[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":563},["ShallowReactive",2],{"page-\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027":3,"related-\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027":541},{"id":4,"title":5,"author":6,"body":7,"category":6,"description":528,"extension":529,"heading":530,"heroImage":6,"heroImageAlt":6,"layout":6,"meta":531,"navigation":532,"ogImage":533,"path":534,"publishedAt":535,"sections":6,"seo":536,"sourcePath":537,"stem":538,"updatedAt":539,"videos":6,"__hash__":540},"pages\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027.md","Sunrise 2027: The shift from barcodes to QR codes",null,{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":509},"minimark",[10],[11,12,13,28,33,44,47,51,62,81,96,100,115,126,130,137,159,168,172,179,194,198,201,250,259,263,274,297,301,308,319,328,332,349,360,364,379,390,394,408,414,423,427,444,451,455,458,486,489,493,503,506],"div",{},[14,15,16,17,22,23,27],"p",{},"The global retail and manufacturing industries are preparing for one of the most important transformations in decades: the transition from traditional barcodes to next-generation ",[18,19,21],"a",{"href":20},"\u002Fproduct\u002F2d-barcodes\u002F","2D barcodes",". Known as ",[24,25,26],"strong",{},"Sunrise 2027",", this milestone marks the deadline set by GS1 for businesses worldwide to begin using 2D barcodes at point of sale. But the transition is about more than replacing a symbol; it’s about unlocking a smarter, more connected product ecosystem where a single scan delivers significantly more data and unprecedented value.",[29,30,32],"h2",{"id":31},"what-is-sunrise-2027","What is Sunrise 2027?",[14,34,35,43],{},[18,36,26],{"href":37,"rel":38,"target":42},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gs1us.org\u002Findustries-and-insights\u002Fby-topic\u002Fsunrise-2027",[39,40,41],"noreferrer","noopener","nofollow","_blank"," is the global initiative led by GS1 that calls on retailers and manufacturers to ensure point of sale systems can read 2D barcodes by the year 2027. Unlike traditional barcodes, which carry only a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) for price lookup, 2D barcodes, including QR codes and Data Matrix codes, can encode much more information.",[14,45,46],{},"This means a single scan at the register, in a warehouse, or by a customer’s phone can reveal everything from expiration dates and batch numbers to product authentication, safety information, and promotional content. For supply chains and consumers alike, this is a huge leap forward.",[29,48,50],{"id":49},"why-the-manufacturing-industry-cant-afford-to-wait","Why the manufacturing industry can’t afford to wait",[14,52,53,54,57,58,61],{},"For manufacturers, the move to 2D barcodes offers a chance to ",[24,55,56],{},"streamline operations",", improve quality control measures, and meet new ",[24,59,60],{},"regulatory compliance"," standards. With more countries adopting digital labeling requirements, especially in sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, Sunrise 2027 isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a ticking clock.",[14,63,64,65,68,69,72,73,76,77,80],{},"The manufacturing floor is already seeing 2D barcodes integrated across production lines, helping track products with lot codes and expiration dates while enhancing ",[24,66,67],{},"inventory control"," in real-time. These codes ensure ",[24,70,71],{},"data integrity"," and traceability from production through to the ",[24,74,75],{},"point of care",", reducing errors and increasing ",[24,78,79],{},"patient safety",".",[82,83,84],"figure",{},[85,86,87,90],"picture",{},[88,89],"source",{},[91,92],"img",{"alt":50,"height":93,"src":94,"width":95},440,"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F08\u002FWhy-the-manufacturing-industry-cant-afford-to-wait.png",728,[29,97,99],{"id":98},"from-supply-chain-efficiency-to-customer-engagement","From supply chain efficiency to customer engagement",[14,101,102,103,106,107,110,111,114],{},"The beauty of the Sunrise 2027 initiative lies in its ability to connect internal efficiency with external engagement. On one hand, 2D barcodes improve ",[24,104,105],{},"supply chain management"," by enabling better tracking, faster recalls, and more precise logistics. On the other, they enhance ",[24,108,109],{},"consumer engagement"," by delivering branded product