BETTER CODE · INDUSTRIAL CODING KNOWLEDGE
What Is GS1? Choosing Barcodes and Industrial Coding Equipment
GS1 is a system of standards for identifying products and exchanging supply-chain information. It is not a printer brand or a single barcode type. Start with the identification and data your trading partners require.
Product identity and production data
A GTIN identifies a trade item. Lot numbers and dates identify changing production information. GS1 Application Identifiers define the meaning and format of particular data fields in supported symbols.
Select the correct symbol and data structure
EAN-13, GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix and QR codes carrying GS1 Digital Link serve different requirements. Putting an ordinary URL into a QR code does not automatically make it GS1 Digital Link. Confirm the required symbol and payload before selecting hardware.
Printing a barcode is only part of the job
Check encoded data, symbol dimensions, quiet zones, contrast and the intended scanning environment. Successful decoding by one camera does not prove that every applicable barcode quality requirement has been met.
Prepare for your trading partners
Confirm retailer, warehouse and customer requirements, including any plans for 2D scanning. Do not assume a general industry initiative means every product must immediately change symbol. Test the complete workflow with the downstream systems.
Match the printer to the package
Compare CIJ, TIJ or laser using the real data, code size, material, line speed, printhead distance and ink or laser settings. Include post-print rubbing, chilling or shrink wrapping in the trial.
Bring a complete enquiry
Provide the required symbology, approved identification data, variable fields, available print area, packaging samples and scanner requirements. Better Code can assess printing and vision inspection as parts of the overall system.
Frequently asked questions
Does a QR printer automatically produce compliant GS1 codes?
No. The data structure, symbol and print quality must also meet the applicable requirements.
Can lot numbers and expiry dates be encoded?
Yes, in supported GS1 structures using the appropriate identifiers and formatting rules. Confirm the complete payload before production.
