What are 2D Barcodes?
2D Barcodes, including QR Codes powered by GS1, have been developed in collaboration with industry to enable stakeholders throughout the supply chain to meet new demands for trusted data. Consumers and trade professionals are demanding more information about the products they buy from where they were produced and how best to use and recycle them. At the same time, businesses are having to meet new legal requirements for information and are struggling to source and store vast amounts of data that often comes from multiple sources in different formats.
The increased data capabilities of QR codes powered by GS1 can be used to obtain trusted product information to inform, protect and connect businesses and consumers, using everything from point-of-sale scanners to smart-phones, with one simple scan.
They extend the power and flexibility of GS1 identifiers like the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), or barcode number, by making them part of the web.
Global industry leaders in the retail sector are supporting Ambition 2027, the initiative that aims to have QR Codes powered by GS1 widely adopted by retailers and manufacturers by the end of 2027.Why QR Codes powered by GS1 matter for Hardware & Builders Merchants QR codes powered by GS1 link data to web content and also contain unique digital product identifiers, facilitating seamless connections across a broad range of B2B and B2C channels.
They empower stakeholders with control over online content customisation and enable supply chain traceability by encoding additional data including batch numbers and expiry dates. This depth of possibilities is driving Ambition 2027 forward.
QR codes powered by GS1 also facilitate compliance with evolving regulatory demands by instantly directing stakeholders to relevant product data and real-time content. They offer a solution for EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements by enabling electronic access to comprehensive product lifecycle data. Consumers and trade professionals will be able to effortlessly access DPP information through smartphone scans, aided by unique product identifiers, including serialised identifiers, embedded in each QR code. This individualised identification can enhance product authenticity verification, helping consumers avoid counterfeit items.
In the construction industry the adaption of DPPs will become a necessity for trading certain products. AI powered procurement solutions are set to revolutionise how products are selected for construction projects. Purchasing departments will use AI to analyse cost, performance, and sustainability data to recommend optimal project materials. According to the 2024 RIBA AI study in the UK, 57% of architects believe AI will improve design process efficiency, and 54% expect to integrate it into their practice within the next two years. Suppliers without comprehensive digital information will not make it onto the shortlist for procurement. 2D barcode integration helps AI to only process verified manufacturer data – favouring products with transparent & validated data.
Verified EPD data for carbon management and ESG reporting can prevent unreliable, incomplete or inaccurate third-party data being used. AI-driven solutions can automate carbon footprint calculations based on product-level data.
For Hardware & Builders Merchants QR codes powered by GS1 can store additional information, including batch and lot numbers. The links in the QR codes can access installation guides, certifications, and warranty details wherever they are stored, all accessible with a smartphone scan. This is particularly valuable in the construction supply chain, where compliance with building standards, fire safety regulations, and sustainability mandates is critical. Early adapters in the industry will future-proof their
operations against evolving compliance demands and position them at the forefront of an industry-wide digital transformation.
QR codes powered by GS1 also enhance customer engagement and trust. With instant access to verified data, customers can retrieve manufacturer verified product details. Personalised interactions such as individual recommendations, installation guides and sustainability data can also be accessed.
Contact GS1 Ireland www.gs1ie.org for more information or to get started with QR Codes powered by GS1.
