GS1 India: QR Codes in the FMCG Industry

GS1 India: QR Codes in the FMCG Industry

QR codes are revolutionizing the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry in India by offering a simple and efficient way to manage and track products.

These codes, which can be scanned using smartphones, help in streamlining supply chains, enhancing product information accessibility, and improving customer engagement.

By incorporating QR codes, businesses can provide detailed product details, promotional offers, and instant feedback options, ultimately leading to better consumer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Table of Contents

    1. Overview of GS1 standards adoption in India
    2. Examples and benefits of GS1 India in FMCG
    3. Industry applications of GS1 QR codes in India
    4. Future trends: The evolution of GS1 QR codes in India
    5. Explore the power of GS1 QR codes
    6. Frequently asked questions

Overview of GS1 standards adoption in India

GS1 barcodes are affiliated with the worldwide body for standardizing product identification throughout supply chains – the not-for-profit organization Global Standards 1 (GS1). 

With a staggering 85.74% of the world's population, equating to 6.93 billion smartphone users, as per BankMyCell’s January 2024 report, the global reach for standardized GS1 product identification has never been more critical.

The Indian FMCG industry relies heavily on these standards, including barcodes and quick response (QR) codes. Essentially, they allow companies to uniquely name, capture, and share information about items, boosting visibility into their logistics operations while improving efficiency.

Many Indian enterprises, especially those dealing with fast-moving consumer goods, have started adopting GS1 digital link QR code to label their products so they can be traced easily when needed. Understanding the terms of acceptable use associated with the GS1 system is important to ensure compliance with global standards.

GS1 standards adoption in India

Examples and benefits of GS1 India in FMCG

More information less space

A key advantage of the GS1 QR code is its capability to store large volumes and detailed information of data within limited physical capacity that could occupy much space if done using other methods.

For instance, it can contain detailed information like batch numbers or expiry dates alongside nutritional values without taking up much packaging area, something very useful in FMCG, where packages are small.

Higher accuracy

When scanning through an automated process, such as what happens during reading through a GS1 QR code generator in India, chances for human error are minimized, thus ensuring that the scanned product details remain accurate and up-to-date. 

This is important in maintaining good relationships with customers and partners who rely on this data for decision-making. Additionally, these codes help fasten stock-taking since they reduce cases of mismatched figures, leading to timely re-ordering. 

To ensure the smooth implementation of GS1 within your operations, consider utilizing a GS1 digital link QR code in India. 

Applicability flexibility

Different business needs can be met using GS1 QR codes because they are easily customizable, whether tracking items along their supply chain routes or giving consumers instant access to information regarding products by scanning them with a smartphone camera. 

Industry applications of GS1 QR codes in India

GS1 is transforming various industries in India by enhancing product traceability and consumer interaction. These codes facilitate efficient inventory management, improve supply chain transparency, and offer consumers easy access to detailed product information.

From retail to healthcare, GS1 QR codes are helping businesses streamline operations, boost customer engagement, and ensure product authenticity, making them a valuable tool across different sectors.

Agricultural products 

Agricultural products with GS1 QR codes help to trace them from where they were grown up to the shop according to a National Conference hosted by India. This helps ensure that food is safe.

By scanning the code, clients can know which areas these come from, what is used to make them, and how they were transported there.

Pharmaceuticals

Using GS1 barcodes for pharmaceutical tracking addresses the menace of fake medicines in the Indian pharmaceutical market. By using such tags, chemists and their customers could authenticate the drugs they use. It protects consumers while maintaining trust among drug manufacturing firms.

Retail

GS1 assembles a retail coalition to expand the use of product QR codes  for greater transparency. By implementing GS1 QR codes, retailers gain enhanced control and efficiency, leading to an improved shopping experience. 

This technology allows for real-time tracking of product information and helps ensure that shelves are consistently stocked with the right items. Additionally, companies can leverage these QR codes to engage more closely with their consumers, offering personalized discounts based on past purchases and implementing loyalty programs.

GS1 QR code's digital transformation

Future trends: The evolution of GS1 QR codes in India

The future of GS1 in India is promising. Their global adoption is evident, with a 47% surge in QR code creation and 26.95 million scans in 2023 (QR TIGER). India's push for digitalization, especially in FMCG, positions GS1 QR codes as pivotal in this transformation. 

Integration with IoT and blockchain

One of the most thrilling trends being experienced involves the incorporation of GS1 QR codes into the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies, where records cannot be changed without detection once entered into a system.

Thus guaranteeing every transaction is recorded down somewhere safe such as supply chain history tracking along FMCG industry value chains.

To effectively leverage the potential of GS1 India, In these emerging technologies, businesses can utilize a GS1 QR code generator in India. 

Improved customer interaction

As mobile technology advances, so does the power behind using the GS1 QR Code as a tool for consumer engagement; this means that people should expect even greater things from it going forward, according to future predictions concerning its usability.

Explore the power of GS1 QR codes

GS1 in India is poised to revolutionize supply chain management, product authentication, and consumer engagement within the FMCG industry in India.

Adopting GS1 standards will become increasingly crucial for businesses seeking competitiveness while remaining compliant with statutory regulations. To fully harness the potential of GS1 QR codes and ensure seamless integration, businesses can leverage a GS1 QR code generator. 


Frequently asked questions

How can businesses create GS1 in India?

Businesses in India can create GS1 QR codes by registering with GS1 India, obtaining a GS1 company prefix, and using GS1-approved software or services to generate codes with the required product and data information.

Do FMCG products need to have GS1 in India?

Although not compulsory, FMCG items are highly recommended to bear GS1 QR codes within India. This is because they offer reliable ways to improve product traceability; establishing authenticity and consumer engagement are essential when succeeding in any venture.

Can GS1 QR codes be used for marketing purposes?

Yes, marketers are at liberty to use GS1 QR Codes as part of their arsenal towards enhancing promotional campaigns' effectiveness levels, among other things they may wish to achieve by having such codes around them during advertising sessions when the need arises, thus making these quite versatile tools indeed for engaging customers more frequently so desired outcomes can be realized sooner than later.

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.