GS1 DataBar (formerly Reduced Space Symbols or RSS) is a new point-of-sale bar code joining the EAN/UPC families of barcodes to allow more product marking.

GS1 DataBar symbols will not replace traditional EAN/UPC barcodes, but rather join EAN/UPC bar codes as an option at retail point-of-sale.
While EAN/UPC will remain useful for product identification for existing applications, GS1 DataBar enables expanded bar code implementation by meeting the objective of identifying small items and carrying more information than the current EAN/UPC bar code.

GS1 DataBar will enable GTIN identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh fruits and vegetables, enhancing the ability to conduct category management and increasing speed at checkout. GS1 DataBar’s ability to carry GS1 Application Identifiers like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates opens the door to identification solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and – in some countries – couponing.

View the GS1 DataBar Video

GS1 DataBar will enhance category management and increase speed at checkout and self-checkout. GS1 DataBar’s ability to carry GS1 Application Identifiers like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates opens the door to identification solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification and couponing.

As of 2010, GS1 DataBar standards are available for bilateral agreement between trading partners for all trade items. The specific focus will be on Fresh Products scanned at POS.

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 minimum retailers should be able to scan and process GTINs in a GS1 DataBar.

The business case for GS1 DataBar is simple, more data and less space.

The GS1 DataBar family consists of seven symbols divided into three groups:

Group 1
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and Stacked Omnidirectional: can be half the size of an EAN/UPC bar code. These work at retail point of sale and carry the GTIN, making them ideal for items such as loose fresh produce.

Group 2
GS1 DataBar Expanded and Expanded Stacked: roughly the same size as an EAN/UPC bar code, these symbols can carry up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic characters and can carry an SGTIN (GTIN + Serial Number). These also work at retail point of sale, making them ideal for variable measure products such as meat and deli items.

Group 3
GS1 DataBar Truncated, Stacked and Limited: the smallest in the GS1 DataBar family. They carry 14 numeric characters but are not omnidirectional. They don’t work at retail point of sale, instead they are designed for items too small for any other bar code, such as healthcare  items and assist with traceability.

ATTACHMENTS (Click on the filename to download):

	GS1 DataBar Brochure_1
	GS1 DataBar Next Generation Brochure_1