The GS1 System provides several types of bar code for use by GS1 members depending on the application.
The reasons for this vary but because different bar code types have different strengths and weaknesses,
GS1 selects the bar code that best fits the application the best. The bar codes used by GS1 include EAN/UPC,
GS1 DataBar, GS1-128, ITF-14, GS1 DataMatrix, and Composite Component
EAN/UPC
Are specified for retail Point-of-Sale (POS) because they are designed for the high volume scanning environment
Used at POS and in logistics must be printed larger than the "target" size to accommodate logistics scanning Limited to carrying
GS1 Keys and special identifiers for restricted applications like variable measure trade items and internal numbering
GS1 DataBar
A family of symbols that can be scanned at retail point-of-sale (POS), are smaller than EAN/UPC and can carry additional
information such as serial numbers, lot numbers of expiry dates. A subset of GS1 DataBar bar codes designed for use at
POS are being considered by a GS1 Board Task Force for future adoption because GS1 DataBar can carry all GS1 Keys and
attributes and do so in a smaller space than EAN/UPC GS1 DataBar symbols are already approved for global use on healthcare
items that do not cross POS
GS1-128 (previously referred to as UCC/EAN-128 or EAN-128)
GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) bar codes can carry all GS1 Keys and attibutes but cannot be used to identify items crossing POS
ITF-14
ITF-14 bar codes can only carry GTINs, can be printed directly on corrugated cartons,
but cannot be used to identify items crossing POS
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 DataMatrix is the only "2D Matrix" symbol specified for use by GS1 and is becoming increasingly
the symbol of choice for many in healthcare Because GS1 DataMatrix
requires camera based scanners it is currently specified for healthcare items not crossing POS and direct part marking
Composite Component
Composite Component is the only "2D linear" symbol specified by GS1 It is called a component
because it is only used with a linear bar code like GS1-128 or RSS