GS1 Singapore and the Road to Smart Nation 2.0

Smart Nation Singapore initiative aims to harness technology to improve citizens' lives, with QR codes playing a vital role in achieving these goals. 

From digital payments via the SGQR+ Initiative to immigration clearance using the MyICA mobile app, QR codes streamline everyday processes and enhance connectivity.

As the global transition from 1D to GS1 2D barcodes gains momentum, GS1 Singapore is leading efforts to help local businesses adapt. 

These barcodes store more information and enable better traceability, global compatibility, and transparency, ensuring companies remain competitive through Sunrise 2027 and beyond.

What is GS1 Singapore

GS1 Singapore is part of the global GS1 network, a non-profit organization that creates standards for business communication. Through tools and guidance, it helps local businesses improve supply chain distribution, efficiency, product traceability, and transparency.

This GS1 branch supports local business owners by providing globally recognized standards like GS1 barcodes and identifiers, making operations smoother, cost-effective, and more connected across borders. 

It involves many industries, including retail, healthcare, and logistics, which helps local businesses stay innovative and efficient.

By guiding companies through changes like moving to 2D barcodes, GS1 ensures they remain locally and internationally competitive. 

Whether you're a small business growing or a large company adapting to digital change, GS1 Singapore provides the support you need to succeed.

Here are the chapter's location and contact details:

Address: 438A Alexandra Road, #04-01/02, Alexandra TechnoPark, Singapore 119967

Contact no: +65 6826 3077

Home page: http://www.gs1.org.sg

Email: contact@gs1.org.sg

What are 2D barcodes, and what makes them better than 1D barcodes?

2d stores information in two dimensions: horizontally and vertically. Unlike traditional 1D barcodes, which are just lines, 2D barcodes have a more complex appearance. 

They often look like squares or rectangles filled with a pattern of dots, squares, and other geometric shapes. Using horizontal and vertical space allows them to store much more information in a smaller area.

They can carry detailed product information that enhances product identification, supports authentication to prevent counterfeiting, and educates consumers by providing access to information such as usage instructions, sourcing details, or sustainability practices. 

Additionally, they boost engagement through dynamic QR code links, promotional offers, or other interactive content.

This key feature drives the global transition to 2D barcodes and is one of the key factors behind Sunrise 2027, the GS1 initiative mandating their adoption in specific sectors, primarily in consumer-packaged goods.

For example, while a 1D barcode might only store a product ID number, a 2D barcode can hold additional details such as product descriptions, expiration dates, images, and URLs. 

This makes these barcodes more versatile, especially for businesses that need to share detailed product information.

Here are some of the other features:

• Better Traceability: The ability to store more information makes tracking products throughout the supply chain easier, boosting transparency and operational efficiency.
• Error Correction: These codes include built-in error correction, which can still be read accurately even if part of the code is damaged or obscured. This makes them more reliable in real-world conditions.
• Global Compatibility: GS1 barcodes are recognized worldwide, ensuring seamless transactions and compatibility across borders.
• Space-Efficient: 2D barcodes occupy less space despite their larger data capacity, allowing businesses to fit more information on smaller labels.
• 360-Degree Scanning: Unlike 1D barcodes, 2d barcode can be scanned from any angle, making them easier to read in various settings.
• Phone Scanner Compatibility: Modern smartphones with built-in cameras are compatible with 2D barcode scanning, making it easier for businesses and consumers to interact with product information using everyday devices.

By leveraging these advanced capabilities, businesses can improve efficiency, enhance consumer trust, and stay aligned with global standards.

Commonly used GS1 2D barcode types

5 GS1 barcode formats are currently in use across various industries. However, the 2027 initiative will focus more on QR codes and DataMatrix.

GS1 QR codes 

QR codes are preferred in industries like retail, consumer goods, and food and beverage because they are highly versatile, can store substantial information, and are easy to scan with smartphones. 

These industries value QR codes for their ability to provide quick access to detailed product information, promotions, and traceability while being space-efficient on larger product packaging.

GS1 DataMatrix

Due to their small size and ability to store high-density data, Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, and automotive industries favor DataMatrix.

These industries require barcodes that can fit on tiny surfaces, such as medical devices or electronic components, without sacrificing the amount of information stored. 

Their compact nature and precision of DataMatrix codes make them ideal for detailed serialization, tracking, and regulatory compliance in high-stakes environments.

Upgrading industries and companies

The SGQR+ system has unified payment solutions across Singapore, simplifying transactions with a single QR code for multiple payment methods.

Now, it's time to see how industries such as food, fashion, and healthcare embrace QR codes for traceability and consumer engagement.

Here are the relevant industries and the top Singaporean companies within each, anticipated to transition from 1D to 2D barcodes:

Consumer goods

• Food Empire Holdings – A global food product manufacturer headquartered in Singapore.
• Wilmar International – A leading agribusiness and food company in Singapore.
• Fraser and Neave (F&N): A well-known beverage company producing popular brands like 100PLUS and Tiger Beer.
• Prima Limited: A leading food manufacturer in Singapore, producing a wide range of food products.
• BreadTalk: A popular bakery chain offering various breads, pastries, and cakes.

Fashion & apparel

• Charles & Keith: A popular fashion brand offering affordable handbags, shoes, and accessories.
• Naiise: A lifestyle brand curating a collection of unique and trendy products from local designers and brands.
• Inari: A fashion brand known for its modern take on traditional Peranakan designs.
• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
• GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) – A global healthcare company with a strong presence in pharmaceuticals.
• Santen Pharmaceutical Asia – A pharmaceutical company specializing in ophthalmology products.
• Duxton Corporation: Involved in the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical products.

Electronics and technology

• ST Aerospace – A major aerospace engineering company in Singapore.
• Kulicke & Soffa – A semiconductor company specializing in assembly and testing.
• UTAC – A company that provides semiconductor assembly and testing services.
• Creative Technology: A global leader in consumer electronics, known for its sound cards and speakers.

These companies must work with GS1 Singapore for guidance, as GS1 defines the standards but does not provide 2D barcode generation services. They must partner with third-party GS1-certified providers, like QR Tiger, to ensure compliance.

Onward to a smart future

Now is the time to get in touch with GS1 Singapore. With Smart Nation 2.0 just around the corner, Singapore's efforts, in collaboration with GS1, are set to create a better, more efficient way of life for its citizens.

As businesses transition to GS1 2D barcodes and embrace technological advancements, they will need dependable tools to streamline the process. For GS1 QR Code generation, QR Tiger has you covered, offering reliable solutions that simplify adoption.

This equips businesses to meet global standards, foster consumer trust, and support the nation's vision of a smart, connected future.

DISCLAIMER: We acknowledge that GS1, as well as the materials, proprietary items, and all related patents, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property (collectively, “intellectual property”) relating to its use, are the property of GS1 Global, and that our use of the same shall be in accordance with the conditions provided by GS1 Global.