pages, usage instructions, ",[24,112,113],{},"nutritional information",", or loyalty programs directly to a customer’s device.",[14,116,117,118,121,122,125],{},"This connection is only possible because QR codes and Data Matrix codes can hold ",[24,119,120],{},"significantly more data"," than linear barcodes, and link to ",[24,123,124],{},"additional resources"," in real time. It’s no longer just about tracking, but about telling a story at every touchpoint.",[29,127,129],{"id":128},"the-power-of-a-single-scan","The power of a single scan",[14,131,132,133,136],{},"Imagine this: a shopper picks up a product in-store and scans its 2D barcode with their phone. Instantly, they see verified product details, allergen info, and promotional offers tailored to their location or loyalty status. At the same time, the retailer’s ",[24,134,135],{},"point of sale system"," scans the same code and retrieves the GTIN for pricing.",[14,138,139,140,142,143,146,147,150,151,154,155,158],{},"This is the vision of ",[24,141,26],{},": a world where a ",[24,144,145],{},"single scan"," serves both backend logistics and frontend ",[24,148,149],{},"customer interaction"," without compromise. That’s why ",[24,152,153],{},"POS systems"," need to ",[24,156,157],{},"ensure compatibility"," now, not later.",[82,160,161],{},[85,162,163,165],{},[88,164],{},[91,166],{"alt":129,"height":93,"src":167,"width":95},"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F08\u002FThe-power-of-a-single-scan.png",[29,169,171],{"id":170},"qr-codes-data-matrix-and-the-flexibility-of-2d-formats","QR codes, Data Matrix, and the flexibility of 2D formats",[14,173,174,175,178],{},"There’s no single 2D barcode to rule them all. QR codes are highly versatile and familiar to consumers, making them ideal for packaging and marketing. ",[24,176,177],{},"Data Matrix codes",", on the other hand, are compact and durable, well-suited for industrial use and small labels, particularly in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and parts manufacturing.",[14,180,181,182,185,186,189,190,193],{},"Both formats offer built-in ",[24,183,184],{},"error correction",", enabling fast and reliable scanning even when damaged or partially obscured. That’s critical in warehouse environments, on ",[24,187,188],{},"product packaging",", or in rugged ",[24,191,192],{},"inventory management"," settings.",[29,195,197],{"id":196},"key-advantages-of-transitioning-to-2d-barcodes","Key advantages of transitioning to 2D barcodes",[14,199,200],{},"Making the shift to 2D is not just a matter of compliance; it’s a strategic upgrade. Brands that embrace this change early will:",[202,203,204,211,220,230,237,243],"ul",{},[205,206,207,210],"li",{},[24,208,209],{},"Enhance operational efficiency"," across logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment",[205,212,213,214,216,217],{},"Ensure ",[24,215,60],{}," with evolving global ",[24,218,219],{},"labeling regulations",[205,221,222,223,226,227],{},"Improve ",[24,224,225],{},"product transparency"," and earn trust through better ",[24,228,229],{},"product data",[205,231,232,233,236],{},"Support ",[24,234,235],{},"augmented reality"," and dynamic content experiences",[205,238,239,240,242],{},"Enable real-time ",[24,241,67],{}," and reduce out-of-stock issues",[205,244,245,246,249],{},"Authenticate products and protect ",[24,247,248],{},"brand reputation"," through unique identifiers",[82,251,252],{},[85,253,254,256],{},[88,255],{},[91,257],{"alt":197,"height":93,"src":258,"width":95},"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F08\u002FKey-advantages-of-transitioning-to-2D-barcodes.png",[29,260,262],{"id":261},"how-2d-barcodes-impact-global-trade","How 2D barcodes impact global trade",[14,264,265,266,269,270,273],{},"For companies involved in international commerce, the move to 2D barcodes and the GS1 Digital Link standard can simplify cross-border operations. These barcodes carry ",[24,267,268],{},"detailed product data",", which helps meet local ",[24,271,272],{},"regulatory requirements"," and ensures smoother customs processing.",[14,275,276,277,280,281,284,285,288,289,292,293,296],{},"This is especially valuable in sectors with strict ",[24,278,279],{},"quality control measures"," and safety standards. By embedding information like ",[24,282,283],{},"batch numbers",", ",[24,286,287],{},"expiration dates",", and ",[24,290,291],{},"lot codes",", businesses