Understanding the GS1 DataBar Expanded
GS1 DataBar Expanded barcodes give retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers the power to capture more detailed product information, streamlining inventory, tracking, and supermarket coupon processing. An evolution of the GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, it goes beyond the 14-character limit by using Application Identifiers, enabling encoding of extra data such as expiration date, weight, and batch number. They can also be stacked or combined in composite barcodes, allowing a single label to carry all essential product and logistic information.
Specifications: The structure of the GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode is similar to that of the Omnidirectional:
- Left guard character – Marks the beginning of the barcode.
- Encoded data – Includes several digits, with the ability to store extra data characters compared to the Omnidirectional.
- Finder patterns – Placed throughout the code for scanning accuracy.
- Check digit – Located at the front of the barcode for immediate verification.
- Right guard character – Marks the end of the barcode.
Advantages: The GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode not only holds more data than the Omnidirectional, it can also be stacked to communicate even more information.
Disadvantages: The added capacity makes the barcode longer than the Omnidirectional, reducing its appeal for use in small spaces. While it supports both letters and numbers, it can’t encode symbols, punctuation, or other special characters.
Encoding Type: Partial alphanumeric ▪ Format: Multi-width ▪ Check digit: Required
Typical usage: Retail, supermarket coupons
Understanding the GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional barcodes are compact, high-density codes designed to hold the 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), providing universal product identification across databases and organizations. Smaller than standard UPC-A and EAN-13 retail barcodes of the United States and Europe, they are ideal for small items like produce, packaged snacks, or similar products. They can also be stacked or combined with other codes to create composite codes, and, true to their name, can be scanned accurately in any direction.
Specifications:
- Left guard character – Marks the beginning of the barcode.
- Encoded data – Divided into four sections.
- Finder patterns – Left and right patterns for scanning accuracy.
- Right guard character – Marks the end of the barcode.
- Stacked option – Can be stacked to encode more consecutive data.
Advantages: The GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional condenses more information into a smaller space and can be stacked to communicate even more. It supports omnidirectional scanning, includes a check digit for accuracy, and is alphanumeric, accommodating both letters and numbers.
Disadvantages: The GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional doesn’t support special characters or symbols. While it can be stacked, a single barcode holds only up to 14 characters, so encoding larger amounts of data can become bulky despite its compact design.
Encoding type: Partial alphanumeric ▪ Format: Multi-width ▪ Check digit: Required
Typical usage: Retail, supermarket coupons