The supply chain of the future is built on data. With industry-wide shifts like the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, the move toward data-rich 2D barcodes is accelerating. For pharmaceutical companies, this transition is already a reality. The GS1 DataMatrix barcode is more than just a tool for meeting today’s regulations; it’s the foundation for a more intelligent and resilient supply chain. The information it carries can power advanced analytics, improve inventory forecasting, and integrate seamlessly with AI-driven systems. Understanding how to leverage this technology now is a strategic move that will prepare your business for what’s next in supply chain management.
Key Takeaways
- Pack more data into less space: A GS1 DataMatrix barcode consolidates all essential tracking information—like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates—into a single, compact symbol that fits even on small pharmaceutical packaging.
- Build a foundation for compliance and traceability: These barcodes are the standard for meeting strict regulations like the DSCSA. They enable the item-level serialization required to create a verifiable trail for every product, securing your supply chain.
- Focus on quality and system integration: A successful rollout goes beyond just printing a code. It requires a commitment to high-quality printing and verification, along with seamless integration into your serialized ERP to make the data useful.
What Is a GS1 DataMatrix Barcode?
A GS1 DataMatrix is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that looks like a square or rectangle made of tiny black and white cells. Unlike the familiar linear barcodes you see on most grocery items, a DataMatrix can store a large amount of information in a very small space. This makes it perfect for tracking individual products throughout the supply chain, which is especially important in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals.
For anyone in the pharma world, this barcode is a cornerstone of modern traceability. It’s the vehicle that carries the critical data—like product identifiers, lot numbers, and expiration dates—required to meet complex regulations. A compliant serialized ERP system uses the information encoded in these barcodes to create a verifiable trail for every product, from the manufacturing line to the pharmacy shelf. This level of detail is essential for securing the supply chain and ensuring compliance with mandates like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).
How Does It Work?
The magic of the GS1 DataMatrix lies in how it organizes information. It can hold multiple pieces of data at once by using a standardized system of prefixes called Application Identifiers (AIs). Think of it as a digital filing cabinet where each piece of information has its own labeled folder. For example, a single barcode can contain a product’s global trade item number (GTIN), its lot number, and its expiration date, all clearly defined for a scanner to read.
When you see examples of this data written out, like (01)12345678901234(10)ABC123, the parentheses are just there to make it readable for us humans. They aren’t actually encoded in the barcode itself. A scanner simply reads the string of numbers and letters and uses the AIs to understand what each part means. This structured approach ensures that data is interpreted correctly every time, no matter where it’s scanned.
What Are Application Identifiers (AIs)?
Application Identifiers (AIs) are the secret sauce that makes the GS1 DataMatrix so powerful and universally understood. They are two-to-four-digit codes that define the meaning of the data that follows. For instance, the AI (01) always precedes the product’s GTIN, (17) comes before the expiration date, and (10) signals the batch or lot number. This global standard allows different systems from different companies to speak the same language.
This standardization is non-negotiable for meeting compliance requirements. The specific version of the DataMatrix used for this is ECC 200, which supports the GS1 system and a special character (FNC1) that tells scanners to apply GS1 rules. By using AIs, you ensure that your product data is captured accurately, which is fundamental for everything from inventory management to regulatory reporting and recall management.
Why Use a GS1 DataMatrix Barcode?
Choosing the right barcode might seem like a small detail, but it has a massive impact on your supply chain’s efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes have become the standard in pharmaceuticals and other regulated industries for a few key reasons. They offer a powerful combination of data capacity, resilience, and a compact footprint that older linear barcodes simply can’t match. For any business managing a serialized ERP, these 2D barcodes are the workhorse that makes modern traceability possible.
Think of it as the difference between a sticky note and a detailed file folder. A traditional barcode can hold a product’s basic ID, but a GS1 DataMatrix can hold its entire story—serial number, lot number, expiration date, and more—all in a symbol that fits on the cap of a small vial. This capability is essential for meeting complex tracking regulations, preventing counterfeiting, and ensuring product safety from the factory floor to the pharmacy shelf. Let’s break down the specific advantages that make this barcode the right choice for demanding supply chains.
