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Law | New Technologies | GS1 | Barcodes | QR Codes
At present, QR codes are increasingly appearing in various areas (marketing, payments, logistics, etc.), but this does not mean that they will completely replace barcodes. Below are several key aspects that help understand the relationship between these two technologies:
Capacity and Functionality
Barcodes (1D) can store a relatively small amount of information, usually in the form of numbers. This makes them primarily used for identifying products in stores and warehouses. This limitation gave rise to QR code (2D) technology, invented by Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara and his team at Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota Group. QR codes can store significantly more data (e.g., long strings of characters, links, product information, and much more), making them more versatile and useful in marketing and payment systems.
Barcodes (1D): Limited information – QR Codes (2D): Significantly larger data capacity.
Speed and Ease of Scanning
In warehouse or logistics environments, traditional barcode scanners are very fast, and the processes are already well-established and tested on a large scale. QR codes, on the other hand, offer the advantage of being scannable via smartphones (without the need for specialized equipment), making them particularly useful in marketing campaigns or situations where end users need to scan a code.
QR codes do not require specialized scanning equipment, making them more accessible.
Implementation Costs
The infrastructure for reading barcodes is already widely available in most stores and warehouses. Transitioning to scanners that support QR codes or adapting systems to new standards can be costly. However, mobile applications for scanning QR codes are readily available and often free, encouraging the adoption of this technology among end users. Businesses investing in new scanners should consider QR code technology, which is future-proof and offers more possibilities while gradually replacing barcodes.
Every new investment in product scanners or technology decisions should favor QR codes as a step toward modernity and expanded capabilities.
Specialized Applications
Barcodes (EAN, UPC, etc.) are international standards in retail and logistics. Most retail chains will not abandon them in the foreseeable future, as this would involve a complete system overhaul. However, QR code technology is already being used in areas where greater flexibility or data capacity is required (e.g., marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, access control systems). It is worth noting that this technology represents the future, offering more opportunities, and specialized industries are already beginning the transition to QR codes.
The shift from barcodes to QR codes has already started across all industries.
Legal Regulations
Currently, there is no universal legal regulation that explicitly requires replacing barcodes (1D) with QR codes (2D). The transition to two-dimensional codes (like QR or DataMatrix) largely depends on business decisions, industry requirements, or internal regulations in certain sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals). Below are key points in this regard:
GS1, the most popular global standard-setting organization for barcodes, is introducing new guidelines increasingly recommending the use of two-dimensional codes (e.g., GS1 DataMatrix or QR). However, these are recommendations and industry standards rather than legal requirements imposed by national or international laws.
In some countries (including Poland), initiatives are underway to use QR codes in official documents, e-invoices, and other formal prints. However, there is no central regulation mandating exclusive use of QR codes instead of barcodes.
Possible Future: Coexistence and Gradual Transition
The most likely scenario is a gradual transition to two-dimensional codes for practical reasons (greater capacity, additional functionalities) and standardization, rather than an immediate, top-down decision to abandon 1D solutions. Large corporations and retail chains often choose 2D solutions (QR, DataMatrix) for their business and logistics benefits. Small local and family businesses, on the other hand, opt for universal technologies that are cost-effective, which is exactly what QR codes offer.
QR codes represent the present and the future of modern communication, combining benefits for both clients and businesses. It’s a clear win-win scenario!
Legal Specialist in New Technologies
Veriori SA is a Polish company specializing in QR code-based technologies, including Simple QR and Secured QR. Veriori's mission is to foster simple and authentic communication in the business world. Its latest product, Simple QR, is a user-friendly and fast QR code generator designed for universal use. It allows companies to create and personalize various QR codes based on their specific needs, with the added ability to analyze usage. Simple QR also supports managing dynamic QR codes, enabling businesses to modify content even after deployment. This makes it an essential tool for modern companies prioritizing utility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.