The barcode turns 50: the origins and influence of the system before it was replaced by QR

He Barcodea well-known system for identifying commercial products, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, after which it is gradually being replaced by another system: a QR code that contains more information.

Its vertical lines are scanned 6 billion times a day around the world.

Besides that “Product ID”Barcode “allows professionals to access other features” such as inventory management, transportation and tracking,” he explains to AFP. Lawrence WallanaDirector SES Imagotag V Francea company specializing in electronic marking.

a pack of chewing gum

Although Barcode was originally patented by the Americans Norman Joseph Woodland And Bernard Silver in 1952 it was not really improved and commercialized until 1971at the instigation of an American engineer George Laurer.

After consultations between major industrialists and distributors in 1973, it became the system used to identify consumer products.

First scanned article dated June 26, 1974 at Ohiowas a package of chewing gum, which is now on display in National Museum of US HistoryV Washington.

Today this organization GS1 (Global Standard 1) — a non-profit organization with two million member companies, which is responsible for the worldwide standardization of product identification.

For each product of each company that requests it, it provides a unique identification code, the “Global Trade Item Number”, which is then translated into Barcode.

Each company must pay a fee corresponding to its turnover of 98 euros ($106) and 4,400 euros ($4,770) per year.

game of go

There’s a little revolution coming up now, they explain Renault barbuate And Didier VelosoThe president GS1 World and president GS1 Francerespectively.

By 2027 Barcode “will give way to a new standard developed by the organization”A QR code.

While the barcode makes some artists or critics think of overconsumption in prison bars, the look QR code refers to goa game of Chinese origin which, with its combinations of black and white dots arranged in a square, inspired its creator in 1994, a Japanese Masahiro Hara.

Code QR code means Quick response code (quick response code) and its advantage over a barcode is that it can integrate much more information, such as the composition of a product.

“Contain more product information, share endless digital content, and create new uses that are accessible to everyone, especially consumers.”synthesizes GS1.

Some brands are already adding these codes to their products, allowing customers to learn more about their production or features.

It has become a mass phenomenon during the pandemic. COVID-19.

For consumer goods, GS1 evaluates that the code QR code be “a formidable tool for the development of a circular economy”especially recycling and reuse.

For the peace of mind of those who are nostalgic for Barcode, GS1 explain that “13 digits for product identification will remain”, at which the transition will be smooth. (AFP)

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