• January 2010 - GS1 barcodes are now shown on all produce.  Grocers can still use the PLU code as it will still appear on the label, but the GS1 barcode will allow for scanning each item of produce
• January - June 2011 - The UPC-A barcode will be removed from coupons meaning that the grocers will need to be able to scan GS1 barcodes for couponing

What are the 2 things that will be most affected by GS1:    

Produce - produce will now have GS1 barcodes.  This will prevent cashier error in misidentifying produce, allow for faster movement of produce through the point of sale and it will also allow for traceability.  Now when there is a produce recall, the grocers can get rid of only the tainted or affected food from the recall and keep the safe produce on the shelf.

Coupons - Right now there is a UPC-A as well as a GS1 barcode on coupons.  The grocers can scan the coupons using the UPC-A barcode but by June 2011, grocers will need to have a GS1 compliant scanner to read the GS1 barcode. The GS1 barcode contains more data than the UPC-A barcode, which will allow for closer regulation of coupons and can account for expiration dates as well as certain quantities that must be purchased in order to redeem the coupon.

Helpful Links:

Watch this presentation from NCR's John Wilson, a voting member of the GS1 BCID TG (GS1 Bar Code ID Technical Group).

Understanding the GS1 DataBar Transition - an NCR White Paper

The official GS1 website

• Reduction in shrink - there will be fewer misidentifications of products, miskeys, etc.
• Faster check out - the lines will move faster when the cashiers are scanning vs. keying in items and coupons.  The faster the line moves, the more satisfied the consumers will be. This also results in higher sales by moving items through the point of sale more quickly.
• Expiration Dates - the retailer will no longer mistakenly sell expired meats and they will be able to reduce the pricing on older meats more effectively. Expiration dates for coupons will be scanned as well so retailers will not honor expired coupons that they cannot get redeemed, therefore saving the retailer money.

For more information about the retailer benefits of GS1, read the Dorothy Lane Market Case Study.