Introduction

A barcode is a graphical representation of data that is generally used in automatic identification and tracking operations. It is made up of parallel lines, bars, and spaces that are of a variety of widths, which are symbols in a readable format machine. A barcode can be shot off by a barcode scanner or smartphone camera, which captures the bars and spaces of a code and interprets it to a machine-readable form. Information in this way can be on any item which could be a product, non-productive stocks or anything else such as serial numbers or a particular part number.Regarding the classification of barcodes types, a distinction is usually made between linear (1D) barcodes characterised by parallel lines of different widths and 2D barcodes that encode data along both the x and y axes, thus requiring less space to encode more data. Barcodes have become a universal tool across several industries such as retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation due to their ability to enforce efficiency in operations, accuracy and productivity by means of automation that glues the process of data capture and tracking.

History of Barcodes globally

Bar code technology has a long history dating back to the 20th century when it was first introduced as a concept, took a few decades to perfect it and then finally it blew up to be the most eminent tool of all time. Here’s a brief overview:

1948:

The earliest exhibit of the modern barcode system was formulated by smart students at the Drexel Institute of Technology. Bernard Silver and Norman Joseph Woodland, along with the company he worked for (the Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia, USA), came up with the idea. They thought of a machine-read system that was based on line and space patterns for product identification.

1952:

Silver and Woodland were the inventors who filed for a patent, the patent was called “Classifying Apparatus and Method.” Nevertheless, it wasn’t until the year 1973 that the patent was allowed to be used due to numerous technology enhancements and setbacks.

1960s:

One of the initial reasons for the development of the supermarket industry was the need for automation at checkout which would result in the increase of efficiency and decrease of the prices to the point of the disappearance of the cashiers. This, in turn, led to the progression and exploration of barcode technology even more so.

1970s:

The Universal Product Code (UPC), the first standardised barcode symbology, was developed by a team that was leading George J. Laurer at IBM and the grocery goods industry in 1974. It was the first product to be bought in a store and scanned with a UPC – the item was the pack of Wrigley’s gum at a supermarket in Ohio on June 26, 1974. The system was eagerly received and successfully implemented and became the de facto solution for the automated tracking of food and items from production to the checkout point securing immeasurable benefits not only for stores that did not have to paratest a customer upon departure but also brand companies that managed to accurately track inventories up to the very last item.

1980s:

Barcode technology started getting attention in different industries, this was due to the maturity of the technology and the standards applied by the industry. Some other countries developed their own barcode systems, among them investments in the European region of the European Article Number (EAN) system and also the AS (American standard).

1990s:

The inception of 2D barcodes, such as the QR (Quick Response) code which was developed by Denso Wave in 1994, pushed the barcode technology limits a step ahead by allowing more data to be entered into the smaller space such as 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional spaces. This opened vast possibilities such as mobile payments and marketing for products that were beyond traditional identification purposes.

2000s to Present:

Barcode has never been out of date and the reason why it remains a must-have tool for auto identification and obtaining data from different industries all over the world. Their development is going in line with the companies and the people’s needs. It is due to the new technologies installed in the market that scanning becomes faster, data storage is increased in capacity and the system can be connected.

GS1

GS1, signifying a global organisation on the same page with barcodes, is the main driving force behind mapping of barcode standards in line with the sectors over 150 countries around the globe. Here’s how GS1 and barcodes are interconnected:

•Standardisation:

GS1 is responsible for the presence of formats related to barcodes that are acknowledged everywhere, as they are seen as the only way to communicate between different systems and world regions. This standard price aids businesses to run processes simply and communicate across the supply chain without hurdles.

•Unique Identification:

GS1, for instance, gives to products, unique identification numbers such as a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) which, in turn, are converted into barcodes. These barcodes will eventually become unique product identification and eliminate errors resulting from confusions as to cargo shipping, manufacturer and retailing.

•Barcode Formats:

GS1 is the one which is obliged to provide the specifications concerning the linear barcodes (1D) such as UPC and EAN and the two-dimensional barcodes (2D) such as QR codes. These formats can be of various types, use different data and all in all, they help businesses pick the best barcode type for their specific needs.

•Data Encoding:

GS1 provides the rules for encoding the data on barcodes to make sure that pieces of information including product identifiers, batch/lot numbers, expiry dates, or serial numbers are handled in an accurate and consistent manner. This standardised encoding enables tracking and compliance as per the regulatory mandates.

