In today’s rapidly advancing digital age, it’s critical for Kiwi businesses to keep abreast of technological trends. One effective strategy is transitioning from a conventional UPC barcode to a digital 2D barcode. Digital 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, have a raft of advantages like higher data storage, enhanced security, and the option to instantly connect to online resources. This guide outlines the steps to modernise your UPC barcode to a digital 2D barcode.

Why Upgrade to a Digital 2D Barcode?

Digital 2D barcodes, including QR codes, present a superior alternative to traditional UPC barcodes for several reasons. Their most notable benefit is the expanded data storage capacity. Unlike UPC barcodes that have limited information capacity, digital 2D barcodes can contain extensive data, making them perfect for connecting to web-based content like product specifications, promotions, and multimedia.

Furthermore, digital 2D barcodes can significantly enrich customer engagement. By linking your barcode to online content, you can interact with your consumers in innovative ways. From product guides and exclusive offers to customer testimonials, digital 2D barcodes enable a more immersive and customised shopping journey for your patrons.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting a 2D Barcode

1. Select a trustworthy digital 2D barcode provider: Services like IBN Link furnish user-friendly tools to create digital 2D barcodes promptly and effectively.

2. Generate your digital 2D barcode: Having chosen a provider, it’s now time to fashion your digital 2D barcode. Enter the data you wish to encode, like a website URL, text or contact details, and the platform will craft a bespoke QR code for you.

3. Refresh your packaging and marketing assets: With your digital 2D barcode ready, ensure your packaging and promotional materials showcase the new code. Include succinct instructions for customers on how to scan the code and the kind of information they will access.

Following these steps will facilitate an effortless shift from a UPC barcode to a digital 2D variant, enabling you to leverage their extensive benefits—increased data storage, improved security, and a dynamic consumer interaction.

Important note: It’s essential to retain the product’s UPC or EAN barcode on the packaging alongside the 2D Barcode (this is because certain older retail scanner systems may not decode 2D Barcodes at the point of sale). 

Can 2D Barcodes Be Utilised at Point of Sale?

Digital 2D Barcodes that encapsulate a digital link can be scanned at point of sale to display the product's GTIN number, price, and additional details, akin to traditional UPC or EAN barcodes, given the retail store is equipped with a scanner compatible with 2D Barcodes.

Some antiquated retail scanning systems might not yet support 2D Barcodes. The barcode sector is advising retailers to update their technology by 2027 to enable 2D Barcode scanning at point of sale (referred to as Sunrise 2027). Until such updates are widespread, retail products need to display a 1D barcode (UPC or EAN) in addition to any 2D Barcode.

Elevating your product’s barcode to a digital 2D format offers tangible benefits for enhancing packaging and marketing. With their superior data capacity, security features, and interactive potential, digital 2D barcodes promise a more engaging and tailor-made consumer experience. If you’re contemplating this transition, consider employing a competent barcode generator like IBN Link for a smooth upgrade. Visit https://ibn.link/ for additional information and to begin your digital enhancement journey.