Author: Written by Datascan Experts | 10+ years of experience in Australian barcode, inventory, and enterprise asset solutions.
The Barcode Revolution Is Here, Is Your Business Ready?
A major transformation is taking place across global supply chains, and Australian businesses are right at the centre of it. The transition from traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcodes to advanced two-dimensional (2D) barcodes is changing the way organisations identify, track, and manage products throughout their operations.
This change is being driven by GS1 Sunrise 2027, a global initiative encouraging businesses to adopt 2D barcode technology capable of storing significantly more product information than conventional barcodes.
Whether you operate a manufacturing facility, warehouse, retail chain, healthcare organisation, or logistics business, preparing now can help reduce implementation costs, improve operational efficiency, and ensure your business remains competitive as industry standards evolve.
What Is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a worldwide initiative led by GS1, the global standards organisation responsible for barcode systems used across retail and supply chains.
The goal is for retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain partners to support scanning both traditional 1D barcodes and newer 2D barcodes by the end of 2027.
Unlike conventional barcodes that only identify a product, 2D barcodes can store additional information such as:
- Batch numbers
- Serial numbers
- Expiry dates
- Manufacturing details
- Product authentication
- Web-based product information using GS1 Digital Link
This richer data allows businesses to improve inventory management, compliance, traceability, and customer engagement while reducing manual processes.
Why GS1 Sunrise 2027 Matters for Australian Businesses
Australian businesses are increasingly expected to deliver greater supply chain transparency and product traceability. As customer expectations, compliance requirements, and digital transformation continue to evolve, 2D barcodes are becoming an essential part of modern warehouse operations.
Businesses that prepare early can:
- Improve warehouse accuracy
- Strengthen supply chain visibility
- Reduce manual data entry
- Support future compliance requirements
- Increase operational efficiency
- Enhance customer trust through better product information
For industries handling regulated products such as food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and manufacturing, the transition is particularly important.
Why Waiting Until 2027 Could Cost More
Many businesses assume they can postpone planning until the deadline approaches. However, waiting often results in rushed hardware purchases, unexpected compatibility issues, staff training challenges, and operational disruptions.
Starting early allows organisations to:
- Replace ageing hardware gradually
- Spread investment over multiple financial years
- Test software compatibility
- Train warehouse staff effectively
- Reduce downtime during implementation
A phased migration is typically more cost-effective than a last-minute upgrade across an entire operation.
1D vs 2D Barcodes: What’s Changing?
At first glance, a 2D barcode may simply look like another square printed on a product label. However, the difference between traditional and next-generation barcodes is significant.
| Feature | Traditional 1D Barcode | 2D Barcode |
|---|---|---|
| Data Storage | Product ID only | Product ID, batch, serial number, expiry date, and more |
| Barcode Type | Linear | Matrix |
| Data Capacity | Low | High |
| Error Correction | Limited | Advanced |
| Readability | Requires a clear barcode | Can often be scanned even if partially damaged |
| Space Required | Larger | Smaller |
| Supports GS1 Digital Link | No | Yes |
| Customer Interaction | None | Smartphone-friendly |
Because information is stored both horizontally and vertically, 2D barcodes can contain far more data while taking up less label space, see our comparison of barcode and RFID inventory tracking for a deeper look at where each technology fits.
This makes them particularly valuable for industries where traceability, compliance, and inventory accuracy are essential. See GS1 Australia’s barcode standards for the official technical detail on 1D and 2D symbologies.
What Is GS1 Digital Link and Why Does It Matter?
GS1 Digital Link connects a physical product to digital information using a single scannable barcode.
Instead of simply identifying an item, the barcode can direct users to:
- Product specifications
- Safety documentation
- Warranty information
- User manuals
- Sustainability information
- Promotional campaigns
- Recall notices
For businesses, this creates a single source of product information while improving customer engagement and simplifying product management throughout the supply chain.
The Business Benefits of Switching to 2D Barcodes
Better Inventory Accuracy
Warehouse staff can capture additional product information during receiving, picking, packing, and dispatch without relying on manual data entry. This reduces human error and improves stock visibility, read how barcode labelling software speeds up inventory control.
Faster Product Recalls
Batch numbers and expiry dates embedded within the barcode enable organisations to identify affected products much faster, reducing recall costs and improving customer safety.
Improved Warehouse Productivity
Modern imaging scanners capture damaged, poorly printed, or small barcodes faster than older laser scanners. This helps reduce scanning delays and keeps warehouse operations moving efficiently.
Stronger Supply Chain Traceability
Detailed barcode information improves product tracking throughout manufacturing, storage, transport, and retail, providing better visibility across the supply chain.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Consumers increasingly expect instant access to product information. GS1 Digital Link enables customers to scan products using their smartphones to access manuals, support information, authenticity verification, or promotional content.
Is Your Current Barcode Hardware Ready?
Many Australian businesses continue using hardware installed years ago. While these devices may still perform basic scanning tasks, they may not fully support future barcode standards.
Barcode Scanners
Older laser barcode scanners are typically limited to reading traditional 1D barcodes. Modern barcode scanners use area-imaging technology instead.
Modern area-imaging scanners support:
- 1D barcodes
- DataMatrix
- QR Codes
- PDF417
- GS1 Digital Link-compatible codes
If your scanners struggle with damaged labels or cannot read 2D barcodes, it may be time for an upgrade.