Pack More Data into a Smaller Space
One of the biggest advantages of a GS1 DataMatrix barcode is its incredible data density. While a traditional one-dimensional barcode can only hold a handful of characters, a GS1 DataMatrix can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters in a tiny square or rectangle. This means you can encode a wealth of information—like the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), serial number, lot number, and expiration date—all within a single, compact symbol. This efficiency is critical for effective inventory management, as a single scan provides all the data needed to process a product, eliminating the need for multiple barcodes or manual data entry.
Read Barcodes, Even When Damaged
Supply chains are tough environments. Labels get scuffed, torn, or smudged during shipping and handling. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are designed with this reality in mind. They have a built-in error correction system, known as Reed-Solomon error correction, which allows scanners to read the barcode even if up to 30% of it is damaged or unreadable. This built-in resilience ensures high scan rates at every point in the supply chain, preventing costly exceptions, delays, and data gaps. For products that are handled frequently or stored in less-than-ideal conditions, this feature is a game-changer for maintaining data integrity and operational flow.
Improve Traceability and Compliance
For pharmaceutical companies, traceability isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are the foundation of modern supply chain security and compliance. By encoding a unique serial number on each saleable unit, these barcodes enable precise, item-level tracking from the manufacturer to the dispenser. This granular visibility is essential for meeting regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). In the event of a recall, companies can quickly identify and isolate affected products anywhere in the supply chain, protecting patient safety and minimizing financial impact. This level of control is fundamental to preventing counterfeit drugs from entering the market.
Save Valuable Label Real Estate
Pharmaceutical packaging comes in all shapes and sizes, and many products, like vials or syringes, offer very little space for labeling. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are perfectly suited for these applications because of their small physical footprint. Their ability to hold extensive data in a compact symbol means you don’t have to choose between including critical tracking information and other required text like dosage, warnings, or branding. This efficiency helps you meet all regulatory labeling requirements without having to redesign packaging, saving both time and money while ensuring every product is clearly and accurately identified.
How to Create a GS1 DataMatrix Barcode
Creating a compliant GS1 DataMatrix barcode might seem technical, but it’s a structured process that becomes simple with the right approach. It’s not just about generating a scannable image; it’s about accurately encoding vital product information that will travel through the entire supply chain. Think of it as building a digital passport for each product unit. A robust serialized ERP system is the foundation for this process, as it manages the unique data that goes into every single barcode. By following a few key steps, you can ensure your barcodes are accurate, compliant, and reliable from the production line to the final destination.
Get the Right Software and Format Your Data
First things first, you need software designed to generate GS1-compliant barcodes. Generic barcode generators won’t cut it because they don’t understand the specific formatting rules, like the use of Application Identifiers (AIs) and special function characters (FNC1). When you use a specialized tool, you simply input your data with the correct AIs, and the software handles the complex encoding. For example, you would type in your product code and expiration date using their designated AI prefixes, and the software automatically formats it correctly for the barcode. This automation is crucial for maintaining data integrity and ensuring compliance.
Follow a Step-by-Step Generation Process
Once you have your software, the generation process is straightforward. The key is to encode the right information. For pharmaceutical products, the GS1 DataMatrix barcode must contain the product’s National Drug Code (NDC), expiration date, serial number, and lot number. This combination of data points is essential for accurate traceability and meets the core requirements of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). Your ERP system should serve as the single source of truth for this data, feeding the correct, unique information into the barcode generation software for each product unit, ensuring every item is properly serialized and tracked.
Ensure High-Quality Printing and Scanning
A perfectly encoded barcode is only effective if it can be scanned reliably. This is where print quality becomes critical. Your printing process must produce sharp, clear barcodes that meet specific quality standards. According to the ISO/IEC 15415 standard, the minimum required quality grade for a DataMatrix barcode is C (1.5) to ensure it can be read effectively by scanners throughout the supply chain. This means using high-resolution printers, quality label materials, and regularly verifying your barcodes with a verifier tool. Integrating these quality checks into your workflow prevents costly issues like unscannable products and supply chain delays.
Who Uses GS1 DataMatrix Barcodes?
GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are incredibly versatile, which is why you’ll find them in a wide range of industries. While they are essential in highly regulated fields like pharmaceuticals, their ability to store a lot of information in a tiny space makes them valuable for everything from grocery stores to automotive manufacturing. They help businesses track products with precision, manage inventory efficiently, and keep consumers safe. Let’s look at a few key areas where these compact barcodes are making a significant impact.
Securing the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
In the pharmaceutical world, there’s no room for error. Patient safety depends on a secure and transparent supply chain, but challenges like counterfeit drugs and complex recalls are constant threats. This is where GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are indispensable. They are the foundation of modern pharmaceutical traceability, allowing every single drug package to be uniquely identified and tracked from the manufacturer to the pharmacy. This level of serialization is a core requirement of regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). By encoding a unique serial number, lot number, and expiration date into a small 2D code, companies can ensure full product traceability and build a more resilient, compliant, and safe supply chain.
Streamlining Retail and Inventory
Beyond the pharmacy, GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are changing the game in retail. Traditional linear barcodes can only hold a product identifier, but a single DataMatrix code can do so much more. It can store details like batch numbers and expiration dates, which is a huge help for managing perishable goods and reducing waste. This rich data also streamlines inventory management, making stock counts more accurate and efficient. For consumers, it opens up possibilities for accessing detailed product information, from nutritional facts to sustainability sourcing, with a quick scan. This transforms a simple product label into a powerful tool for both the retailer and the customer.
Tracking Products in Manufacturing
On the factory floor, precision and control are everything. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are applied to products and components right at the source, creating a digital thread that follows an item through its entire lifecycle. Each barcode can carry critical data like a serial number, batch number, and production date. This detailed tracking is vital for quality control, allowing manufacturers to pinpoint issues quickly and manage recalls with surgical precision. The barcode’s design, with its distinct finder pattern, ensures it can be read reliably even in fast-paced industrial environments. This robust tracking capability is fundamental to creating the secure, end-to-end traceability that modern compliance standards demand.
GS1 DataMatrix vs. Other Barcodes
Choosing the right barcode might seem like a small detail, but it has a huge impact on your supply chain’s efficiency and compliance. While several types of barcodes exist, each serves a different purpose. Understanding the key differences between GS1 DataMatrix, traditional linear barcodes, and QR codes will help you select the best option for your pharmaceutical products.
DataMatrix vs. Linear Barcodes
You’re probably most familiar with linear (or 1D) barcodes—the classic series of vertical lines found on nearly every product at the grocery store. These barcodes are simple and effective for retail checkout, as they typically only hold a product identifier like a UPC. To get more information, the scanner must connect to a database.
GS1 DataMatrix barcodes, on the other hand, are 2D codes that can store a wealth of information directly within their small, square pattern. This includes critical data for traceability, such as batch numbers, expiration dates, and unique serial numbers. This self-contained data is essential for a secure and serialized ERP system, allowing for verification at any point in the supply chain without needing to access an external database.
DataMatrix vs. QR Codes
At first glance, DataMatrix and QR codes look similar, but they have distinct structural differences and use cases. QR codes are easily identified by the three large squares in their corners, which help scanners orient the code. DataMatrix codes use a solid L-shaped border for alignment.
While both can hold a lot of data, DataMatrix codes are generally more compact and can be printed at a very small size, making them perfect for tiny labels on vials or individual cartons. QR codes are typically larger and can hold slightly more data, which is why they are often used in marketing for linking to websites. For product identification on space-constrained pharmaceutical packaging, DataMatrix is the industry standard for compliance.
How to Choose the Right Barcode for the Job
Selecting the right barcode isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The best choice depends entirely on your specific needs. First, consider the amount of data you need to encode. If you’re tracking detailed product information to meet regulatory standards, a 2D barcode like DataMatrix is necessary.
Next, evaluate the available space on your product packaging. For small or awkwardly shaped items, the compact size of a DataMatrix code is a clear advantage. Finally, and most importantly, you must consider regulatory mandates. For pharmaceutical companies, regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) specifically require serialized data on packaging, making GS1 DataMatrix the go-to choice for ensuring end-to-end traceability.
