Scanning providers unite to help accelerate shift to next-gen barcodes

GS1 Australia has welcomed the global alignment of four scanning solution providers, Datalogic, Honeywell, Newland AIDC and Zebra Technologies, as they formally commit to supporting the transition to the next generation of barcodes, powered by GS1 standards.

The announcement confirms that the scanning hardware ecosystem is ready to help Australian retailers transition to 2D barcodes for point-of-sale transactions.

“The global scanning community has never been this united, and it gives Australian retailers the confidence they need to embrace next generation barcodes,” said GS1 Australia CEO Maria Palazzolo. “This is far more than a technical upgrade. It lays the groundwork for safer products, stronger sustainability claims and richer, more reliable information for every shopper as the world transitions to Next Generation Barcodes from 2027 and with four global leaders now aligned, the ecosystem is ready to move.”

Next generation barcodes such as the GS1 DataMatrix are designed to unlock a new level of product intelligence where consumers can access product information on their phones, retailers can improve traceability and recall processes, and suppliers can provide data on ingredients, allergens, sustainability credentials, expiry dates and batch information. These capabilities are designed to support better stock rotation, reduced waste and more personalised shopping experiences.

GS1 Australia is currently working closely with retailers, manufacturers, solution providers and technology partners to support national readiness. This includes pilots, technical guidance for infrastructure upgrades, collaboration with Australian brands exploring consumer transparency initiatives and education programs for suppliers and retailers.

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