Barcode technology is undergoing a seismic shift, doing what barcodes do very well: adapt to change.

Perhaps as remarkable as the change itself is the fact it has taken this long, but with pain comes gain and the tipping point is fast approaching. Several factors are driving the change but first, the change itself.

Digital Link is on track to replace the humble, ubiquitous UPC symbol, and in relatively short order: 2027. GS1, the global organization for barcoding and RFID, has released a standard and a quick start guide for organizations considering adoption of Digital Link.

This is another great example of the adaptability of barcode technology, which has more than survived—it has thrived in its 50-year history. Barcodes solve problems and Digital Link is just the latest example. What problem is it solving?

RIP UPC

The overarching problem that Digital Link solves is the limited data capacity of the UPC.

Digital Link is a single barcode that can do it all. Currently, this has either not been done at all or is done with a combination of printed, non-machine-readable information appended to a product label, or additional barcodes on the product label.

Who hasn’t gotten home from the grocery store only to realize some of the products are already expired? Digital Link flags an expired product at checkout. Here are consumer advantages enabled by Digital Link:

  • Product nutritional information
  • Usage instructions
  • Recipes
  • Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and recycling data
  • Expiration and best use-by dates
  • Allergy information
  • Installation, FAQ, Troubleshooting, Support and other guides
  • Batch, lot, manufacturing location, and other quality control information that make recalls quicker, more precise, and less disruptive

Digital Link in Manufacturing

As beneficial as Digital Link will be to consumers, the manufacturing advantages run deeper and wider. Scanning a digital link barcode on machinery instantly accesses maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guides, and instructional videos.

Healthcare advantages include:

  • Medication details. Digital link can flag counterindications, allergy or other problems a specific medication presents to a specific patient
  • Electronic Medical Records: digital link gives a patient access to their medical history, lab results and appointments
  • Recalls will be quicker, more efficient, more accurate and less disruptive with instant access to batch, lot, manufacturing location and other pertinent data
  • Inventory tracking. Healthcare facilities can restore supplies and medications in real-time and prevent shortages.
  • Digital Link connects patients to Telemed and remote monitoring of wearable devices

Digital Link in Healthcare

Hospitals and clinics can better ensure compliance, with instant access to documentation and certifications. Tracking and managing clinical trial data is more accurate and efficient with Digital Link.

Digital Link is another major step in the long and continuing journey of barcoding. The continuing success of barcoding is remarkable not only for its longevity—50 years is a long time. It is more remarkable for the mutual benefits barcodes bring to all who use them.  Barcodes were invented by a grocery industry consortium, to solve an inventory control problem. I suspect the collateral benefit to consumers was little more than an afterthought. Digital Link changes that.

 

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager