Or following the GS1 structure:
- (01)08711234567890 → GTIN
- (10)AB1234 → LOT
- (17)260930 → expiry date
- (21)SN8888 → serial number
🔗 QR code vs. other barcodes
| Barcode | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| QR code | Flexible, high capacity, error correction | Not readable with laser scanners |
| GS1-128 | Logistics standard, linear, laser-scanner readable | Requires more label area |
| DataMatrix | Smaller, higher data density (industrial) | Less recognisable to consumers |
| EAN-13 | Retail standard for price / GTIN | Very limited information |
✅ Benefits of QR codes
- Fast and user-friendly for both consumers and scanners
- Versatile: can contain text, URLs, numbers and GS1 data
- Error correction keeps codes readable when damaged
- Widely supported (smartphones, POS, scanners, cameras)
- Suitable for both track & trace and interaction
📌 In summary
QR codes are versatile 2D barcodes that can hold a lot of data and be scanned quickly. They are used for traceability, consumer interaction and industrial identification.