Meeting Key Compliance Regulations
In the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s a fundamental part of ensuring patient safety and maintaining trust. Regulatory bodies have established strict guidelines to secure the supply chain, and GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are a cornerstone of meeting these requirements. Think of them as the standardized language that allows every partner, from the manufacturing line to the pharmacy, to speak fluently about a product’s journey.
These regulations are designed to create an airtight system of traceability. By encoding specific data points into a compact, scannable symbol, you can provide a complete history for every single item. This is critical for everything from authenticating products to executing swift, precise recalls. Implementing GS1 DataMatrix barcodes correctly is essential for staying ahead of mandates and protecting your business from the steep penalties of non-compliance. A robust system built around these standards demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety, which is why having the right compliance tools is non-negotiable. It’s about building a transparent supply chain that regulators and customers can rely on.
Satisfy DSCSA Pharmaceutical Requirements
The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has reshaped how prescription drugs are tracked in the United States. Its primary goal is to protect consumers from counterfeit, stolen, or contaminated medications. The law mandates serialization, meaning each saleable unit of a drug must have a unique product identifier. This identifier includes the product’s standardized numerical identifier, serial number, lot number, and expiration date.
The GS1 DataMatrix is the standard carrier for this information. It efficiently packs all the required data into a small symbol that can be printed on individual packages. As the industry moves toward full electronic interoperability, failing to meet these serialization requirements can lead to significant penalties and supply chain disruptions. Understanding what DSCSA is and implementing a compliant system is the only way to ensure your products move smoothly and securely to patients.
Follow FDA Medical Device Guidelines
For medical device manufacturers, the FDA’s Unique Device Identification (UDI) system serves a similar purpose. The UDI rule requires devices to be marked with a unique identifier that can be read by both humans and machines. This system improves the identification of devices during adverse events, simplifies medical device recalls, and helps combat counterfeiting.
The GS1 DataMatrix is one of the FDA-accredited formats for carrying UDI information. It contains both a Device Identifier (DI), which identifies the specific version or model of a device, and a Production Identifier (PI), which includes information like the lot number or expiration date. By using these barcodes, you create a clear and consistent tracking method that enhances patient safety and aligns with global standards, ensuring your products meet the FDA’s stringent compliance requirements.
Adhere to GS1 and ISO Quality Standards
Creating a GS1 DataMatrix barcode is only half the battle; you also have to ensure it’s scannable and accurate throughout the supply chain. That’s where international quality standards come in. The ISO/IEC 15415 standard, for example, defines how to grade the quality of a 2D barcode, with a minimum grade of C (1.5) often required for pharmaceutical products. This ensures the symbol can be read reliably by any scanner.
Beyond print quality, you must also follow the GS1 General Specifications, which dictate how data is structured within the barcode using Application Identifiers (AIs). This “grammar” ensures that any system reading the barcode interprets the data correctly. A powerful serialized ERP can automate the creation of these high-quality, perfectly formatted barcodes, removing the guesswork and ensuring every product you ship meets these critical standards.
Common Implementation Challenges to Anticipate
Switching to GS1 DataMatrix barcodes is a smart move for any pharmaceutical company, but any big change comes with a few bumps in the road. Knowing what to expect can make the transition much smoother. By anticipating these common challenges, you can create a clear plan to address them head-on, ensuring your implementation is a success from day one.
Managing Tech Costs and Infrastructure
Let’s start with the budget. Adopting GS1 DataMatrix barcodes often means investing in new hardware. Your current printers might not be equipped to produce high-quality 2D codes, and your scanners may need an upgrade to read them effectively. This investment extends to the right labels and ink to ensure every code is crisp and scannable. Planning for these infrastructure costs upfront prevents surprises down the line. A fully serialized ERP helps manage these requirements by integrating hardware needs into a single, cohesive system, simplifying the transition.