•Data Synchronisation:

The GS1 system is playing a crucial role in setting up trading partners’ data interchange systems by bringing the product details encoded in barcodes into a uniform platform. Furthermore, this approach guarantees that all the involved parties always have proper and reliable information to work with, and this improves cooperation and the availability of real-time data in the supply chain.

•Compliance and Certification:

Theo GS1 certification program including a firm’s adherence to codes for barcodes, label codes and data management validates that the organisation meets the GS1 requirements. The Certificate in essence IS a company’s commitment to excellence and the added bonus of functionality for the customers and the trust with the company’s partners and customers.

Comparison between GS1 and GS1 IndiaGS1

1.Global vs.Local Standards:

GS1 – GS1 provides a universal standard for the next generation of barcode-like bidimensional codes. It also sets the required county codes, currency codes, and the conversion of data across the codes which results in the same commodities being shipped to different countries with consistency.

GS1 India – GS1 India has replicated the global standards set out by GS1 considerably but also presents support and guidance relevant to the Indian business context. The tool guides the company through the particularity of the regulations, the practices through the industry, and the rapid or slow dynamics of the Indian market.

2. Barcode Registration and Implementation

GS1 – GS1’s unique numeric identification assignment system as well as the process of the domain names which they administer are fully integrated with the use of the Internet only. It also gives the specification and examples of how to effectively carry out the barcode registration process in compliance with GS1 standards.

GS1 India – GS1 India offers companies in India the opportunity to register for their barcodes as well as serves as a one-stop shop for barcode implementation advice for the Indian market. It assists the companies to create and allocate GTINs while also following the local regulations and industry requirements.

Types of Barcodes:

Linear Barcodes: The one-direction barcodes that are square or 1D barcodes are the usual forms, which are made up of narrow lines and white spaces of diversified size. Examples include

•UPC,

•EAN,

•Code 39,

•Code 128

•Code 93

•ITF

2D Barcodes: Two-dimensional barcodes are a feature that saves both length and height and is consequently more extensive in its ability to hold all kinds of information, when compared to a linear bar code. It is included for example

•QR codes

•Data Matrix codes.

•Databar

•Codabar

•MS1 Plessey

•PDF417

•Aztec

Barcode Registration in India

As far as the registration of barcodes in India is concerned, companies generally use GS1 India, which is the local unit of the global GS1 network. Here’s a general guide on how to register barcodes in India:

•Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix: It is similar, but square barcodes, one dimensional, are those that are best for the time being and they are made up of two parallel alternating narrow and broad lines. Examples include code

•Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix: This is a unique identification number assigned to your company by GS1 India. The basis for having a barcode is the formation of the prefixes of your companiIt is necessary to be a member of GS1 India after which you can use the GS1 website of India and register your company number.

•Determine Barcode Requirements: Choose which type of barcode will be better according to your product and the conditions of your area. The common UPC (Universal Product Code) and EAN (European Article Number) codes are retail products.

•Generate Barcodes: Having your company prefix saved, you can also create unique barcode numbers for your products using GS1 standards. The company prefix is then put together along with every item is numbered and thus the GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) are produced.

•Assign Barcodes: The assigning of every GTIN (unique barcode) to a product holds a description of it in your database. Prevent duplication by giving each product a strictly unique barcode.

•Get Registered GS1 India: Get your barcode numbers registered with GS1 India to park them, so that they will be recognized and validated in the entire Indian market. Registration is the process of relaying your company’s information and linking the company with the product that has the aforementioned barcode.

•Create Printed Barcodes: To comply with the GS1 standards, you should print the barcodes on your product packaging or labels Ensure that the barcode is clearly printed, scannable, and accurate.

•Testing and Validation: The process that we follow to test and approve our printed barcodes is by checking if they scan correctly using barcode scanners which are mostly used in the Indian market. Compare scanned information with the actual product details stored with GS1 India to make sure the information is a match.

•Distribution: After obtaining the required labels with the registered barcodes, you can distribute your products in India in a lawful and conductive manner. Registering barcodes will allow retailers and other trading partners to access your product names and track them accurately.

Business Registration

NGO

COMPLIANCES

Change In Business

BIS & CDSCO

Government Registration

FSSAI

Environmental

Barcode and it’s registration in India

Subhodeep

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