Goodbye barcodes

For decades, barcodes have been used to quickly scan products at the checkout. Nevertheless, this well-known system is slowly coming to an end: from 2027, the current barcodes on products will be replaced by QR codes. More and more companies are switching to the new technology. In this article, you can read as a retailer, producer or consumer why the barcode is being superseded, what the change will entail and what you should pay attention to.

Why are barcodes being superseded?

The traditional barcode has an important limitation: only a small amount of information can be stored in it. The black stripes usually only contain a product number. That number then refers to information in a computer system of the store.

Stores and manufacturers nowadays want to be able to share much more information. Think of expiration dates, ingredients, sustainability, origin of products and instructions for recycling.

A QR code can contain up to 100x as much data as a barcode and can also be read with a smartphone. In addition, it is possible to create more unique QR codes than is the case with barcodes.

Other advantages of QR codes are that they are easier to read with a scanner, even if the code is partly unreadable.

What will change in concrete terms?

For consumers, the change will mainly be visible on packaging and cash register systems. Products are increasingly getting a QR code that can be read with a smartphone or scanner. Through this code, consumers can immediately view information about, for example, ingredients, sustainability, allergens or special offers.

QR codes can also simplify payments. Think of mobile payments and online ordering processes. This reduces paper use and allows transactions to be faster.

Entrepreneurs have to deal with investments in technology and training. New scanners, software updates and links to inventory and accounting systems may be necessary. Not all older POS systems are suitable for reading modern QR codes. As an entrepreneur, it is therefore wise to investigate in good time whether your equipment and software are still future-proof. On the other hand, some tasks will become easier. Checking prices and stocks is faster and more accurate, as employees no longer have to enter data manually. This saves time and reduces errors.

What else should I pay attention to?

The use of QR codes creates a greater dependence on digital data processing. This means that cybersecurity and privacy are becoming increasingly important. QR codes can link to online environments in which personal data or payment details are processed. Employers must therefore ensure that secure systems and clear internal procedures are in place.

Administrative changes can also occur. Think, for example, of digital declarations, QR codes on payslips or digital access systems in the workplace. This makes processes faster and more efficient, but employees must learn to work with the new systems.

How will the switch-over work?

The switch from barcodes to QR codes will not happen overnight. Both systems will continue to exist side by side in the coming period. Manufacturers and retailers will have time to adjust packaging, scanners and software.

Large supermarket chains and international companies are expected to be the first to switch completely. Smaller companies will gradually follow. In this transition period   consumers will continue to encounter both traditional barcodes and QR codes.

In conclusion

The switch from barcodes to QR codes is an important step in the further digitization of trade and administration. QR codes offer more possibilities, faster information provision and more efficient processes. This step may also bring new challenges in the field of technology and digital security.

If you have any questions about what this means for your company? Feel free to contact us!