GS1 Philippines, the organization implementing local barcoding standards, launched a new barcode system initiative to develop the retail supply chain through digitalization.
During its Annual Conference and General Membership Meeting on Jan. 30, GS1 Philippines introduced GS1 Activate, an online service made to streamline and simplify barcode generation and symbol creation for businesses.
With GS1 Activate, businesses in the Philippines would be able to access accurate product data and identification with global trade item numbers (GTINs) and easily generate barcodes for their products for global distribution, along with facilitating seamless data sharing, and efficient customer service and operations.
Through a product data sharing model, companies are able to expand their reach and visibility to the global markets.
GS1 Philippines currently serves around 5,000 retailers. They aim to introduce GS1 Activate to more than 30,000 retailers in the country by the end of this year.
“In an economy where the Philippines’ e-commerce market is estimated to reach $24 billion (approx. P1.3 trillion) through 2025, GS1 Activate is a game-changer. This new service revolutionizes business barcode generation, reducing the time required compared to traditional product identification methods and eliminating common errors, saving costs on label reprinting and minimizing the need for extensive personnel training," said GS1 Philippines, and Philippine Retailers Association President Bobby Claudio.
"By dramatically simplifying the process, GS1 Activate also enhances efficient data sharing, crucial for strengthening both local and global trade. This launch is a testament to our dedication to advancing digital integration within the Philippines' supply chain ecosystem, reinforcing our role in the global economy,” he added.
During the conference, GS1 Philippines has also stated its plans to shift to the 2D migration of barcodes to QR codes. It also called for global retail Point of Sale (POS) scanners to process 2D barcodes by 2027.
GS1 Philippines Chairman Atty. Pablo Gancayo said that they are "now focused on evolving the barcode into the next level we call the 2D migration, which is expected to revolutionize further commerce."
"GS1 will guide the industry towards 2D migration, which it hopes to achieve and implement comprehensively by the year 2027," Gancayo added.
Among the attendees of the conference were Philippine Exports Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX), Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI), Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), Philippine Consumer Centric Traders Association (PCCTA), Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP), Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), Soap and Detergent Association of the Philippines (SDAP), and the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines.