2D Barcodes & RFID: Terms, Roles, and Responsibilities

Last Updated November 21, 2025

6 min read

Glossary of Terms

Term	Definition
2D Barcode	A barcode that stores information in two dimensions, allowing much more data than 1D barcodes. Examples include QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix.
2D Imaging Scanner	A camera-based scanner that reads 2D barcodes from any angle and replaces traditional 1D laser scanners.
Ambition / Sunrise 2027	GS1’s global initiative requiring POS systems to read both 1D and 2D barcodes containing GTINs by the end of 2027.
GS1 Application Identifier (AI)	A numeric prefix that defines the type of data in a barcode (e.g., “17” = expiration date, “10” = batch/lot).
Dual-Marking	Using both a 1D and 2D barcode on the same product during the transition to ensure all systems can scan the item.
Dynamic Data	Real-time or variable product info (expiration date, lot, serial number) encoded in 2D barcodes.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)	The universal GS1 identifier used for products worldwide. Required for GS1-compliant barcodes.
HRI (Human Readable Interpretation)	The printed numbers near a barcode that allow manual entry if scanning fails.
IPM (Items Per Minute)	A measurement of checkout speed; retailers generally aim for 40–70 items per minute.
Point-of-Sale (POS)	Checkout systems that scan barcodes and process transactions; must be 2D-capable by 2027.
Restricted Circulation Number (RCN)	Legacy retailer-specific product numbers that are not compatible with GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) and must be replaced with GTINs.
GS1 Element String Syntax	A data format using Application Identifiers (AIs) to encode structured, non-URL data for traceability and compliance.
GS1 Digital Link URI Syntax	A web-friendly format that allows 2D barcodes to connect to online experiences or product data.
Resolver	A service that routes a GS1 Digital Link barcode to the correct digital destination.

RFID Terminology

Term	Definition
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)	Wireless tech using readers and tags to track items across the supply chain.
RFID Tag	A small chip & antenna that stores product data and communicates with RFID readers.
Passive RFID Tag	A tag powered by the reader signal; common for item inventory; low-cost.
Active RFID Tag	A tag with its own battery for long-range or high-value tracking.
RFID Reader (Interrogator)	Device that sends/receives radio waves to read RFID tags.
RFID Antenna	Component that creates the RF field to power and communicate with tags.
RFID Printer	Printer that encodes and prints RFID labels so the chip contains correct data.
Source Tagging	Adding RFID tags at manufacturing rather than in stores/DCs to improve efficiency and ROI.

Supply Chain, Labeling & Encoding Terminology

Term	Definition
GS1 Company Prefix	A unique number assigned by GS1 that forms the base of GTINs and serialized IDs.
Encoding (Barcode or RFID)	Converting product data into machine-readable format inside a barcode or RFID tag.
Quiet Zone	Required blank space around a barcode to ensure accurate scanning.
Print and Apply (P&A)	Automated equipment that prints labels and applies them during manufacturing.
Dynamic Data Printing / On-Demand Printing	Printing barcodes with real-time info like expiration dates or serial numbers.
TIJ (Thermal Inkjet)	High-resolution printing method for small or detailed barcodes.
CIJ (Continuous Inkjet)	High-speed industrial printing used directly on packaging.
Label Material Types	Paper (economical), Polyethylene (flexible), Polyester (durable).

Retail Operations & Compliance Terminology

Term	Definition
Traceability	Tracking a product across the supply chain using batch, lot, expiration, or serial data.
Recall Readiness	Ability to quickly locate and remove only affected products during a recall.
Loss Prevention	Reducing theft/shrink through serial numbers, RFID tracking, and inventory visibility.
Omnichannel Fulfillment	Coordinating online and in-store inventory for models like BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store) or ship-from-store.
BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store)	A fulfillment model supported by accurate inventory visibility, often via RFID.
Ship-From-Store (SFS)	Fulfilling online orders directly from store stock to cut shipping time and cost.
Frictionless / Cashierless Checkout	Automated checkout using RFID, sensors, or cameras.
Real-Time Visibility	Up-to-the-minute accuracy on item location and quantity across the supply chain.

Implementation Responsibilities for 2D Barcodes and RFID

Suppliers and retailers have different responsibilities when preparing for the implementation of 2D barcodes and RFID. This chart breaks down what suppliers and retailers should know.

Application Area

Suppliers Should Know

Retailers Should Know

2D Barcodes: Compliance & Standards

This mandate is not optional.

By 2027, suppliers that don’t use 2D barcodes could risk losing shelf space or have their shipments rejected.

POS systems must be ready to scan 2D barcodes by 2027.

Retail must support regulatory compliance of their suppliers.

2D Barcodes: Data & Encoding

A GS1 Company Prefix and GTIN are needed.

QR barcodes should be GS1 Digital Link enabled.

Software is necessary to encode data.

Retailers define the required data elements for suppliers.

Some suppliers will need to include expiration dates or batch/lot numbers.

Retailers are responsible to configure host systems to manage granular data points like expiration date, weight, and label ID numbers.

Software is necessary to encode data.

2D Barcodes: Labeling & Printing

There are specific placements for 2d barcodes.

Using 2D and 1D barcodes is recommended during the transition.

Dynamic data printing systems will help update real-time data like batch numbers or expiration dates.

Clear standards must be provided to suppliers regarding barcode size and print quality.

2D Barcodes: Technical Readiness

Collaboration with packaging vendors, distributors, and warehouse managers should happen early.

It's important to update product data and barcode information through retailer portals.

We recommend proactively reaching out to retailers to make sure their systems can read GTIN data.

There can be substantial costs associated with upgrading barcode scanners to 2D imaging scanners.

There will be major software overhauls and updates to existing POS systems and management software.

Retailers must confirm that POS systems can support GS1 Element String and Digital Link formats.

2D Barcodes: Testing & Rollout

Trials and pilot tests of 2D barcodes will save time and money in the future, so all real-world conditions can be tested in transit, warehouse, and checkout.

Collaboration with retailers and technology providers will resolve hardware and software issues early.

It’s essential to train staff on new systems.

Pilot programs in a mix of stores will ensure you can measure real performance by tracking scan data.

Training front-of-house staff on new scanning behaviors and system alerts (like expiration warnings) will ensure smooth rollouts.

Marketing and signs will help explain the benefits of 2D barcodes to customers.

RFID: Strategy & Collaboration

We recommend engaging with a trusted RFID provider or consultant to recieve professional advice tailored to your specific needs.

These consultants can provide roadmap development and feasability assessments.

Collaboration with suppliers is important to pursue source tagging.

Retailers need to define value and use cases for RFID, such as supply chain visibility and stockout reductions.

RFID: Components & Encoding

Suppliers are responsible to obtain the three needed components: RFID tags, hardware, and software.

Ensure product data is encoded with the Electronic Product Code, which contains the GS1 Company Prefix and GTIN.

Retailers need to procure and install fixed and handheld RFID readers.

Management software is needed to connect raw data with existing retail management systems.

Updating POS and inventory databases will allow systems to handle the new information from RFID tags.

RFID: Testing & Scaling

Environmental conditions can impact RFID tags. Test one product line to ensure that heat, liquid, or metal exposure don’t affect the read range.

Adoption should begin with a limited pilot test, like a single product line.