Embrace 2D Barcodes with the Sunrise 2027 Initiative for a Smarter Future

We all know barcodes—from QR codes on our dinner menus to the traditional ones at self-checkouts. But are businesses aware of the Sunrise 2027 initiative? The program is revolutionizing the way we interact with these everyday tools. This transition is crucial - adopting advanced 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, will significantly enhance data capacity, streamline inventory management, and foster better customer engagement.

Early adoption allows businesses to stay competitive, streamline operations, and leverage new technologies to drive efficiency and innovation before the deadline. In today's blog post, we will explore why embracing this change sooner rather than later can lead to a smoother transition and greater benefits in the long run.

Skip to a Section

Understanding the Shift from 1D to 2D Barcodes | Implications for Manufacturers | Impact on the Industry | Common Reasons to Begin the Transition to 2D Barcodes | Determining Which Products to Start With | How Airline & Omron Can Help | Frequently Asked Questions | Additional Resources

Understanding the Shift from 1D to 2D Barcodes

Let's review the benefits of moving from traditional 1D barcodes to more advanced 2D barcodes.

Enhanced Data Capacity

2D barcodes can store significantly more information than their 1D counterparts. This allows manufacturers to include detailed product data, such as expiration dates, batch numbers, and other crucial information, which is essential for traceability and compliance.

Improved Traceability and Product Authenticity

QR codes and other 2D barcodes offer robust traceability because they can encode more detailed information. This makes it easier to track products through the supply chain, reducing the risk of counterfeiting and enhancing consumer trust.

Increased Efficiency in Inventory Management

The richer data from 2D barcodes facilitates more accurate and efficient inventory management. This reduces the chances of stock-outs and overstocking, leading to significant cost savings for businesses.

Innovative Consumer Engagement

2D barcodes open up new opportunities for interactive consumer engagement. By scanning a QR code, consumers can access product information, reviews, and direct purchasing links, empowering them with more information and access.

Global Standardization and Interoperability

GS1's initiative to transition to 2D barcodes promotes global standardization, ensuring interoperability across different markets. This streamlines international trade and supply chain operations, making it easier for businesses to operate globally. Learn more about the Sunrise 2027 initiative.

Implications for Manufacturers

Manufacturers need to consider important factors as they switch from 1D to 2D barcodes. This new technology will require some internal investment, but by upgrading their barcode systems now, manufacturers can boost efficiency and stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

Upgrade Requirements:

Manufacturers must update their packaging and production lines to incorporate 2D barcodes. This includes investing in new printing technology capable of producing 2D barcodes and ensuring that packaging designs accommodate these more complex codes. Manufacturers can take a gradual approach to enhance their packaging by implementing updates through a series of strategic steps.

System Integration:

Point-of-sale (POS) systems will need upgrades to scan and process 2D barcodes. While many modern scanners can read 2D barcodes, not all systems are currently equipped with the necessary firmware to decode the information contained in these new barcodes.

Training and Adaptation:

Comprehensive staff training programs are crucial for successfully implementing and using new 2D barcode technology in the supply chain. Training employees to scan, decode, and utilize the data in 2D barcodes ensures they can make the most of this innovative tool. This training helps staff adapt to the new system effectively and promotes a culture of efficiency and accuracy within the organization. Ultimately, investing in staff training is key to a smooth transition to 2D barcodes and improving overall operations. 

Impact on the Industry

This transition impacts not just individual businesses and manufacturers but also changes industry practices and consumer behavior. Let’s look at the expected shifts in supply chain dynamics. Understanding these effects is important for stakeholders who want to navigate this changing landscape effectively.

Enhanced Efficiency and Accuracy:

2D barcodes can store significantly more data than 1D barcodes, improving the accuracy and speed of product identification and inventory management. This leads to faster checkout times and reduced errors in the supply chain.

Improved Traceability and Recall Management:

The ability to encode more detailed information, such as batch numbers and expiration dates, enhances traceability and makes it easier to manage product recalls. Consumers can also be automatically warned if an item is recalled or past its expiration date.

Customer Engagement:

2D barcodes directly link to additional product information, such as nutritional facts, ingredient lists, and safety information. This enhances the customer experience by allowing consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions.

1D vs. 2D Barcodes

Innovation Opportunities:

The increased data capacity of 2D barcodes supports new technologies and innovations, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), offering novel ways for consumers to interact with products.

The transition to 2D barcodes under the Sunrise 2027 initiative represents a significant step forward for the manufacturing industry. It promises to enhance operational efficiency, product transparency, and customer engagement.

Common Reasons to Begin the Transition to 2D Barcodes

Here is some additional information on common reasons to begin the transition to 2D barcodes, which offer enhanced data capacity and the ability to store various data types.

Consumer Engagement Opportunities

2D barcodes enable brands to connect with consumers through interactive experiences. Whether it's sharing recipe ideas, promotions, or certifications, 2D barcodes enhance consumer engagement and provide transparency.

Packaging Design Constraints

Limited space on products and packaging can lead companies to explore 2D barcodes. These barcodes consolidate multiple barcodes into one, freeing up space and extending packaging online.

Regulatory Requirements

Certain products require compliance with regulatory standards that only 2D barcodes can support. This often overlaps with other business drivers for transitioning to 2D barcodes. If you would like information on using 2D barcodes to support regulatory requirements, you can contact your local Airline sales representative or our customer service team. They can provide detailed information about using 2D barcodes to support regulatory requirements.

High-Risk Product Categories

The additional data encoded in 2D barcodes benefits products prone to recalls, counterfeiting, or expired items on shelves. This enhances transparency and safety for consumers.

Supply Chain Needs

2D barcodes support diverse supply chain and retail needs, such as batch/lot numbers, dates, and serial numbers. This aids in recall management, traceability, inventory availability, and authenticating returns.

Sustainability Initiatives

2D barcodes support sustainability and circularity efforts by preventing food waste, enabling easier recycling practices, and sharing certifications related to sustainability.

Determining Which Products to Start With

Let's review the process of identifying which products are best suited for the transition to 2D barcodes. By understanding the strategic prioritization of products, manufacturers can optimize their operations, enhance traceability, and ensure a smoother implementation of 2D barcode technology. Whether you are a small business or a large manufacturer, this guidance will help you make informed decisions for a successful transition. 

Available Packaging Space

Identify products with sufficient space to add a 2D barcode. Until systems are fully updated, both linear and 2D barcodes may be required initially.

Existing Equipment

Start with products that already use equipment capable of producing quality 2D barcodes.

Migration to Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

Companies migrating to using GTIN can incorporate 2D barcode elements to meet business needs during the transition.

New Product Launches

New products offer an excellent opportunity to include 2D barcodes from the start, driving consumer engagement and marketing objectives.

Packaging Redesign

Products with limited or seasonal distribution are ideal for initial 2D barcode migration, allowing a controlled launch of the new process.

Existing 2D Barcodes

Products already using 2D barcodes can transition to a single GS1-compliant 2D barcode.

How Airline & Omron Can Help

We have a live online training with Omron Automation in August where Jason Mack, Advanced Sensing Expert, will review the topics:

• Barcode accuracy
• Sunrise 2027 initiative: Transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes
• Quality control and future-proofing
• Traceability solutions

Additional Resources:

• Shop Omron Automation Products 
• GS1 US Sunrise 2027
• GTIN
• 1D vs. 2D Barcodes: What’s the Difference?