Barcodes are symbols that can be scanned electronically using laser or image-based technology.

They are used to encode information such as key identifiers (product, shipment, location, etc.) and key attributes (serial numbers, batch/lot numbers, dates, etc.) via GS1 syntaxes (plain, GS1 element string and GS1 Digital Link URI).

Barcodes play a key role in supply chains, enabling parties like retailers, manufacturers, transport providers and hospitals to automatically identify and track products as they move through the supply chain.

GS1 utilises several types of barcodes to satisfy different business requirements.

Linear barcodes

Linear barcodes, like the U.P.C. code commonly found on consumer goods, use a series of variable-width lines and spaces to encode data, including the GTIN for product identification.