Bar coding is one of the IT tools used for automatic data capture.  As opposed to manual data entry, which is tedious and prone to inaccuracies and errors, bar coding enables data capture with 100% accuracy and in micro-seconds.

Barcodes can be used to represent information related to product attributes; other supplementary information like batch number, manufacturing / expiry dates, consigner/consignee etc.

When International Numbering standards are used, as symbology, it enables universal & unique identification of companies and their products/ consignments.

Retailers worldwide (Wal-Mart/K-Mart/J.C. Penny / Otto Versand / Federated etc.) have already asked their Indian suppliers to use GS1 barcodes. 

Despite near absence of organized retail in India compliance level of over 75% has been achieved in past 5 years on adoption of global GS1 barcodes by FMCG sector. All major FMCG retail chain already scan GS1 barcodes, and are experiencing enhanced accuracy in demand forecasting, real time stock management, fast check outs at their POS, product track and trace and reduced labeling/administration costs etc.

GS1 India along with rai (Retailers Association of India) comprising India’s top retailers across product categories have recently launched the Win-Win 2006 initiative which mandates adoption of GS1 barcodes for all FMCG supplies w.e.f. 1 July 2006.

For details on Barcode Symbology, please click here