GS1 DataBar symbols are much smaller than traditional barcodes, but inherently much more powerful.
There are several GS1 DataBar symbols, some holding up to 74 numeric or alphabetic characters, enabling a new era of identification. Serial numbers, lot numbers and expiry dates can be included, providing unique identification of just about anything. And what's more, it's a global standard.
It will revolutionise barcoding, says Rachel Kairuz, Senior Adviser with GS1 Australia, responsible for coordinating Australia's readiness for the new system. A worldwide sunrise date of January 2010 has been set for GS1 DataBar capability and all users anywhere in the world will follow the same coding rules. Nearly one million organisations in over 145 countries already use the system.
Rachel said the same GS1 numbers and barcodes we see in the supermarket can be applied to any sector of industry at all levels of manufacturing and distribution. Health products, timber, hardware, electrical appliances, telecommunications: everything will carry its own unique GS1 identification.
RFID dogs the future
Today RFID is seen as one of many potential technologies. Paul Pleming, National Sales Manager at Gamma, said RFID applications installed by Gamma were generally closed loop and used for access control or product ID and so on, and in a hazardous environment.
'Currently RFID in the supply chain is limited to a 10 cm and 30 cm read range and has an added cost factor,' said Paul.'It will be many years before RFID replaces barcodes in conventional product identification.'
But RFID is already in use in the Atallah household. Milou and Mitzi, Michael and Michelle Atallah's two beloved dogs (see story on pages 2 and 3), have an RFID tag embedded under their skin. If they ever get lost they can be scanned - just like a supermarket package - by a local vet who can then identify and reunite the dogs with Michael and Michelle.
For more information about the future of RFID technology go to www.gammasolutions.com and download the White Papers.
Read more at The Buzz - Issue 1, 2008