Integrating Systems and Training Your Team
New technology is only effective if it works with your existing systems and your team knows how to use it. Integrating new barcode software with your current ERP or WMS can be a hurdle if they don’t speak the same language. This is where a purpose-built platform shines. Just as important is comprehensive team training. From the warehouse floor to the compliance office, everyone needs to understand the new process to prevent errors and keep operations running smoothly. Investing in your team’s training is key to a successful rollout.
Ensuring Barcode Quality and Scan Reliability
A barcode that won’t scan is a huge bottleneck. Ensuring every DataMatrix code you print is high-quality and reliable is non-negotiable in the pharmaceutical industry. This goes beyond a clear image; it involves verification, a process that grades the barcode against official quality standards like ISO/IEC 15415. Poor-quality codes can lead to rejected shipments and supply chain delays. Implementing a robust quality check process is essential for maintaining operational flow and meeting strict compliance regulations.
Optimizing Label Design and Placement
The design of your product label plays a huge role in successful barcode implementation. You have to fit a lot of information onto a small space, and the GS1 DataMatrix code needs to be placed where it can be easily scanned. You’ll need to consider the product’s size, shape, and packaging when deciding on the barcode’s dimensions and location. A poorly placed code can cause scanning errors, slowing down your entire process. Thinking through these practical inventory management details is a critical step that prevents logistical headaches down the line.
Best Practices for a Smooth Rollout
Adopting GS1 DataMatrix barcodes is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated one. A successful implementation comes down to thoughtful planning and a focus on a few key areas. By preparing your technology, processes, and people, you can make the transition feel less like a massive overhaul and more like a natural upgrade. Think of it as building a strong foundation—get the basics right, and everything else will fall into place more easily. Let’s walk through four essential practices that will help you get there.
Verify Barcode Quality Consistently
A barcode is only useful if it can be scanned reliably every single time. That’s where barcode verification comes in. This isn’t just a quick scan to see if it works; it’s a formal process of grading the quality of your printed barcode against official industry standards. Regular verification ensures your barcodes are clear, correctly formatted, and scannable throughout the supply chain. This simple quality check prevents costly errors, keeps products moving, and is a critical step in maintaining data integrity for full DSCSA compliance. Think of it as proofreading for your barcodes—a crucial step before they go out into the world.
Calibrate Printers for Perfect Labels
Your barcode’s journey starts at the printer, and its quality is directly tied to your equipment. To produce high-quality 2D barcodes, you need printers and label materials that are up to the task. But having the right gear is only half the battle. Proper and regular calibration is essential to ensure every barcode is printed crisply and clearly. An unreadable barcode can cause the same delays as a missing one. Taking the time to fine-tune your printers prevents scanning issues down the line, saving you from headaches and operational hiccups.
Prepare Your Team with Clear Training
Technology is only as effective as the people who use it. Before you go live, invest time in comprehensive training for your team. Everyone who handles your products—from warehouse staff to quality assurance teams—should understand how to work with the new barcode system. Clear training ensures your team feels confident, minimizes user error, and helps everyone appreciate how the new system makes their jobs easier. When your team understands the why behind the change and the how of the new process, they become your greatest asset in a smooth rollout.
Integrate Seamlessly with Existing Systems
One of the biggest advantages of GS1 DataMatrix barcodes is their ability to consolidate information for logistics, inventory, and point-of-sale into a single symbol. To truly benefit from this efficiency, the barcode data must flow seamlessly into your existing business systems. Your operational backbone should be a serialized ERP that can interpret and leverage this rich data stream. Proper integration connects the physical product to its digital record, creating a single source of truth that improves everything from inventory management to regulatory reporting.
The Future of GS1 DataMatrix
The GS1 DataMatrix barcode is more than just a current standard; it’s a foundational technology for the future of supply chain management. As regulations become stricter and consumer expectations for transparency grow, the role of these data-rich barcodes will only expand. Key industry shifts are already underway, pushing businesses to adopt more advanced tracking and data integration capabilities. For pharmaceutical companies, this isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about compliance and patient safety. The ability to embed detailed information like batch numbers, expiration dates, and unique serial numbers into a compact symbol is critical for meeting regulations like the DSCSA.
