With the Sun Setting on Barcodes in 2027, Start Planning for a QR Upgrade

GS1, the industry leader in setting barcode standards, has launched Sunrise 2027 with the goal of fully transitioning from UPC barcodes to QR codes by 2027. © Wkproduction – stock.adobe.com

By Nick D’Alessio, Senior Business Development Manager, Brother International

How to transition from UPC barcodes to QR codes.

The UPC barcode recently turned 50. We take for granted that familiar beep at checkout registers, events, flight check-ins and myriad other locations that transformed packaging, supply chains and daily life. But the barcode isn’t just getting older – it’s getting smarter. The next generation of barcodes, known as two-dimensional (2D) or Quick Response (QR) codes, offer new transformational capabilities while meeting growing demand for transparency, automation and sustainability.

In fact, more than 25 of the world’s largest companies have called for adoption of QR-coded packaging, and many more have already been using or testing the codes. McDonalds added QR codes to packaging in 2013, for example.

To help usher in the adoption of modern coding technology, GS1, the industry leader in setting barcode standards, has launched Sunrise 2027 with the goal of fully transitioning from UPC barcodes to QR codes by that year. With the industry-wide shift on the horizon, businesses need to prepare now to ensure a successful transition.

How QR Codes Are Changing the Game, Again

Inspired by Morse Code, the UPC barcode was originally created to help grocery stores eliminate delays and errors that cut into profits. They were designed for basic product identification and price lookup at checkout, but ultimately transformed most industries and consumer interactions. As businesses began needing more detailed information data, barcode symbologies evolved into two-dimensional formats and the QR code was born in 1994.

The traditional UPC barcode’s 12 digits stores a single product dimension (price). In contrast, a QR code’s advanced digital technology uses a two-dimensional (2D) matrix of black and white squares that store up to 7,000+ characters of new types of information (such as website URLs) that can be accessed without human interaction.

While adoption was slow at first, widespread smart phone penetration, the push for contact-free transactions and demand for greater product traceability have accelerated the use of and trust in QR codes. Scanning them has become a habit that’s here to stay – in business and consumer’s daily lives.

Four Steps to Future Proofing with QR Codes

For organizations already using pre-printed UPC barcoded labeling and inventory tracking software, it may be possible to approach the packaging change in phases. Whether starting from traditional barcode labeling or a more manual process, following these best practices and upgrading key pieces of hardware and software will ensure a smooth transition:

• Form a Larger Team and Evaluate

QR codes meet the needs of diverse teams, from sustainability and regulatory to marketing, app developers, and customer service. With multiple QR code types available, a larger, non-siloed team can make the best decision and maximize the benefits.

Your team can begin by evaluating business or organizational goals. Not all products or interactions require a dynamically printed label or the experiences QR codes offer. Consider first what you’d like to gain from QR codes, which type you want to use, and whether your current data management system can handle the additional data.

• Upgrade Your Printing/Scanning Infrastructure

Determine whether your current scanners can read QR codes – traditional barcode scanner use laser scanners, but QR codes require imaging scanners. If you’re not scanning currently, a new image-based scanning device and compatible scanning software that seamlessly integrates with your system is your best option.

When upgrading, it’s especially critical to choose a printer with software that supports QR codes. Can it natively generate the “symbologies” (the 2D coding type, such as QR or Matrix) to produce QR codes on labels and stickers with high resolution, at the right size? Can they be customized for your brand or any additional text? Your new equipment should also be compatible with ERP and data management software. And consider whether you need mobile QR code printing to further boost efficiency and speed.

• Integrate RFID

RFID tags can be a powerful complement to QR codes, especially in high-density warehouses or similar environments. Durable, fast, and re-usable RFID tags can read long-range or non-visible assets without scanning. Combined with QR code data, they enhance traceability and tracking even further.

The Benefits of Upgrading to QR-Coded Packaging

The digital revolution has forever changed consumer expectations about information, service, transparency, and brand engagement. At the same time, supply chains are increasingly complex, with global sourcing and traceability requirements. QR codes are the dynamic, interactive technology to meet the moment, delivering a range of benefits

• Automation Scalability: Companies can ease into automation and advanced robotics or create hybrid models. For example, robotic picking systems with workers handling mobile QR code scanning frees them up for higher-order tasks. Some simple tasks can be easily automated, such as using e QR codes to trigger advance notifications to customers.

• Supply Chain Optimization: Significantly more data can be stored with QR codes, improving tracking and inventory management and providing a deeper understanding of the flow of assets. Fast-paced supplier environments also benefit from the ability to scan at any angle.

• Cross-Funnel Marketing: Let packaging become your new marketing channel – connect customers to branded loyalty programs, tutorials, video, discounts, surveys and other content. Gather first-party data and use scanned QR codes in digital re-targeting campaigns.

• Product Transparency: Provide country of origin, fair trade, nontoxic and organic attributes, materials and production, and more – data that shows a willingness to support customer values and preferences.

• Regulatory Compliance: Item serialization enables traceability and clear chain of custody throughout the product lifecycle. For example, QR codes can store the batch, lot and expiration data required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tracking also ensures product authenticity and prevents counterfeiting.

• Sustainability: Eliminate the need for paper manuals, spec sheets and other documentation, provide more detailed recycling guidelines, and track the product journey to identify and minimize environmental impact. Businesses also avoid wasting labels and packaging when any information changes.

The Future is Marked with QR Codes

QR codes are a critical next step to achieving a fully digitized supply chain and enhanced data management. With the Sunrise 2027 deadline just around the corner, and many businesses, industry leaders and consumers already on board, companies must be proactive in their transition to QR-connected packaging. Fortunately, an array of technologies is available – from certified and tested QR code scanning, printing and software solutions to rugged mobile printing devices and apps. QR code printing experts can share their wisdom, help you avoid the “gotcha” moments of a packaging transition, and prepare your business for a bold future.

Nick D’Alessio is senior business development manager for the Mobile and Thermal Print division of Brother International. Brother’s Mobile and Thermal Printing Solutions Division provides innovative mobile, desktop, and industrial printers and handheld labeling solutions to manufacturing, retail, field workforce, and mobile enterprises. Visit: https://brothermobilesolutions.com