The GS1 Australia NGTAG (National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group) event “2D Barcodes make traceability a beepin’ breeze” was a landmark gathering, showcasing the future of retail and supply chain transparency through the power of 2D barcodes. Held at the GS1 Australia Knowledge and Event Centre, this premier event brought together industry leaders, retailers, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of cutting-edge GS1 standards.
Obviously, the Digital Link team was there!
Event overview
The event provided a platform for professionals to connect, learn, and share insights on the latest trends and technologies in retail and supply chains. Featuring keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops, the event was designed to foster collaboration and deliver actionable takeaways for businesses seeking to drive innovation and growth.
As Australian companies increasingly transition to 2D barcodes, this event underscored the critical role GS1 standards play in ensuring global interoperability, building trust, and enhancing consumer experiences.
Key themes from the breakout area
- Adoption drivers
During the event, discussions centered around the forces driving the adoption of 2D barcodes. These included:- Early adopters embracing new technologies to stay ahead in competitive markets.
- Retail chains spearheading innovations to enhance shopper experiences.
- Regulators advocating for standards that support transparency and interoperability.
- Building trust through standards
Speakers emphasized the importance of trust, underpinned by universally recognized GS1 standards. Trust is fostered through:- Interoperability between human-readable and machine-readable data.
- Standardized identifiers ensuring consistent data accuracy.
- Linked data leveraging decentralized registries for seamless verification.
- Real-world use cases
The event spotlighted success stories from brands like MECCA, Woolworths Group, and Corteva Agriscience, demonstrating how next-generation QR codes empower businesses to enhance product traceability and sustainability.
Keynote speakers
The event featured a range of keynote speakers, including:
- Caroline Barrett – Director of Primary Industries, GS1 Australia
- Brett Hyland – National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
- Shalini Valecha – Australian Food & Grocery Council, NGTAG Co-Chair
- David Wheeler – Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS)
They shared their expertise and insights on the latest trends and innovations in the field, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and takeaways to apply in their own businesses. Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience ensured a rich and informative experience for all participants.
Why 2D Barcodes are the future
The shift from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D barcodes represents a significant step forward. These next-generation barcodes carry far more information, enabling businesses to embed details such as expiration dates, nutritional values, and traceability data directly into their products.
This transition aligns perfectly with growing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability, while also setting a new standard for efficiency in retail and supply chains.
Gratitude to speakers and organizers
Hats off to the event organizers, including Caterina Slade and Terry Papadis, whose meticulous planning ensured a seamless experience for all attendees. Their efforts have set the stage for ongoing collaboration and innovation.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on the success of the GS1 Australia NGTAG event, it’s clear that 2D barcodes are not just an innovation but a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Digital Link remains committed to supporting these advancements, helping companies unlock new opportunities through compliance and transparency, also in the APAC area.
