Since January 2011 pharmacies across the entire European Union (EU) are required to read Data Matrix codes on pharmaceutical and drug packaging, and some are ready, and some are still adapting to transition from 1D to 2D bar-codes. To simplify and ease the challenges of this transition, Datalogic has developed a line of devices (scanners and mobile computers) designed specifically for use in pharmacies, while also supporting general retail scanning applications.
The new Data Matrix codes are already being printed on many medicine and drug packages to smooth and ease the transition from the current bar code system.
Traceability is the Key to Improving Consumer Healthcare Data Matrix codes support both encrypted and non-encrypted data. The new codes contain more data than the current CIP codes being replaced, including the “AMM” code, batch number and expiration date. Data Matrix codes ensure reliable traceability throughout the supply chain to the final Point-of-Sale (POS) in the pharmacy. The results are increased safety, security and reliability in the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs and medicines for the consumer.
The 2D-barcode or, specifically, GS1-Datamatrix code is rapidly becoming the standard for electronic product coding in the healthcare industry. GS1-Datamatrix can be used to encode a significantly greater amount of data while maintaining a relatively small footprint (when compared to linear barcode). The design of the datamatrix encoding system, inherently contributes to a remarkable robust nature for the printed barcode, in that there is built in redundancy within the barcode (whole segments of a datamatrix code can be damaged and the code will still be accurately readable). Datalogic 2D scanners and mobile computers designed to read datamatrix codes can additionally read linear barcodes, increasing the flexibility of use for trading partners that possess them. And like linear barcodes, the datamatrix is relatively inexpensive to produce once systems are in place for properly coding product labeling (including initial redesign of label artwork and addition of serialization technology to packaging lines).
For additional information visit the site GS1, or click on the link below for more information about GS1-Datamatrix implementation.
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