GS1 DataBar

The DataBar (formerly known as RSS, Reduced Space Symbology) is the name of the barcode created by GS1 that acts similarly to the linear Universal Produce Code (UPC) barcode that is found on items in a traditional grocery store, except smaller in size. It was designed to fit on smaller items that are not large enough to use a UPC barcode. It is important to reiterate that the DataBar is used for the ITEM, not the CASE.

The DataBar that was specifically designed to be used on produce items having a PLU sticker (e.g. apples, bananas, pears, avocadoes, etc.) is called the Stacked Omnidirectional DataBar. This form of a DataBar can be printed on the same sticker that a PLU is printed on (see example below).

Note: Notice that the PLU number still shows on the sticker in the event the DataBar does not scan correctly and then there is a human readable portion that can still be entered at point-of-sale.

The Stacked Omnidirectional DataBar can only hold 14 digits. Therefore, the number designed to be encoded in this DataBar is the 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).

The GTIN is a number essentially having four parts:

• Indicator =  the recommendation is to use a “0” for loose or bulk items
• Company Prefix = a number assigned by GS1 that uniquely identifies a company from any other company in the world
• Reference Number = assigned by the owner of the Company Prefix to identify what is being numbered (e.g. item or case)
• Check Digit = the 14th digit which is calculated by an algorithm and serves as a “checks and balances” to ensure the preceding digits were entered correctly

Format of GTIN used for DataBar

• Position 1= “0” for use within the DataBar (individual loose produce items)
• Position 2= “0” to show Company Prefix was assigned by GS1 U.S.
• Position 3-13 = Combination of your Company Prefix plus the reference number
• Position 14 = Check Digit. To calculate the check digit, use the Check Digit Calculator.

As companies will not always have the same length Company Prefix, they will not have the same number of digits remaining for the reference number:

As such, not all companies can use today’s PLU number as their reference number (e.g. a company having an 8-digit or 9-digit company prefix will not have enough digits to use a 4-digit PLU as a reference number). The owner of the Company Prefix can assign whatever number they wish to the reference number.

The recommendation of PMA is to assign GTIN numbers for your items using the same granularity as the PLU number (Commodity, Variety, Size Group). As most retailers systems are used to this level of granularity, it will make the transition much easier if each companies' GTINs equate to this level of granularity.

The DataBar is transforming the way retailers, wholesalers and grower-shippers identify and track bulk produce at the item level. With the use of the DataBar, buyers will now have product movement information by brand owner, track shrink to a specific brand owner, prevent the loss of sales from “organic” items being rung up as “conventional” items and much more. It moves item identification away from commodity marking to company-specific marking, just as the UPC does for packaged goods.

DataBar Online

PMA created a product called DataBar Online. It is a tool designed for use by sellers and retail buyers of loose/bulk produce items using the GS1 DataBar. It will enable sellers of produce to communicate their GTINs and corresponding PLU codes to their buyers, and allow buyers to download this information into their Point-of-Sale systems to scan the DataBar on loose/bulk items currently labeled with PLU stickers as opposed to having to physically enter the PLU code to identify the product. This tool is NOT designed for anything other than loose/ bulk produce which is presently labeled with PLU stickers. It is  not to be used for case level identification Look here for further information on DataBar Online. There are also FAQs for your reference.

If you are new to GS1 DataBar technology, or are preparing to implement GS1 DataBar barcodes, be sure to download the informative Webinar, Preparing for Item-Level Barcodes: Are You Ready?, brought to you by PMA and CPMA.

Related Documents (PDF)

• DataBar Online Frequently Asked Questions - 4/20/12
• GS1 DataBar Implementation Guide - 12/07/2009
  The PEIB created the DataBar Implementation Guide to explain the DataBar, how to incorporate it and its advantages. DataBar Online was also created to allow sellers of produce to communicate their item numbers used inside of the DataBar (ie., the GTIN) to their buyers, and to allow buyers to download the information into their Point-of-Sale systems.
• DataBar Frequently Asked Questions - 10/21/2009
  This document contains frequently asked questions on DataBar.
• Item Level Marking - 04/14/2009
  This document will assist the industry on when to use a DataBar versus a UPC.
• Produce Traceability Initiative vs. DataBar - 03/31/2009
  Due to the high volume of questions we have received on this matter, this document was created to address the differences between the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and the DataBar.
• Press Release 9-24-08 DataBar Revolutionizing Point of Sale Product Identification - 10/30/2008
  September 24, 2008 Press Release which provides description of DataBar and the benefits it provides.
• Fresh Foods Identification Strategy - 09/18/2008
  GS1 Global Fresh Foods Identification Strategy - contains suggestions on how to deploy the new barcode (GS1 DataBar) and the additional data it could carry.