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2D Barcodes: The Future of Smarter Packaging

In today's digital world, businesses are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance customer experiences and improve product interactions. 2D barcodes are revolutionising packaging by offering a seamless bridge between physical products and digital content. Unlike traditional 1D barcodes that store limited numerical data, 2D barcodes can hold significantly more information, including URLs, date and batch numbers, and multimedia content. They are scannable from any direction and can be read using smartphones and retail checkout scanners, making them highly accessible.

Retailers are now using 2D barcodes for numerous perishable food items.

Many supermarkets prefer 2D codes for perishable meat and produce packaging for several key reasons:

1. Traceability and Food Safety: 2D barcodes enhance the ability to trace products back through the supply chain. This is crucial for identifying specific batches of meat or produce, especially in the event of a food safety issue or recall.
 
2. Expiration and Best Before Dates: These codes help consumers and store staff quickly identify products that are approaching their expiration dates. This can significantly reduce food waste by ensuring that items are sold or consumed before they spoil.
 
3. Dynamic Data: Unlike traditional barcodes, 2D codes can hold more information and allow for dynamic coding. This means that information such as storage instructions, recycling options, and product origins can be included, which is beneficial for both consumers and retailers.
 
4. Technological Integration: The adoption of 2D barcodes is part of a broader trend in the retail sector to improve efficiency and productivity through technology. Supermarkets are upgrading their systems to accommodate these codes, which can streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
 
5. Consumer Engagement: By providing more detailed product information through 2D codes, supermarkets can engage consumers better, allowing them to make informed choices about the products they purchase.
visy tech systems 2D Codes
Visy Technology Systems 2D Code printers

The 2D Barcode Application range:

Scanning Two-dimensional (2D) barcode Printing Solutions

A high-resolution barcode reader with a wide field of view, designed to tackle complex applications and accurately read multiple symbologies in challenging environments.

 

1D and 2D code reading: Read all code types, including damaged or low-quality codes, for guaranteed results.

Multi-code reading: Scan multiple codes at the same time for fast and efficient track-and-trace operations.

Scanning codes on large items: Read codes on large items such as automotive or aviation parts with multi-reader sync and the wide field of view of the DataMan 390 series.

Read printed codes and direct part marks: Decode accurately on any surface in your facility.

Benefits of 2D Barcodes

  • Enhanced Product Information

    Provide customers with instant access to ingredients, allergens, nutrition facts, and sustainability details

  • Interactive Customer Experience

    Link to promotional offers, instructional videos, or augmented reality features to engage consumers.

  • Improved Traceability

    Strengthen supply chain transparency by tracking products from manufacturing to end-user

  • Space Efficiency

    Store more data in a smaller area compared to traditional barcodes, making them ideal for compact packaging.

  • Global Standardisation

    Many industries, including retail and healthcare, are adopting GS1 Digital Link-enabled 2D barcodes to unify product identification worldwide.

Types of 2D Barcodes

VISY technology Systems QRCode

QR Code

A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can store and quickly retrieve information when scanned using a smartphone, tablet, or dedicated QR scanner. It was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, to improve tracking in manufacturing but has since become widely used across various industries.

VISYtech GS1 DataMatrix

GS1 DataMatrix

The GS1 DataMatrix is a two-dimensional barcode used globally for encoding structured information, such as product identifiers, expiration dates, batch numbers, and serial numbers. It is part of the GS1 system, which ensures interoperability across industries like healthcare, retail, and logistics.

2D codes can be directly printed to packaging items using Ink jet, laser and direct thermal coders or can be applied as a label using traditional and Linerfree labelling systems.