Databar Barcodes
Originally named Reduced Space Symbology (RSS), Databar Barcodes are a fairly new GS1 barcode language. Due to sizing and data capacity limitations of UPC barcodes, GS1 DataBar barcodes addressed applications where additional data, such as weight, expiration date, and serial numbers, were required on POS readable barcode symbols.
Benefits of GS1 Databar Barcodes
- Ability to encode entire 14 digits of GTIN
- Physical dimensions to allow smaller barcodes (less than UPC)
- Faster scanning at checkout than traditional EAN and UPC barcodes
- Ability to string data together (concantenate)
- Less errors than UPC or EAN barcodes
Types of Databar Formats
DataBar-14
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
DataBar-14 Stacked
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
DataBar Expanded
- Maximum encodation of 74 numeric/41 alphanumberic
- All GS1 Application Identifiers can be utilized
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
DataBar Expanded Stacked
- Maximum encodation of 74 numeric/41 alphanumberic
- All GS1 Application Identifiers can be utilized
- Omnidirectional scanning
- Can be used at POS
- Used for new coupon
DataBar-14 Limited
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Leading digit is always 0 or 1
- Is not used at POS
DataBar-14 Truncated
- 14- digit encodation
- Used for GTIN – 8,12,13,14
- Is not used at POS
Primary Applications using Databar Barcodes
Fresh Food Products
The Grocery Industry has now adaopted Databar Barcodes and are marking loose produce with GS1 Databar Stacked Omnidirectional symbols. Compared to manual key entry, this marking provides 100% accuracy, improves shrink control and differentiates conventional versus organic products. Products include; Produce, Meat, Seafood, Deli, Dairy and Bakery.
Coupons: North America
The GS1 Databar Expanded Stacked format is used for the updated GS1 Coupon Barcodes found on coupons used in North America as of 2011.
For information regarding Coupons go to https://www.barcode.graphics/education-coupon-barcodes/
Creating & Printing GS1 Databar Barcodes
- www.createbarcodes.com – Create high resolution digital barcode files (.eps) for only $10
- www.orderbarcodes.com – Purchase printed barcode labels. Prices start at $15.
Verifying GS1 Databar Barcodes
- Verifier – Axicon 15500
https://www.barcode.graphics/product/axicon-15500/ - Test GS1 Databar Barcode Print Quality
https://www.barcode.graphics/barcode-testing/