, Hannah Brown is joined in the studio by Renaud de Barbuat, the President and CEO of GS1 to discuss the future of barcodes.
Are QR codes the next retail revolution?
With a late 2027 target for full implementation, GS1 have created a next generation barcode. In essence, it’s a QR code with a barcode hidden inside.
Retailers will be able to scan the QR code to keep track of stock levels and use-by dates and consumers will be able to see more details about ingredients, supply chain, usage and recycling.
“One scan, infinite possibilities,” Renaud proudly declared.
GS1 already have some of the world’s retail giants on board with the transition. Companies like Carrefour, Lidl, Procter and Gamble, L'Oreal, PepsiCo and Nestlé have signed a joint statement supporting the migration to QR codes.
A revolution for healthcare
As well as the QR codes developed for retail, GS1 have used the same technology for the healthcare industry, in what they call the GS1 data matrix.
“We have 70 countries in the world that have regulations which require the use of GS1 data matrix to identify pharmaceutical products or medical devices,” Renaud explains.
“You not only save money by having better logistic processes in the hospital, but you can also improve patient safety because you know exactly which medicine has been given to which patient by whom. So you have full traceability and ultimately it helps to improve patient outcomes.”
The Big Questionis a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today’s agenda.
Watch the video above for the full episode about the future of barcode technology.
Copyright Euronews
By Hannah Brown
Published on 30/12/2024
More barcodes are scanned each day than searches on Google. But they won’t be around for much longer, here’s what’s coming next.
Ten billion barcodes are scanned every day across the world. And since their introduction 50 years ago they’ve revolutionised the way we do business.
But as demand for more information on our products increases, it’s time for a new revolution. At least that’s what the global standards agency for barcodes, GS1 thinks.
In this episode of The Big Question, Hannah Brown is joined in the studio by Renaud de Barbuat, the President and CEO of GS1 to discuss the future of barcodes.
Are QR codes the next retail revolution?
With a late 2027 target for full implementation, GS1 have created a next generation barcode. In essence, it’s a QR code with a barcode hidden inside.
Retailers will be able to scan the QR code to keep track of stock levels and use-by dates and consumers will be able to see more details about ingredients, supply chain, usage and recycling.
“One scan, infinite possibilities,” Renaud proudly declared.
GS1 already have some of the world’s retail giants on board with the transition. Companies like Carrefour, Lidl, Procter and Gamble, L'Oreal, PepsiCo and Nestlé have signed a joint statement supporting the migration to QR codes.
Why do we need to change the barcode?
Ultimately there is always a cost with infrastructure transition but Renaud is confident it’s achievable quickly for businesses of all sizes and will also reap quick returns.
“The first small retailer in the world to adopt QR codes powered by GS1 is a deli shop in Brazil with three shops.
“In two months, with the support of GS1 and solution providers, they've implemented the technology and the benefit for them was better inventory management - they have reduced waste by 50%.”
As well as business efficiency, GS1 hopes the new QR codes will also have a positive environmental impact too.
For example, manufacturers can implement the QR code during their next regular product redesign and by hosting all the information online accessible through the QR, it can easily be updated at any time without the need to reprint a product’s packaging.
A water company in South Korea completely eliminated plastic labels from their bottles by adding a QR code onto the bottle cap.
“We believe that by having more information, the consumers will be able to make smarter decisions [...] and this will influence products and the products will become more sustainable progressively,” Renaud said.
Ultimately there is always a cost with infrastructure transition but Renaud is confident it’s achievable quickly for businesses of all sizes and will also reap quick returns.
“The first small retailer in the world to adopt QR codes powered by GS1 is a deli shop in Brazil with three shops.
“In two months, with the support of GS1 and solution providers, they've implemented the technology and the benefit for them was better inventory management - they have reduced waste by 50%.”
As well as business efficiency, GS1 hopes the new QR codes will also have a positive environmental impact too.
For example, manufacturers can implement the QR code during their next regular product redesign and by hosting all the information online accessible through the QR, it can easily be updated at any time without the need to reprint a product’s packaging.
A water company in South Korea completely eliminated plastic labels from their bottles by adding a QR code onto the bottle cap.
“We believe that by having more information, the consumers will be able to make smarter decisions [...] and this will influence products and the products will become more sustainable progressively,” Renaud said.
A revolution for healthcare
As well as the QR codes developed for retail, GS1 have used the same technology for the healthcare industry, in what they call the GS1 data matrix.
“We have 70 countries in the world that have regulations which require the use of GS1 data matrix to identify pharmaceutical products or medical devices,” Renaud explains.
“You not only save money by having better logistic processes in the hospital, but you can also improve patient safety because you know exactly which medicine has been given to which patient by whom. So you have full traceability and ultimately it helps to improve patient outcomes.”
The Big Questionis a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today’s agenda.
Watch the video above for the full episode about the future of barcode technology.
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