EAN, QR Code, RFID, NFC. ABC of global standards

EAN, QR Code, RFID, NFC are the tools corresponding to global standards (GS1) to identify and share data on sales and packaging units in agri-food and FMCG supply chains (Fast Moving Consumer Goods). The ABC to follow.

barcode (GTIN)

The EAN code  – or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), better known as  barcode o barcode – is the most established international standard for information exchange between goods as well as between these, operators and consumers. It is assigned by GS1, upon request, to universally identify product references (consumer unit) and packages (packaging unit).

GS1 EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) provides global standards for electronic communication that allow automation throughout the  supply chain commercial transactions, including, where applicable, relations with authorities (e.g. tax, customs). With various possibilities to align master data and manage orders, deliveries, financial settlements, transport and warehouses. (1)

QR Code

The QR Code  is a two-dimensional square barcode that carries data based on a text of up to 4,296 characters. Just like the  barcode, it is designed to be read by  scanners professional scanners or via applications for  smartphones (also for consumer use, e.g. Yuka).

GS1 QR Code  was introduced to support the representation of two specific  Application Identifiers within the Global Standards:

• AI (01) is simply the GTIN (EAN code),
• AI (8200) is an authorized URL. Additional information may be encoded. This AI is also approved in GS1 applications that support the industry-favored GS1 DataMatrix  healthcare).

RFID

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a unidirectional, contactless communication method over variable distances. It is composed of:

• a microchip with integrated antenna (tag) that transmits a radio frequency, and
• a sensor (reader) that reads the information, also automatically.

EPC, Electronic Product Code™ is a unique code formed by the EAN (GTIN) code and a serial number that identifies each individual unit (not just the type of reference, as the EAN code does). (2) The GS1 EPCglobal standard enables automatic identification of products and traceability throughout the entire supply chain. (3)

NFC

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a set of protocols that enables two-way communication between two enabled electronic devices (e.g.  smart card e smartphones) through antennas present on both. (4) When one of the connected devices has Internet connectivity, the other can exchange data with the services  online.

The NFC standards, set up by the NFC Forum, which include communication protocols and data exchange formats, are based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards. (5) Applications include contactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup of more complex communications (e.g., Wi-Fi).

GS1 Digital Link

The tools  described above – QR Code, RFID, NFC – find a meeting point in GS1 Digital Link. This, instead of pointing via URL to a single site  web, allows sharing all types of B2B information (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer). (6)

The use of the GS1 Digital Link standard, in a QR Code or in an RFID or NFC tag linked to a product, therefore allows matching the GS1 identifiers on which the entire sector is based globally. Without being forced into a proprietary system or the penalizing constraints of a supplier (vendor lock-in). (7)

Applications

Applications of the aforementioned tools are many and destined for further evolutions, thanks to the development of  blockchain and IoT (Internet of Things. See note 8). The giants ofecommerce, from Amazon to Alibaba, were the first to adhere to global standards.

Digitization of food information advances, in markets as well as in regulatory fields, from China to the USA (9,10). And the use of global standards remains the only way to develop interoperable systems that everyone, including consumers, can access without registration obligations or license fees.

Dario Dongo

Notes

(1) The GS1 GDSN standard (Global Data Synchronization Network) then allows operators worldwide to align product master data with partners commercial

(2) EPC can also be built based on other GS1 identification keys. For example:

• GLN (Global Location Number), to identify physical locations or legal entities, according to ISO/IEC 6523,
• SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code). An 18-digit code used to identify logistic units, often embedded in a barcode (e.g. GS1-128) and/or in an RFID tag,
• GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier), for managing reusable transport items, transport equipment, and tools. It can identify these returnable assets both by type and individually (for traceability and sorting needs)

(3) See also ‘GS1 guidelines on the use of EPC/RFID for consumer products’

(4) NFC technology is similar to that of  proximity card (or  keycard, smart card contactless that can be read without being inserted into a reading device). NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz in the globally available unlicensed ISM radio frequency band, using the ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface standard

(5) RFID uses standards such as ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa (Sony). NFC standards include ISO/IEC 18092 and others defined by the NFC Forum

(6) Dario Dongo, Marina De Nobili. IoT Technology and food labels, the new GS1 Digital Link standard. Food Times. 11.7.20

(7) GS1 Digital Link therefore allows the brand owner to maintain full control, while at the same time linking their unique barcode to any source of information, through a single symbol

(8) Dario Dongo, Fabio Ravera. Amazon, the Internet of Things assaulting physical retail. What, how, what to do? Food Times. 9.1.17

(9) Dario Dongo. Agri-food blockchain, from Walmart to FDA in USA, Wiise Chain in Italy. Towards Web 3. Food Times. 9.2.22

(10) Dario Dongo, Elena Bosani. Digitalization and food information, the Chinese vanguard via apps. Food Times. 17.12.20