Building the future with 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link
Barcode scanning is hardly new but in its latest form, this technology can revolutionise New Zealand’s building industry. The coming introduction of the 2D (two-dimensional) barcodes such as GS1 QR or GS1 DataMatrix on packs or individual building products will help manage quality, cost, efficiency and sustainability issues that currently plague the industry.
The GS1 QR code with Digital Link will be easily scannable with a smartphone or at retail point of sale, providing access to globally standardised data and delivering the right information to designers, builders, consenting authorities, building owners, and others, exactly when and where they need it.
At a recent event for industry members, Julian Leyes and Jason Bardell from the Building Industry Federation (BIF), along with GS1’s Dr. Peter Stevens (CEO) and Klaeri Schelhowe (2D Barcode Lead), captivated an audience with discussion around the capabilities of GS1 QR codes with Digital Link technology and the planning for rollout to the building and construction sector in New Zealand.
2D barcodes will be a crucial element as the building and construction sector strives to meet its heightened obligations under the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021. This is the first phase of a suite of reforms to building legislation.
The act has: Introduced mandatory minimum information requirements for building products; enabled the creation of a new certification scheme for modular component manufacturers; paved the way for a strengthened product certification scheme; and set stronger penalties to promote compliance with the building regulatory system.
The growing range and complexity of building products and methods brings increasing risk of noncompliance with the New Zealand building code and of unsafe products being used on-site.
Imported products
Where the industry is drawing on global supply chains, issues of transparency and traceability on imported products become even more critical to ensuring product safety, quality and compliance. The Government’s proposed imported building product legislation and regulations are poised to further address these issues.
This legislation will aim to improve transparency on imported building products, and require they meet specific standards. Ensuring that imported products and materials are up to standard is seen as crucial for protecting public safety.
The Government also seeks to streamline and modernise processes for verifying product authenticity, performance and traceability, recognising that current systems are often cumbersome and error-prone.
Integrating 2D barcodes
Implementation of the coming regulatory reforms will be significantly enhanced by having GS1 QR codes with Digital Link technology integrated into the systems and processes. This technology offers a powerful, data-rich and universally compatible way to track, verify and manage imported building materials.
Each 2D (GS1 QR or GS1 DataMatrix) barcode will identify the product with its brand name and description of key attributes, along with its unique Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). Scanning the GS1 QR code can also link the user to extensive online information about the product, including its correct use and installation, durability, maintenance requirements, and more.
Data applications
The range of applications for this technology and links to product specific data is vast, spanning all building and construction sector supply chains and projects. All stakeholders involved will have access to the same accurate information, originated by the product manufacturer and/or brand owner.
Over time, the new 2D barcodes and their multiple uses will help the sector achieve far greater levels of interoperability and business efficiency, regulatory compliance without delays and extra costs, and supply chain resilience.
Additionally, the industry will be better positioned to address various sustainability issues, from waste reduction to the decarbonisation of buildings, and to stimulate the market for “green” building products of the future.
This article featured in:
