A global alliance for scanning excellence

Four of the world’s leading scanning solution providers—Datalogic, Honeywell, Newland AIDC and Zebra Technologies—have come together to endorse the retail industry’s global plan to transition to next generation barcodes. This powerful collaboration marks a significant milestone in the movement to ensure that retail points-of-sale are equipped to scan QR Code powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix barcodes. This partnership underscores a shared vision of an inclusive and solution-oriented future where trusted data flows seamlessly across the global supply chain.

Beyond the beep: why the world is moving to next generation barcodes

The traditional barcode, currently scanned over 10 billion times per day, served retail well for decades, but today’s world demands more. Consumers want instant access to product safety, health and sustainability details, while retailers and regulators need deeper traceability. Next generation barcodes meet these needs by connecting products to rich digital information. These new barcodes can store batch numbers, expiry dates and sustainability credentials in one symbol—transforming a simple scan into a gateway for trust and efficiency.

The critical role of solution providers

The endorsement from these industry leaders is vital because they provide the infrastructure and technical validation necessary for global interoperability. By engaging in pilot programmes and ensuring their hardware meets GS1 readiness standards, these providers are empowering businesses of all sizes to transform industry challenges into successful outcomes. Their commitment ensures that the technology can be scanned not just at checkout, but also by consumers using smartphones, creating a "source of truth" for everyone, everywhere.

Building on global industry momentum

This new alliance between solution providers builds on significant momentum generated in 2024, when more than 20 leading global retailers and brands signed a joint statement calling for the transition to next-generation barcodes. The industry is united in its goal to provide high-quality, trusted product information for greater transparency and consumer engagement.

Scale and impact of the partnership

As global leaders, Datalogic, Honeywell, Newland AIDC and Zebra Technologies represent the backbone of scanning technology across the global economy. Their collective expertise ensures that the transition to next-generation barcodes is a meaningful transformation that helps businesses stay competitive and better serve their customers. Their preparation of hardware and implementation guidance provides the foundation for a more connected and digital future.