Looking ahead, these barcodes will become the central data carrier that connects physical products to digital systems. This integration enables everything from real-time inventory tracking to advanced AI-powered analytics that can predict disruptions or identify counterfeit products. The transition to 2D barcodes is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic move that unlocks deeper insights into your operations. Preparing for what’s next requires a clear plan and investment in the right technology and processes. While it may seem like a challenge, this evolution also opens the door to a more resilient, transparent, and intelligent supply chain, ultimately protecting your products and the patients who rely on them. The following trends are shaping the future of product identification and are essential for any forward-thinking pharmaceutical business to understand.
Preparing for the GS1 Sunrise 2027 Transition
The global retail industry is moving toward a major milestone known as Sunrise 2027, the date when 2D barcodes like the GS1 DataMatrix will be accepted at point-of-sale worldwide. This transition means businesses must be ready to print and scan 2D barcodes on all products. To prepare, you’ll need to invest in updated printing equipment and materials capable of producing high-quality 2D barcodes. This often involves upgrading both hardware and software to handle the new formats, which can be a significant logistical and financial undertaking. Planning for these changes now will ensure a smooth transition and keep your products moving through global supply chains without interruption.
Integrating with AI and Emerging Tech
GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are a perfect match for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The vast amount of data encoded in a single barcode can be used to train AI models for predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and operational efficiency. A single scan can provide information for point-of-sale, inventory management, and consumer engagement. When this data feeds into a powerful platform, you can leverage business intelligence to identify trends and prevent issues before they happen. For example, AI can analyze traceability data to pinpoint the exact location of a recalled product, allowing for swift and targeted removal from the supply chain.
Meeting New Serialization Mandates
In the pharmaceutical industry, robust serialization is no longer optional—it’s a legal requirement. Regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) mandate item-level traceability, and many suppliers face penalties for failing to meet these standards. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are the key to achieving DSCSA compliance, providing a framework for tracking products from manufacturer to dispenser. This not only satisfies legal obligations but also greatly improves efficiency and patient safety throughout the healthcare supply chain. By implementing GS1 standards, you create a transparent and secure system that protects your business and the consumers who depend on your products.
Related Articles
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- Drug Supply Chain Security Act – Understanding DSCSA Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the real difference between a GS1 DataMatrix and a QR code? While they look similar, they are built for different jobs. A QR code, with its three distinct squares in the corners, is designed for marketing and linking to websites. A GS1 DataMatrix uses an L-shaped border for alignment and is engineered to be much more compact. This smaller footprint makes it the standard for pharmaceutical packaging, where label space is precious and precise, compliant product tracking is the top priority.
Do I really need to buy new printers and scanners to use these barcodes? In most cases, yes. Creating and reading high-quality 2D barcodes requires more precision than traditional linear barcodes. Your existing printers may not have the resolution to produce crisp, scannable codes, and older scanners may not be able to read them. It’s best to think of this as an investment in reliability. Using the right hardware from the start is essential for ensuring your codes are readable at every point in the supply chain.
How can I be sure my barcodes will scan correctly and meet compliance standards? The key is a process called verification. This isn’t just doing a test scan with your own equipment; it’s using a specialized tool to grade the barcode’s quality against official ISO standards. Verification confirms that your barcode is printed clearly and formatted correctly, guaranteeing it will be readable by any compliant scanner in the supply chain. This step is non-negotiable for ensuring your products move without issue.
Can I just use a generic barcode generator to create these? It’s not a good idea. Generic software doesn’t understand the specific rules of the GS1 system, like how to properly structure data with Application Identifiers (AIs). A compliant barcode is more than just a scannable image; it’s a precisely encoded piece of data. Using a specialized system designed for pharmaceutical traceability ensures your barcodes are formatted correctly, preventing costly data errors and compliance failures down the road.
Besides meeting regulations, what are the main operational benefits of switching to GS1 DataMatrix? Moving beyond compliance, the biggest benefit is efficiency. A single scan of a DataMatrix barcode can provide all the data needed to process a product—its identifier, lot number, and expiration date. This eliminates the need for multiple scans or manual data entry, which speeds up receiving and inventory processes, dramatically reduces human error, and gives you a much more accurate, real-time view of your stock.