Industrial Barcode Printers
Producing high-quality 2D barcodes requires reliable industrial barcode printers.
Modern industrial barcode printers offer:
- High-resolution label printing
- Support for DataMatrix and QR Codes
- Faster print speeds
- Greater print consistency
- Long-term durability for industrial environments
Businesses printing compliance labels in-house can also respond more quickly to changing operational requirements.
Industries That Should Start Preparing Today
Although GS1 Sunrise 2027 will eventually affect almost every industry, some sectors have the most to gain by preparing early.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers rely on accurate product identification across production, warehousing, and distribution. 2D barcodes improve traceability while supporting quality assurance and compliance.
Warehousing & Distribution
Distribution centres can increase picking accuracy, streamline inventory management, and reduce operational errors using richer barcode data.
Healthcare
Hospitals, laboratories, and healthcare providers benefit from improved patient safety, medication tracking, and expiry management through enhanced barcode capabilities.
Food & Beverage
Food manufacturers can simplify recall processes while improving batch tracking and regulatory compliance throughout the supply chain.
Retail
Retailers can enhance inventory visibility while preparing stores for future checkout and product identification requirements.
Transport & Logistics
Logistics providers can improve shipment tracking, proof of delivery, and package identification across increasingly complex supply chains. Read more on RFID and barcode traceability in the supply chain.
Five Signs Your Warehouse Isn’t Ready for GS1 Sunrise 2027
Your organisation may need to start planning if:
- You’re still using older laser barcode scanners.
- Your barcode printers cannot reliably produce 2D labels.
- Your warehouse software cannot process additional barcode data.
- Product traceability depends heavily on manual processes.
- Staff have received little or no training on emerging barcode technologies.
Recognising these warning signs early helps businesses plan a smoother transition.
A Practical Five-Step Migration Plan
Step 1: Audit Your Existing Hardware
Identify scanners, printers, and mobile devices that do not support modern 2D barcode standards.
Step 2: Assess Your Software
Ensure your warehouse management system, ERP, and inventory software can capture and process additional barcode information.
Step 3: Prioritise Critical Areas
Begin with departments where traceability and compliance have the greatest operational impact before expanding across the organisation.
Step 4: Train Your Workforce
Warehouse employees should understand new barcode formats, scanning procedures, and operational workflows before implementation begins.
Step 5: Partner with Barcode Specialists
Working with experienced barcode solution providers helps reduce deployment risks, improve hardware compatibility, and accelerate implementation.
Common Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid
During the transition, organisations often make avoidable mistakes such as:
- Waiting until the final deadline.
- Assuming every existing scanner supports 2D barcodes.
- Focusing only on hardware while ignoring software compatibility.
- Purchasing consumer-grade devices for industrial environments.
- Overlooking employee training.
- Choosing solutions that cannot scale with future business growth.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can save considerable time, money, and operational disruption. For compliance-grade label printing, see our guide to BarTender labelling software for compliance and traceability.
Why Partner with Datascan?
Transitioning to GS1 Sunrise 2027 involves more than replacing scanners or printers. It requires selecting the right hardware, ensuring software compatibility, and implementing solutions that support long-term operational goals.
Datascan works with Australian businesses to simplify this transition by providing enterprise-grade barcode solutions tailored to warehouse, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics environments.
Whether you’re upgrading industrial barcode printers, deploying advanced 2D barcode scanners, or modernising warehouse mobility with mobile computers, Datascan can help you identify the right technology for your operational requirements while supporting a smooth migration to GS1-ready infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 1D barcodes disappear after 2027?
No. Both 1D and 2D barcodes are expected to coexist for some time, but businesses should prepare to support both formats.
Can existing barcode scanners read 2D barcodes?
Only scanners equipped with area-imaging technology can reliably read DataMatrix and QR Codes. Older laser scanners generally cannot.
Do I need to replace every barcode printer?
Not necessarily. Businesses should assess whether their current printers can consistently produce high-quality, standards-compliant 2D barcodes.
Which industries benefit most from GS1 Sunrise 2027?
Manufacturing, healthcare, warehousing, retail, food production, and logistics are among the industries likely to see the greatest operational benefits.
Is upgrading early worth the investment?
Yes. Early planning allows businesses to spread costs, reduce operational risk, improve productivity, and prepare for future compliance requirements.
Final Thoughts
GS1 Sunrise 2027 represents one of the most significant advancements in barcode technology in recent years. Moving from traditional 1D barcodes to intelligent 2D barcode systems will enable Australian businesses to improve inventory accuracy, strengthen supply chain visibility, enhance customer engagement, and support long-term digital transformation.
Businesses that begin preparing today will have greater flexibility, lower implementation risks, and a smoother path toward future compliance than those that wait until the final stages of the transition.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Warehouse?
Preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re evaluating your existing barcode infrastructure or planning a complete warehouse upgrade, taking action now will help your business stay ahead of changing industry standards.
Datascan offers a comprehensive range of 2D barcode scanners, industrial barcode printers, mobile computers, and warehouse automation solutions designed to support Australian businesses through every stage of the transition. Speak with our team to assess your current setup and discover the right GS1-ready technology to help future-proof your warehouse operations.