GS1, the not-for-profit standards organization, has announced a global adoption date of 1 January, 2010 for a new barcode called Reduced Space Symbology (RSS). The new barcode is more than 50 per cent smaller than the commonly used GS1 barcode seen on most products today. They will coexist for the foreseeable future. The decision to switch over to RSS will be made by brand owners who may choose the smaller sized barcode to share more information about the product with trading partners, reclaim space on packaging for design purposes or provide more consumer communication.
RSS will enable the identification of smaller products such as pharmaceuticals as well as hard-to-mark products, such as fresh foods. Unlike the common GS1 barcode, RSS can carry serial numbers, lot numbers and expiry dates. This level of information supports product authentication and traceability initiatives, product quality assurance, variable measure product identification and the handling of coupons.
“RSS is a valuable addition to the GS1 System. The introduction of RSS and the advent of RFID and the Electronic Product Code (EPC) in the supply chain will enable increased collaboration between trading partners and better visibility of products in the supply chain. RSS is a simple solution for trading partners looking for advanced information sharing who cannot justify the investment in RFID yet. It provides a good migration path for those companies. GS1 UK will provide support and guidance to end-users during the next 3 years to help prepare for the transition,” said Andrew Osborne, Chief Technical Officer, GS1 UK.
The adoption date of 2010 sets the goal for barcode systems to be capable of scanning RSS bar codes and processing the additional information. Separate dates will be set for the use of the additional data for new application areas by global standards work groups. Initial priorities were established for identification of fresh food, variable measure, and pharmaceutical products sold at retail.
The announcement follows a compelling business case review by a global task force comprising retailers, fast moving consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, GS1 Member Organizations and trade associations. For more information on GS! and RSS, visit www.gs1.org.