2D codes are not a new technology. QR Codes and DataMatrix codes have been able to store large amounts of data in a compact space for many years. However, the information they contain and how it is interpreted has often depended on the individual application.
This is where Sunrise 2027 becomes relevant. By the end of 2027, retail point-of-sale systems should be able to read and process defined GS1-compliant 2D codes alongside conventional linear barcodes. The decisive factor is not simply the code format, but the standardized structure of the encoded data.
For manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers, this raises an important question: How can GS1 2D codes be reliably read, interpreted, verified and transferred to existing systems?
What makes a 2D code a GS1 2D code?
A QR Code or DataMatrix code can generally contain any combination of characters, numbers or links. Without a common structure, however, the reading system does not automatically know which information represents a product number, batch number or date.
GS1 defines standardized data structures and so-called Application Identifiers. These can identify, for example:
- the GTIN for product identification
- a batch or lot number
- a serial number
- a production, expiry or best-before date
For example, the Application Identifier (01) represents a GTIN, (10) a batch or lot number and (17) an expiry date. Once the code has been read, connected systems can clearly assign and directly process the individual data fields.
GS1 is therefore not required simply to read a QR Code or DataMatrix code. The standard becomes relevant when data must be interpreted consistently across different companies, production sites, logistics systems and retail processes.
Reading GS1 2D codes with EyeVision
EyeVision reads QR Codes, DataMatrix codes and conventional linear barcodes in automated production, inspection and logistics processes. In addition to GS1-compliant data, codes containing customer-specific or internal data structures can also continue to be processed.
The task does not end with decoding. EyeVision can make the extracted information available for subsequent process steps and, depending on the application:
- verify that the expected code is present and readable
- evaluate GTIN, batch, serial-number and date information
- compare the data with a production or customer order
- detect incorrect, incomplete or duplicate codes
- trigger sorting or rejection processes
- transfer results to a PLC, database or higher-level software system
This turns a decoded code into directly usable process information.
From code reading to data processing
In production and logistics, the extracted information must often be transferred reliably to downstream systems. EyeVision provides integrated interfaces and communication options for this purpose, including REST API connectivity and various industrial protocols.
Depending on the application, results can be transferred to:
- PLCs and machine controls
- production and order databases
- warehouse and logistics systems
- Manufacturing Execution Systems
- higher-level quality assurance and traceability systems
EyeVision is therefore suitable not only for reading codes at an individual inspection station, but also for integrating the data into a continuous production or logistics process.
OCR as an additional verification step
A code can be technically readable while still containing incorrect information. Possible errors include a wrong batch number, an invalid date or data that does not match the printed label.
EyeVision can therefore combine code reading with OCR. The software reads printed alphanumeric plain text and compares it fully or partially with the content of the 2D code.
This makes it possible to verify whether:
- the printed product number matches the GTIN in the code
- the batch and date information were transferred correctly
- the correct code has been applied to the correct product
- the label, packaging and production order match
OCR therefore provides an additional verification step and combines code reading, label inspection and traceability within one workflow.
Reliable reading under real production conditions
In practice, codes are not always captured under ideal conditions. They may be rotated, low in contrast, dirty, damaged or blurred by product movement.
EyeVision provides image-processing tools for adapting code-reading applications to these conditions. Depending on the camera, lighting and application, the software can process situations such as:
- varying positions and orientations
- low or uneven contrast
- distorted or partially damaged codes
- blurred images
- moving products on conveyor systems
- changing surfaces and packaging materials
For reliable results, the software, camera, optics and illumination must be matched to the specific application.
Flexible integration with EyeVision
EyeVision inspection programs are created through a graphical drag-and-drop interface. Code-reading tasks can be combined directly with OCR, presence inspection, label verification, measurement and other quality-control functions.
Because EyeVision is hardware-independent, the software can be used with different cameras, vision sensors and processing platforms. Existing inspection systems can also be extended to read and process GS1 2D codes.
Typical application areas include:
- packaging
- food and beverage production
- pharmaceuticals
- electronics manufacturing
- warehousing and logistics
- retail and distribution
- industrial product identification
Preparing for Sunrise 2027
Sunrise 2027 does not mean that 2D codes are being introduced for the first time or that existing barcodes will disappear immediately. The focus is on the ability to read GS1-compliant 2D codes and correctly interpret their structured information.
For companies, it is therefore not enough simply to detect a QR Code or DataMatrix code. The encoded data must also be verified, assigned correctly and transferred reliably to downstream systems.
In short: EyeVision combines GS1 2D code reading, data interpretation, OCR comparison, quality inspection and traceability within one automated inspection process.
