Traditional barcodes are being phased out by 2028. Large Australian chains, such as supermarkets, pharmacy networks, and liquor stores, have announced they may reject stock shipments that lack a QR code. I expect that any supplier to these chains will soon drop standard barcodes for QR codes
Key Takeaways
- Major Australian retailers are adopting a global 2028 industry deadline for QR codes.
- Traditional laser barcode scanners are physically incapable of reading 2D symbols.
- Modern imaging hardware protects your local point-of-sale system from technological obsolescence.
- Advanced 2D codes automatically track exact expiration dates and manufacturing batches.
- Upgraded scanning hardware minimises wrist strain and improves counter checkout speeds.
- Newsagents must audit their current magazine scanners to prevent front-counter bottleneck issues.
What is the GS1 Sunrise Transition
The GS1 Sunrise transition is a coordinated global retail initiative that aims to replace traditional barcodes with QR codes by the year 2028. By the start of 2028, large Australian chains such as supermarkets, pharmacy networks, and liquor stores have announced they may reject stock shipments that lack a QR code. The primary driving force behind this massive change is that old-fashioned linear barcodes only encode a basic product number. In contrast, next-generation QR codes store thousands of pieces of information. This advanced information helps to solve critical supply chain tracking issues that barcodes cannot. For example, during the recent Greenlip Abalone scare, the immediate problem the authorities wanted to address was tracking the source of the biotoxin contamination. In trying to navigate this crisis, a store owner would discover that his Greenlip Abalone was a pretty broad category. Here, a QR barcode solves this tracking problem by embedding the exact location the product came from, the production date, the specific batch number, and the use-by date directly into the checkout code. With that information, we could configure the POS System to automatically block the sale of that item if the cashier tries to sell it.
As this is a worldwide transition, we expect many products from overseas, not just Australian-made ones, to be affected. For example, if you buy goods directly from China, you may find that some have a QR code but no barcode.
Other pluses of QR Codes
2D barcodes could prevent retail financial losses by assigning a digital serial number to each item. This means your POS software knows more history of every specific item in your shop. For example, if a shoplifter steals a high-value pen set from another shop and attempts to return it for a cash refund in your shop, the 2D code can help to verify whether you sold these items. This would allow us to block the fraudulent refund immediately.
Moreover, our field tests prove that image-based 2D scanners scan better. With a QR code, you do not need to align a barcode to get a good, meticulous read. Your cashiers will find it easier to work with.
We also found that these QR codes read better on heavily distorted, crinkled, or faded labels.
Does Your Shop Already Have a 2D-Capable Scanner?
Most of our clients who recently purchased scanners from us will likely already own 2D-capable scanners. This is because we have been aware of this for several years and have almost exclusively sold these scanners. The exception will be the scanners we sold for magazine handling; some of these, for obvious reasons, did not have QR codes. These dedicated magazine units are often older, low-cost laser models that lack the internal programming to read multi-dimensional QR patterns. We do not expect any problems with these scanners as long as they are used purely for processing publications.
Still, I do suggest you check your scanners. If you have a problem checking, please get in touch with us.
Conclusion: Don't Risk Technology Obsolescence at Your Counter
In conclusion, upgrading to a modern, 2D-capable POS System should not be treated as an optional retail luxury. We have a reasonable window of time to prepare before the 2028 roll-out. Buying an obsolete scanner today is a waste of money. For a little more, get a QR scanner.
