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GS1 Databar
GS1 DataBar (formerly known as RSS or Reduced Space Symbology) is a relatively new bar code symbology that was formally adopted by the global supply chain in January 2011. The GS1 DataBar can carry all 14 digits of a manufacture’s GTIN and is more than 50% smaller than the currently used UPC and EAN symbols. This makes it particularly useful for identifying small/hard-to-mark items such as produce and pharmaceutical items. Additionally, the GS1 DataBar symbol can carry GS1 Application Identifiers which allow additional information such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates to be encoded. The greater dimensional efficiency combined with the ability to encode additional data opens the doors for creating trade solutions that greater support product identification, traceability, quality control, and more flexible coding for coupon applications.Key Points:
- Databar bar code symbols can encode all 14 digits of a GTIN-14 where UPC & EAN can not.
- The Databar symbol is over 50% smaller than EAN/UPC so it can be used for smaller or hard to mark items.
- Databar bar codes are not going to replace EAN/UPC symbols. Product manufacturers can decide the language they wish to use based on package design.
- Databar symbols and GS1 Application Identifiers will be available in all trade item scanning systems beginning January 1, 2010. At that time, retail POS scanners should be able to autodiscriminate between the various GS1 barcode languages.
- Adoption of the Databar symbology is critical to address the revised coupon coding requirements.
Types of Databar Formats
DataBar-14
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
DataBar-14 Stacked
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
DataBar Expanded
- Maximum encodation of 74 numeric/41 alphanumeric
- All GS1 Application Identifiers can be utilized
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
DataBar Expanded Stacked
- Maximum encodation of 74 numeric/41 alphanumeric
- All GS1 Application Identifiers can be utilized
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
- Used for new coupon
DataBar-14 Limited
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Leading digit is always 0 or 1
- Is not used at POS
DataBar-14 Truncated
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Is not used at POS
Applications for GS1 Databar
