Who is GS1?
GS1 is a global, neutral, not-for-profit organization that develops and maintains the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world. With roots that stretch back to 1975, GS1 Canada supports Canadian businesses of all types and sizes.
We are a Trusted Strategic Partner that inspires, leads, and enables best-in-class supply chain. GS1 standards improve the efficiency, safety, security, sustainability, and visibility of value chains across physical and digital channels in 25 sectors.
What is GS1 DataMatrix?
GS1 DataMatrix is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that can be placed on retail packaging. It is a standalone, two-dimensional matrix symbology that is made up of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. The GS1 DataMatrix can encode additional product information in the barcode, such as lot numbers and packaging dates in a machine-readable format, similar to the current barcode format.
The GS1 DataMatrix barcode is read by two-dimensional imaging scanners and uses Reed-Solomon error correction; this feature helps scanners read partially damaged barcodes, reducing transaction delays and service disruptions.
DataMatrix is designed to streamline the scanning process at the Point of Sale (POS). Some potential benefits of DataMatrix over the existing GS1 Expanded/Stacked barcode include improved scanning accuracy and a reduction in the size of the barcode on the product packaging.
Why is this survey necessary?
This survey seeks insights from Canadian cannabis retailers regarding their current experiences with scanning technology at POS. The goal is to ensure cannabis retailers are equipped with the necessary scanning technology at the point of sale (POS) to properly scan the new GS1 DataMatrix barcode.
Understanding your challenges and experiences will help the Canadian cannabis community to collaborate with support from GS1 Canada to develop programs that can alleviate the cannabis retailers’ pain points.
What will be done with the findings?
The findings from this survey will be consolidated and shared with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and other jurisdictions through a national Cannabis Work Group. This will help to understand the current pain points and to collectively determine the next steps for the industry, with support from GS1 Canada.
