Next-Generation Product
Identification: transform product
identification and information
Description: Today, in a world of rapidly expanding online
commerce solutions, barcodes are unable to provide
consumers with the rich digital product information they
seek. Consumer barcodes do not uniquely identify product
or package variations that carry the same product identifier,
meaning minor product variations cannot be accurately
disclosed. Also, when the product identifier needs to change
to reflect new information, it adds waste to the system in
the form of out-of-stocks, remnant inventory and transition
costs. This project is designed to identify a solution to this
industry concern. It will document requirements for the “nextgeneration”
consumer product identifier, work with GS1 to
recommend a standards-based solution and develop the
business case needed to support global adoption.
The project focuses on connecting the dots to improve supply
chain transparency, efficiency and traceability. The goal is
to provide consumers with accurate product information
by leveraging new technology capabilities for product
identification to replace the current barcode (EAN13).
Rationale: There is an urgent need to provide technologyenabled
consumers with accurate digital product information
coming from trusted sources. This is not always possible with
the current EAN/UPC barcodes.
Value and Impact: Decreased waste in our supply chains
and improved availability of accurate data for consumers,
manufacturers, retailers and data aggregators