2D barcodes have become an essential part of our daily routine, significantly impacting various sectors including retail, logistics, and healthcare in New Zealand. Unlike traditional 1D barcodes that store limited information, 2D barcodes can contain a vast amount of data within a compact area. This article delves into the distinct types of 2D barcodes in use today, highlighting the unique attributes of each.

Common Types of 2D Barcodes

Several prevalent types of 2D barcodes exist, each designed for specific features and applications. The most commonly used types include QR codes, Data Matrix, and PDF417. QR codes, or Quick Response codes, have gained popularity in marketing and advertisements, thanks to their capacity to hold a wide variety of data such as URLs, contact details, and plain text. Industries such as manufacturing and logistics prefer Data Matrix barcodes for tracking and inventory purposes. Meanwhile, PDF417 barcodes are perfect for encoding substantial amounts of data, including government IDs and driver’s licenses.

QR codes are square-shaped barcodes containing black modules on a white square grid background. They can be scanned using smartphones or dedicated QR code scanners, providing access to the stored information. Data Matrix barcodes consist of black and white modules arranged in a grid, offering significant data storage capacity, hence they are suited for high-density encoding requirements. In contrast, PDF417 barcodes stand out by their ability to store large volumes of data, including text, numbers, and images, making them ideal for space-constrained applications yet requiring extensive data storage.

The Future of 2D Barcodes: Digital Link

The next evolution in barcode technology is the Digital Link 2D Barcodes. These types of 2D barcodes, typically in QR Code or Data Matrix formats, are enhanced by encoding with a Digital Link, leading users to extensive digital product details. Additionally, they can replicate the function of standard 1D retail barcodes (EAN or UPC) at the point of sale, displaying the product's GTIN number, description, and price.

GS1 NZ expects all Kiwi retailers to update their point-of-sale systems to accommodate 2D barcodes by 2027, aligning with the global initiative called Sunrise 2027. This transition will enable the worldwide retail landscape to streamline its adoption of 2D barcode technology, with DataMatrix codes with Digital Link and QR Codes with Digital Link already accepted at points of sale since 2021.

Manufacturers in New Zealand, alongside their global counterparts in the USA, Australia, Europe, are beginning to integrate Digital Link 2D Barcodes into product labelling and packaging, supplementing the traditional EAN or UPC barcode.

Ultimately, 1D retail barcodes (UPC and EAN-13 codes) will phase out, replaced entirely by Digital Link 2D Barcodes on product packaging. This shift will only occur when nearly all point-of-sale systems globally are equipped to support 2D barcode technology.

Get Started with Digital Link 2D Barcodes

Implementing 2D barcodes is crucial for organisations aiming to optimise their operations and enhance efficiency. By comprehending the various 2D barcode formats, businesses can select the most appropriate for their needs.

To develop and manage Digital Link 2D barcodes for your business, consider leveraging IBN Link. Visit their website at https://ibn.link/ for more information on their barcode solutions and the advantages they offer.