GS1 DataBar represents a new capability at retail point-of-sale (POS) which is already witnessing wide scale implementation in North American groceries, piloting in Europe and Asia, and can be found on loose produce shipping all over the world. GS1 DataBar permits marking on small, hard to mark items like loose produce and can provide new bar code information like weight, price, or date codes.

Scanning Equipment
All companies that scan trade items in the supply chain will need to identify and list all of their current scanning equipment. This will include, if applicable, all in-store scanners and devices with integrated scanners including hand held, portable, tabletop, kiosk and self service scanners. All in-store applications such as price verification, ordering, inventory, and store receiving, that frequently use portable data entry terminals, pocket PC devices, or PCs should also be reviewed.

Purchasing New Equipment
When purchasing new equipment, ensure that purchase contracts specify GS1 DataBar standards compliance in addition to the other GS1 Bar Codes. For existing scanning equipment users will need contact their preferred equipment provider. Make sure that GS1 capable scanners read all variations of the GS1 DataBar Symbology.

Database Readiness
Whilst GS1 DataBar Symbols are capable of encoding 14 digits, the majority of retail POS systems can only hold up to 13 digits. A data restriction will apply at POS so that only GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 can be used. To encode the GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 in a GS1 DataBar Symbol for use at POS one or two filler zeros will be encoded respectively at the start of the GTIN.

Retailers with 14 digit retail systems can decide whether to store and process 14 digits or to drop the lead zeros and store only the GTIN-13 or GTIN-12.
It will be left to the brand owner (the party responsible for specifying package design) to decide which symbology to use.

GS1 DataBar Expanded or Expanded Stacked Symbols are used in applications where information beyond the GTIN (e.g. weight, extended price, dates etc.) is required for items such as variable measure products.

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Retailer Information
Supplier Information

GS1 DataBar Application Timelines

Application	Business Opportunity	Adoption Timeline
Loose Produce: GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional	GS1 DataBar encodes GTIN providing brand identification, shrink management, category management,and reduced out-of-stocks for loose produce items.	Implementation is underway within major retailers globally. Labels should contain both GS1 DataBar and the human readable PLU. This allows early adopters to use GS1 DataBar without causing disruption to other grocers. By 2010 GS1 DataBar standards will be available for bilateral agreement between trading partners for all trade items.
Variable Measure Trade Items: GS1 DataBar Expanded and Expanded Stacked	GS1 DataBar can carry GTIN + additional information such as weight and lot number on variable measure fresh food products to provide brand identification, shrink management, category management, and traceability.	Pilots are planned within major retailers globally. As these products are typically labeled in-store or by bilateral agreement, retailers can implement when they and/or their trading partners are ready.
Small Products: GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional or GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional	GS1 DataBar can be used where the product size is too small to carry a full size EAN/UPC such as jewelry or hardware products. It enables manufacturers to get back space on their packages in order to provide more information about their product.	Based on regional divergence of equipment readiness, GS1 Member Organisations will be working with local retailers to determine what year is the right time for open supply chain use. Manufacturer packaging managers can use these local adoption dates to make decisions about label changes based on countries which can support GS1 DataBar.
Coupons (USA): GS1 DataBar Expanded and Expanded Stacked	GS1 US and the Joint Industry Coupon Committee recommendation to use GS1 DataBar to resolve technical issues with the current USA Coupon System and to enhance its functionality.	Phase 1 rollout is currently underway in the USA using EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar; Phase 2 rollout with GS1 DataBar exclusively (no EAN/UPC bar code) is planned for 2010.
Hardware and Software	Purchasing new bar code hardware and software equipment today enables retailers to get the same benefits in fresh foods as they do today with Fast Moving Consumer Goods. In addition, scanning and processing GTIN plus additional data enables new fresh food benefits such as shrink control and traceability.	GS1 Member Organisations is advising retail members that all hardware and software purchases MUST be GS1 DataBar ready. This includes bar code scanning, design, printing or verification equipment. Do not buy aftermarket equipment that will not work. By 2010 GS1 DataBar standards will be available for bilateral agreement between trading partners for all trade items. By the target date of 2014 GS1 DataBar standards, including attribute information (using AIs), can be used by all trading partners in an open environment. At a minimum, retailers should be able to scan a GS1 DataBar and process GTIN to the database.