Belgilux Variable Weight POS Case Study

Introduction

GS1 Belgilux set up a working group made up of manufacturers, retailers and solution providers in order to replace the use of RCNs for fresh foods (of variable weight) with a GTIN in the form of the GS1 DataMatrix to be scanned at point-of-sale. The project included more than 500 stores from six major retailers and 20+ suppliers. This was done with the goal of increasing product traceability and reducing food waste. Scanning time was reduced compared to a traditional 1D barcode containing the same information and all stakeholders involved benefitted from the increased data, smaller size and better readability of 2D barcodes. In 2022, GS1 Belgilux will stop assigning national RCNs to suppliers selling variable weight items at Belgilux POS. Suppliers will need to move to GTIN and encode it in either a GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 DataBar Expanded (Stacked). The goal of the project is to have one GTIN for one product for all retailers.  

Overview

• Country: Belgium]
• Type of product: Fresh meat & fish, Vegetables, Cheese
• Data carrier: GS1 DataMatrix
• Data encoded:
  • (GTIN & weight on all; others vary by product)GTIN
  • Best Before
  • Weight
  • Batch Number
  • Price to Pay
  • Price/kg