Ever seen a QR code and wondered what all the fuss is about? Tesco is bringing something new to the table with GS1 QR codes, and it’s a step up from the regular QR codes most of us are used to. They’re currently testing these new codes on 12 own-brand meat and produce items in select stores across southern England. The aim? Reduce food waste, improve product traceability, and provide shoppers with better information.
But what exactly is a GS1 QR code, and how is it different from the QR codes we already know? Let’s break it down.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular QR Code and a GS1 QR Code?
Regular QR codes are pretty simple. You’ve probably seen one on a business card or a restaurant menu. Scan it with your phone, and it takes you to a website or a digital resource. Need to look at a company’s homepage or access a promotion? That’s a regular QR code’s job.
Now, GS1 QR codes take things to the next level. These codes follow global GS1 standards, making them super powerful for businesses and shoppers. Sure, they can also take you to a website, but that’s just the start. A GS1 QR code can store detailed, useful data like a product’s batch number, expiration date, and even instructions for recycling.
Think of it like this: a regular QR code is like a postcard with a simple message, while a GS1 QR code is like a package packed with all sorts of important info, neatly organized for anyone who needs it.
Why Is Tesco Using GS1 QR Codes?
Tesco’s giving these codes a go because of their incredible functionality. These codes aren’t just for scanning with your phone; they can also be used at checkouts. That means as a shopper, you can get all the details about a product—from where it was made to when it expires—with just one scan.
Imagine picking up a box of strawberries and being able to see if they’re fresh and where they came from, all in one go. For businesses like Tesco, these codes also help prevent expired items from being sold and reduce waste since they make managing stock easier.
How Do GS1 QR Codes Work?
When you scan a GS1 QR code, it can do things regular QR codes simply can’t. Here’s what makes them special:
- Purpose: They’re designed to handle more than just linking to websites. These codes enhance product transparency, making it easier to trace items back to their sources or know their exact expiration dates.
- Data: GS1 QR codes can store useful extras like Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), batch numbers, and serial numbers.
- Scanning: They’re multifunctional. Use them at a checkout, or scan them with your phone for extra product info.
- Flexibility: They can link you to tons of resources, like sourcing details or a guide on how to recycle the packaging.
For example, a GS1 QR code on a milk carton could tell you the farm it came from, its expiration date, and even give you recipes or ideas for using up the milk before it goes off.
Why Businesses Should Pay Attention
The real draw for businesses? GS1 QR codes give each item a “digital identity.” This means smoother supply chains, better stock management, and happier customers who trust they’re getting fresh, safe products.
Take food recalls as an example. If an issue comes up, GS1 QR codes make it easy to track down the exact batch or issue without throwing away every product on the shelf. For stores and manufacturers, that’s a big deal.
And don’t forget the future. GS1 is pushing for these QR codes to become a global standard by 2027. By adopting them now, businesses can stay ahead of the curve while making life easier for their customers.
Can You Upgrade Existing QR Codes to GS1 QR Codes?
If you’re already using QR codes, you’re in luck. You can upgrade to GS1 QR codes, but it does involve some work. These codes need to follow GS1’s global standards, so you’ll need to adjust your data systems to include things like batch codes or GTINs. It’s a bit of a process, but the payoff? More efficient operations and better transparency for your customers.
Why This Matters
Tesco’s trial is showing us how GS1 QR codes could be a game-changer. Whether you want to track your food from farm to fork or ensure expired items don’t make it into your cart, these codes promise an easier, more transparent shopping experience.
It’s not just about groceries, either. From beauty products to electronics, industries everywhere can benefit from the extra detail and traceability these codes offer. The question isn’t whether we need GS1 QR codes; it’s why we haven’t all started using them yet.
Here’s to a smarter, safer, and more informative way to shop. And maybe one day, these codes will even remind us to grab milk on the way home.