One-dimensional barcodes are transitioning to 2D barcodes, which will function more like QR codes, and retailers need to be ready for the change by the end of 2027. GS1 US, the not-for-profit behind the Sunrise 2027 initiative, is leading the charge and helping both retailers and suppliers prepare for the next dimension of barcodes.

The transition to 2D barcodes is being driven by consumers’ desire for more information about the products they purchase. Web resolvable 2D barcodes allow brands and retailers to offer this information to them. QR codes on packaging can link to information about origin, ingredients, synthetic dye disclosures, nutritional content, allergens, storage tips and more. And there are myriad ways 2D barcodes will benefit retailers—product recall information, dynamic pricing or discounts, connecting with loyalty apps and preventing expired items from being sold, for example.

Join NACS on Monday, November 10 at 2 p.m. ET for a live webinar on Sunrise 2027: The 2D Barcode Revolution: What, When & How to Prepare.

Hosted by Ned Mears, senior director, global standards at GS1 US, the live event will explore what’s changing, why it matters and how you can prepare. Topics to be covered include:

• What Sunrise 2027 means for retailers, brands and suppliers
• How 2D barcodes go beyond basic product ID to deliver rich data and transparency
• How 2D data can enhance inventory management, traceability and recall readiness
• Practical steps to upgrade your scanning and data systems for 2D readiness

To make sure they can process 2D barcodes, retailers will need some basics, like an optical scanner to process the barcode, as well as the necessary firmware upgrades from their scanner manufacturer to make them Sunrise 2027 capable.

“One of the first steps is to take inventory of your existing equipment. An optical scanner is a necessity for reading 2D barcodes, and most current POS scanners include that. The scanner also needs to be Sunrise capable—it needs to be set up to recognize the various barcode types and the syntaxes that will be part of the 2D barcode,” said Mears.

Continue reading more about how to prepare for Sunrise 2027 in Wake Up Call: Get Ready for Sunrise 2027 and A Retailer’s Roadmap for Sunrise 2027, featuring insights from Mears.

Register for the webinar here.