GS1 Standard — Pillar 02

Capture

The bridge between the physical and digital worlds. GS1 data carriers encode identification keys into barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags — enabling machines to read product data in milliseconds.

10B+
Barcodes Scanned Daily
150+
Barcode Types Supported
<200ms
Average Scan Time
99.99%
First-Scan Read Rate
Why Data Capture Matters

Every Scan Tells a Story.

Data capture is the mechanism that transforms static product identification into actionable, real-time information. When a barcode is scanned at a Saudi supermarket checkout, a warehouse dock, or a hospital pharmacy — data flows instantly into digital systems, eliminating manual entry and human error.

GS1 data carriers come in multiple formats designed for specific environments: linear barcodes for high-speed retail scanning, 2D DataMatrix codes for pharmaceutical serialization, and RFID tags for bulk inventory management without line-of-sight scanning.

The future is GS1 Digital Link — a QR code that connects consumers directly to rich product information, authenticity verification, nutritional data, and brand experiences, all through a simple smartphone scan.

Core Standards

Key Components

EAN/UPC

Linear Barcodes

The classic barcode you see on every retail product worldwide. EAN-13 (used in KSA) and UPC-A (used in North America) encode the GTIN for lightning-fast point-of-sale scanning. Over 10 billion scans happen globally every single day.

Supermarket & retail checkout
Warehouse receiving & shipping
Automated inventory counting
Product pricing & promotions
GS1-128

Application Identifier Barcodes

An advanced linear barcode that encodes not just the GTIN, but also batch numbers, expiry dates, serial numbers, and weight. It is the standard for logistics labels and regulated supply chains.

Logistics shipping labels
Batch & expiry date encoding
Serial number tracking
Variable weight product labeling
DataMatrix

GS1 DataMatrix

A 2D barcode that packs massive amounts of data into a tiny space. Mandatory for SFDA pharmaceutical serialization in Saudi Arabia. It encodes GTIN, serial number, batch, and expiry — enabling full drug traceability from manufacturer to patient.

Pharmaceutical serialization (SFDA)
Medical device identification
Small product marking
High-security document verification
Digital Link

GS1 Digital Link QR Code

The next generation of barcodes. A single QR code that works at the checkout scanner AND connects consumers to dynamic digital content — product pages, nutritional info, authenticity checks, and brand experiences. One code, infinite possibilities.

Consumer product information
Brand engagement & marketing
Product authenticity verification
Regulatory information access
EPC/RFID

Electronic Product Code / RFID

Radio Frequency Identification enables scanning without line-of-sight. Read hundreds of tagged items simultaneously. Transforming inventory management in Saudi retail, logistics, and healthcare with real-time visibility.

Bulk inventory scanning (no line of sight)
Real-time asset tracking
Apparel & fashion retail
Pharmaceutical cold chain monitoring
How It Works

From Physical Product to Digital Data

01

Choose Your Carrier

Select the right data carrier for your use case — linear barcode for retail, DataMatrix for pharma, RFID for logistics, or Digital Link for consumer engagement.

02

Encode Your Data

Embed your GS1 identification keys (GTIN, GLN, SSCC) along with supplementary data (batch, expiry, serial) into the chosen carrier format.

03

Print or Apply

Generate high-quality barcodes for product packaging, shipping labels, or embed RFID tags directly into products or pallets.

04

Scan & Activate

Every scan triggers instant data capture — updating POS systems, warehouse management, regulatory databases, and consumer-facing applications in real time.

Strategic Advantages

Why GS1 Data Carriers Power the World's Supply Chains

Lightning-Fast Processing

A single barcode scan replaces 20+ keystrokes of manual data entry. RFID can read 1,000+ items per second without line of sight.

Zero Error Rate

Manual data entry has a 1-in-300 error rate. Barcode scanning achieves 1 error in 36 trillion characters scanned.

SFDA Compliance

GS1 DataMatrix is the mandated carrier for pharmaceutical serialization in Saudi Arabia. Non-compliance means market exclusion.

Consumer Engagement

GS1 Digital Link QR codes turn every product into a digital touchpoint — connecting consumers to rich brand experiences.

Real-Time Visibility

Every scan creates a data event. Track products from factory to shelf in real time across the entire Kingdom.

Future-Proof Technology

GS1 standards evolve with technology. From 1D barcodes to RFID to Digital Link, your investment is always current.

Industry Applications

Data Capture Powering Every Sector

01

Retail & E-commerce

10 billion daily scans at checkout. EAN/UPC is the universal language of retail.

02

Healthcare & Pharma

SFDA-mandated DataMatrix for drug serialization, patient safety, and recall management.

03

Logistics & Warehousing

GS1-128 and RFID for automated receiving, picking, and shipping across KSA.

04

Consumer Goods

Digital Link QR codes connecting every product to rich digital consumer experiences.