For decades, barcodes have been a key tool for identifying products, controlling inventories, and facilitating logistics processes worldwide. However, new challenges in trade, traceability, and efficiency have exposed their limitations . 

The industry is currently in a transition towards a new standard, the 2D code which, according to Juan Pablo Gómez, Director of Product and Services Development at GS1 Mexico , is not only scannable at traditional points of sale, but also allows the storage of key data such as lot numbers, expiration dates, nutritional information, product origin, among others, which represents a substantial change in supply chain management. 

“For example, we could significantly reduce the waste of perishable products simply by scanning their expiration dates and offering smart discounts to consumers at the point of sale,” Gómez explains in an interview. 

With the 2D code, the system can automatically validate whether the correct batch is being removed, avoiding errors that could result in losses or expired products on the market. 

In addition to its logistical applications, the 2D code opens the door to more direct communication with the consumer , since by scanning it, brands can know how many times a product has been scanned, in what locations and what type of information is consulted, which allows them to generate strategies, even locating stolen merchandise, minimizing insecurity. 

The global rollout of this new standard is already underway, and companies are expected to begin using 2D codes alongside traditional ones by 2027, with the goal of completing the migration by 2028…

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El cargo The jump to 2D code apareció primero en T21.

Barcodes have been an essential tool for identifying products, managing inventories and improving logistics processes. However, in the face of current challenges, this traditional system has begun to fall short. Companies have therefore begun a transition to a new, more robust standard,  the so-called 2D code, which can be scanned at the point of sale, contains more information and is dynamic.

In this regard, Juan Pablo Gómez , Director of Product and Services Development at GS1 Mexico , highlighted that this code allows for storing a greater amount of data, such as batch numbers, expiration dates and other key information about the products, providing greater advantages in terms of security, traceability and logistical efficiency.

By 2027, companies around the world have committed to implementing 2D codes in parallel with traditional barcodes, with the goal of making a complete transition by 2028.

In this regard, Alejandro Trejo, Director of Associate Development at GS1 Mexico, pointed out that this transition not only implies a technological change , but also an evolution in the way we interact with products, brands and consumers.

“This coexistence between traditional barcodes and two-dimensional codes will not be an immediate change, but it will be a crucial step towards the future. Adoption will allow for a more intelligent and efficient integration of information, ensuring that products reach the consumer with the highest standards,” he said.

Comment and follow us on X: @jenna_GH_ / @GrupoT21

El cargo The imminent migration to 2D code apareció primero en T21.