The Global Language of Business

Woolworths Australia Case Study

Introduction

Woolworths in Australia is leading the way in the implementation of 2D barcodes in food retail. In 2019, the company started trialling 2D barcodes at point-of-sale in order to reduce food waste, improve food safety and make products easier to manage throughout the supply chain. In 2020, following that successful trial, they began their transition to using the GS1 DataMatrix on their perishable products, beginning with fresh meat and poultry.

Retailers, brand owners and manufacturers all benefit from the move from traditional to 2D barcodes. From the retailer’s perspective, the large amount of data the code can hold including pack date, product batch, expiry date and price greatly improved traceability, inventory management, recall management and waste prevention. Brand owners and manufacturers benefit from improved traceability and recall management, protecting their brands and products perception in critical situations such as product recalls. Consumers are unable to buy expired or recalled products at the checkout thereby improving food safety and customer experience.

GS1-Australia-food-product-with-GS1-DataMatrix
Woolworths Australia food product with GS1 DataMatrix

Overview

  • Type of product: Fresh meat & Poultry
  • Data carrier: GS1 DataMatrix
  • Data encoded:
    • GTIN Price (Variable Measure)
    • Weight (Variable Measure)
    • Best before date
    • Use by date
    • Batch and Lot numbers

Case studies

Brazil Plant Traceability Case Study

Plant traceability from seedling to tree using QR codes and GS1 Digital Link.

 
Woolworths Australia Case Study

The use of 2D barcodes on fresh meat and poultry products in Woolworths Australia.

 
Belgilux Variable Weight POS Case Study

Belgilux variable weight POS intelligent barcode case study.

 
China Expiry Date Managment

China expiry date managment intelligent barcode case study.

 
Intelligent Barcodes in Construction

Uses of intelligent barcodes in the construction industry.

 
Intelligent Barcodes in Healthcare

Case studies on the use of intelligent barcodes in the healthcare sector.

 
Thailand 7-11 Intelligent Barcode Case Study

Thailand 7-11 intelligent barcode case study.

 
Brazil Digital Link in Commercial Product Case Study

The first commercial product in Brazil using GS1 Digital Link.