can guarantee traceability and demonstrate accountability, a growing requirement in global ",[24,294,295],{},"supply chain"," agreements.",[29,298,300],{"id":299},"building-trust-through-product-transparency","Building trust through product transparency",[14,302,303,304,307],{},"Today’s consumers demand more from brands. They want to know not just what a product is, but where it came from, how it was made, and how to use it responsibly. With 2D barcodes, brands can offer this ",[24,305,306],{},"product authenticity"," without cluttering the label.",[14,309,310,311,314,315,318],{},"Whether it’s ",[24,312,313],{},"safety information",", sourcing certifications, or disposal instructions, 2D barcodes give packaging a digital dimension, one that builds trust and influences ",[24,316,317],{},"consumer behavior"," at the shelf.",[82,320,321],{},[85,322,323,325],{},[88,324],{},[91,326],{"alt":300,"height":93,"src":327,"width":95},"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F08\u002FBuilding-trust-through-product-transparency.png",[29,329,331],{"id":330},"the-role-of-digital-link-in-a-smooth-transition","The role of Digital Link in a smooth transition",[14,333,334,335,340,341,344,345,348],{},"Platforms like ",[18,336,339],{"href":337,"rel":338},"http:\u002F\u002FDigital-link.com",[40],"Digital Link"," exist to make the ",[24,342,343],{},"transition to 2D barcodes"," easier and more powerful. With built-in support for the ",[24,346,347],{},"GS1 Sunrise 2027"," standard, Digital Link helps brands, retailers, and manufacturers create QR codes that integrate seamlessly into existing systems and workflows.",[14,350,351,352,355,356,359],{},"Users can generate smart codes in bulk, connect them to dynamic landing pages, track performance, and update destinations over time, all without changing the printed code. This flexibility is essential for a ",[24,353,354],{},"successful transition"," and to ",[24,357,358],{},"stay competitive"," in a fast-evolving marketplace.",[29,361,363],{"id":362},"ensuring-data-capacity-and-future-proofing-product-labels","Ensuring data capacity and future-proofing product labels",[14,365,366,367,370,371,374,375,378],{},"Linear barcodes were never designed to handle modern demands. They carry a single number, with no built-in intelligence. 2D barcodes, by contrast, offer the ",[24,368,369],{},"data capacity"," to carry the ",[24,372,373],{},"Global Trade Item Number"," and much more: from serial numbers and ",[24,376,377],{},"price lookup"," values to language-specific product information and usage videos.",[14,380,381,382,385,386,389],{},"This richness means that one label can serve multiple audiences, in multiple countries, with ",[24,383,384],{},"additional data"," accessible on demand. It also means fewer ",[24,387,388],{},"multiple barcodes"," on a package, reducing confusion and improving design flexibility.",[29,391,393],{"id":392},"why-now-is-the-time-to-act","Why now is the time to act",[14,395,396,397,399,400,403,404,407],{},"The timeline for ",[24,398,26],{}," might seem generous, but the systems and processes required to support 2D barcodes take time to build and test. Retailers must update ",[24,401,402],{},"point of sale systems",", manufacturers must adapt labeling lines, and brands must rethink how they deliver ",[24,405,406],{},"product details"," and storytelling through packaging.",[14,409,410,411,413],{},"Early adopters will not only avoid bottlenecks; they’ll also unlock opportunities to innovate, increase efficiency, and deliver richer ",[24,412,149],{},". Delaying this shift risks being left behind in both compliance and competitiveness.",[82,415,416],{},[85,417,418,420],{},[88,419],{},[91,421],{"alt":393,"height":93,"src":422,"width":95},"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F08\u002FWhy-now-is-the-time-to-act.png",[29,424,426],{"id":425},"from-production-lines-to-loyalty-programs-real-world-impact","From production lines to loyalty programs: real-world impact",[14,428,429,430,433,434,437,438,441,442,80],{},"2D barcodes are already proving their value in the real world. On ",[24,431,432],{},"production lines",", they enable fast scanning and verification. In pharmacies, they help ensure correct ",[24,435,436],{},"medication administration",". At checkout, they allow faster processing while linking to ",[24,439,440],{},"loyalty programs",". And for logistics teams, they