Direct answer
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is driving retail capability to scan 2D barcodes at point of sale alongside traditional barcodes. Packaging-line readiness means defining the data carrier and data content, providing suitable print quality and placement, verifying every code where required, and ensuring scanners and business systems can process the data.
Key takeaways
- Define the business use and approved GS1 data structure.
- Assess print, pack and scanning conditions.
- Integrate verification and data control.
- Test with customers and keep capability current.
Establish the legal and technical scope
Decide whether the code supports identification only or also lot, date, serial, web content or other attributes. Work with the relevant trading partners and GS1 guidance before changing artwork or line coding.
- Confirm GTIN and required application identifiers
- Choose GS1 DataMatrix or QR code powered by GS1 where appropriate
- Define static versus variable data
- Agree human-readable and artwork requirements
Assess the actual machine, task and site
Code size, quiet zone, contrast, substrate, curvature, print method, line speed and location affect scan performance. Test normal supplier and production variation rather than one ideal sample.
- Identify available print area and pack movement
- Test ink, label or film on the real substrate
- Control printhead distance and triggering
- Assess curved, reflective or flexible surfaces
Create and retain suitable evidence
Where variable codes are printed, define recipe selection, master data, verification, reject, reconciliation and record retention. A readable code with wrong data is still a failure.
- Approve code content and source
- Set verification grade or acceptance criteria
- Test reject and line-stop response
- Record batch, recipe and failed-code handling
Keep the control current
Run production trials and share samples with relevant trading partners. Review scanner, software and artwork capability as GS1 implementation progresses and product data changes.
- Perform end-to-end data and scan tests
- Control artwork and code changes
- Train line and quality personnel
- Monitor print-quality trends and complaints
Comparison table
| Control area | Key question | Typical evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Define the business use and approved GS1 data structure. | Applicable legislation, standards and responsibility |
| Assessment | Assess print, pack and scanning conditions. | Risk assessment and verified safeguards |
| Records | Integrate verification and data control. | Drawings, declarations, tests and training records |
| Review | Test with customers and keep capability current. | Change control, inspection and periodic review |
Free working templates
Download these files and adapt them to the actual machine, product, site and acceptance plan.
Official guidance and further reading
These sources provide the current regulatory or standards context. Always check the latest version before making a compliance decision.
Related buyer guides and tools
Relevant machinery and support routes
Use the guide to define the requirement, then compare the specialist routes below against representative product, packaging and output evidence.