New Barcode Generation: A Revolution in Scanning
Letztes Update: 23. Juni 2024
The new barcode generation is here, marking 50 years since the first scan in a supermarket. From simple beeps to advanced 2D codes, discover how barcodes have revolutionized industries like retail, logistics, and healthcare.
It Started with a Simple Beep: 50 Years Ago, the First Barcode Was Scanned in a Supermarket / Now the New Barcode Generation Is Ready
Fifty years ago, in a Marsh supermarket in Ohio, USA, a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum made history. On June 26, 1974, this humble product became the first item ever to be scanned with a barcode. This event marked the beginning of automated checkout systems and laid the foundation for one of the most transformative technologies of the 20th century.
The Humble Beginnings of a Revolutionary Technology
In the same year that Playmobil figures entered children's bedrooms, the German national football team won the World Cup on home soil, and ABBA took the stage with "Waterloo" at the Eurovision Song Contest, the barcode quietly began its journey. The simple sequence of black stripes on a light background has since become ubiquitous, appearing in everyday life across various industries such as retail, logistics, and healthcare. Today, over ten billion barcodes are scanned worldwide every day, making that initial beep a cornerstone of process security and efficiency.
The Role of GS1 Germany in Barcode Evolution
The barcode shares its 50th anniversary with GS1 Germany, a not-for-profit organization that helps businesses implement GS1 standards for products, shipments, documents, and machinery. Companies looking to use these standards require a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), formerly known as EAN, which they can obtain from GS1 Germany. This number appears under the well-known EAN-13 barcode.
GS1 Germany's portfolio now includes two dozen global standards aimed at streamlining economic processes. Among these are two-dimensional barcodes like the GS1 Data Matrix and QR codes, which bridge the gap between physical products and the digital world. A network of 116 GS1 organizations worldwide continues to develop these solutions, serving over two million companies in 150 countries and 25 industries.
Enhancing Business Efficiency with Digital Solutions
"With our universal standards, we make a practical contribution to the value creation process of businesses," explains Thomas Fell, CEO of GS1 Germany. "We develop these standards side by side with users, acting as a catalyst for digitalization and a neutral platform for cross-company collaboration." This approach ensures that GS1 solutions are market-relevant and future-oriented, enabling businesses to thrive in ever-changing markets. For instance, these standards simplify e-commerce operations and meet shoppers' growing demand for information, paving the way for the new barcode generation.
The New Barcode Generation: Multifunctional 2D Codes
The upcoming barcode generation, featuring more powerful 2D codes, is set to play a role as significant as that of linear barcodes over the past 50 years. Two-dimensional barcodes excel in scenarios where more information is needed than can be provided by packaging or one-dimensional barcodes. They can encode over 7,000 numeric characters, allowing users to access a wealth of information with a simple scan. These codes also facilitate seamless internet connectivity, providing relevant information at the right time and place.
GS1 Digital Link: A New Standard for Contextual Information
The new standard "GS1 Digital Link" functions like a switch, delivering different information based on context. While consumers may seek details about allergens, recipes, or customer reviews, business partners might need access to economic or technical data. The code on the product remains the same, but the information changes depending on the time, location, and device used for scanning. This versatility makes it a one-size-fits-all solution.
The Future of Barcodes in Retail
By 2028, 2D codes are expected to be readable at supermarket checkouts. Despite these innovations, the familiar beep of barcodes will continue to resonate in the world of goods and digital business processes. The new barcode generation promises to enhance efficiency and provide more comprehensive information, ensuring that the legacy of that first beep lives on.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the barcode, it's clear that this technology has come a long way. From its humble beginnings in an Ohio supermarket to its current role as a critical component of global commerce, the barcode has continually evolved to meet the needs of businesses and consumers alike. With the advent of the new barcode generation, we can look forward to even greater advancements in how we capture and process data, making our world more connected and efficient than ever before.
Diese Artikel könnten dich auch interessieren
The journey of barcodes began with a simple beep 50 years ago. Since then, they have revolutionized the retail industry. Today, a new generation of barcodes is emerging, promising even greater efficiency and innovation. This evolution is not just limited to retail. It impacts various sectors, including technology and data management.
For instance, the development of liquid-cooled data center solutions by Supermicro showcases how advanced cooling technologies can enhance the performance and sustainability of data centers. These solutions are crucial as they help manage the increasing data loads efficiently.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the Leibniz University Hannover AI research is making significant strides. Their work in AI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible, contributing to the advancement of technology and its applications in various fields, including retail and logistics.
Looking ahead, the future technology trends 2034 report provides insights into the innovations that will shape our world. From smart cities to advanced AI systems, these trends will influence how businesses operate and how consumers interact with technology.
As you can see, the evolution of barcodes is part of a broader trend of technological advancements. These innovations are not isolated; they are interconnected, driving progress across various industries. By staying informed about these developments, you can better understand the future landscape of technology and its impact on everyday life.