offer precise tracking that supports smarter ",[24,443,192],{},[14,445,446,447,450],{},"This isn’t just a new symbol; it’s a new ",[24,448,449],{},"process",". One that can transform the way data flows between systems, brands, partners, and people.",[29,452,454],{"id":453},"how-to-prepare-for-sunrise-2027","How to prepare for Sunrise 2027",[14,456,457],{},"To get ready for the transition:",[202,459,460,463,470,473,480],{},[205,461,462],{},"Audit your current barcode usage across products and packaging",[205,464,465,466,469],{},"Identify where ",[24,467,468],{},"more data"," can improve operations or compliance",[205,471,472],{},"Choose a platform that supports the GS1 Digital Link standard",[205,474,475,476,479],{},"Update your ",[24,477,478],{},"point of sale"," and backend systems for 2D compatibility",[205,481,482,483,485],{},"Test your codes across all ",[24,484,153],{},", warehouse scanners, and consumer apps",[14,487,488],{},"Most importantly, treat Sunrise 2027 as a chance to modernize, not just a deadline to meet. The brands that embrace this change fully will gain a long-term advantage.",[29,490,492],{"id":491},"unlocking-endless-possibilities-with-next-gen-barcodes","Unlocking endless possibilities with next-gen barcodes",[14,494,495,496,499,500,502],{},"The promise of Sunrise 2027 is more than a technical upgrade. It’s about enabling ",[24,497,498],{},"global supply chain"," transparency, engaging consumers with rich content, improving ",[24,501,79],{},", and driving efficiency from the warehouse to the checkout.",[14,504,505],{},"As businesses prepare for this transformation, those who embrace the power of 2D barcodes now will lead the charge toward a smarter, safer, more connected future.",[14,507,508],{},"The countdown has already begun. Will you be ready?",{"title":510,"searchDepth":511,"depth":511,"links":512},"",3,[513,515,516,517,518,519,520,521,522,523,524,525,526,527],{"id":31,"depth":514,"text":32},2,{"id":49,"depth":514,"text":50},{"id":98,"depth":514,"text":99},{"id":128,"depth":514,"text":129},{"id":170,"depth":514,"text":171},{"id":196,"depth":514,"text":197},{"id":261,"depth":514,"text":262},{"id":299,"depth":514,"text":300},{"id":330,"depth":514,"text":331},{"id":362,"depth":514,"text":363},{"id":392,"depth":514,"text":393},{"id":425,"depth":514,"text":426},{"id":453,"depth":514,"text":454},{"id":491,"depth":514,"text":492},"Learn how Sunrise 2027 marks the transition from barcodes to QRs, enhancing product tracking, consumer engagement, and supply chain efficiency","md","Sunrise 2027 and the new era of smart product data",{},true,"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F08\u002FSunrise-2027-1.png","\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027","2025-08-01T14:05:09+02:00",{"title":5,"description":528},"\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027\u002F","news\u002Fsunrise-2027","2025-08-01T14:05:11+02:00","2-CVyLp9QIiCg_swA53_3wnBlH-AVooksy4za3jsZs0",[542,549,556],{"path":543,"sourcePath":544,"title":545,"heading":546,"ogImage":547,"publishedAt":548},"\u002Fnews\u002Fqr-codes-on-medicine-packaging","\u002Fnews\u002Fqr-codes-on-medicine-packaging\u002F","QR codes on medicine packaging: a guide to digital leaflets","Electronic patient information leaflet: how QR codes on medicine packaging are replacing the paper insert","\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FQR-codes-on-medicine-packaging.webp","2026-06-12T15:37:47+02:00",{"path":550,"sourcePath":551,"title":552,"heading":553,"ogImage":554,"publishedAt":555},"\u002Fnews\u002Fbest-gs1-digital-link-platform","\u002Fnews\u002Fbest-gs1-digital-link-platform\u002F","Best GS1 Digital Link platform 2026 for Sunrise 2027","Best GS1 Digital Link platform in 2026: why resolver depth matters more than brand size","\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F04\u002FBest-GS1-Digital-Link-platform.webp","2026-04-17T18:14:28+02:00",{"path":557,"sourcePath":558,"title":559,"heading":560,"ogImage":561,"publishedAt":562},"\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027-2","\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027-2\u002F","Sunrise 2027 explained and why 2026 is key to prepare","What Sunrise 2027 means and why 2026 is the last comfortable year to prepare","\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F01\u002FSunrise-2027.webp","2026-01-02T14:08:50+01:00",1786729863738]