Barcodes are used to provide quick access to the data they encode. A barcode scanner is essentially an AI-driven keyboard that returns the encoded data from the scanned symbol. The numbers below the symbol are commonly referred to as the human-readable numbers. There are many barcode standards out there, but today, we will focus on some of the more common barcodes seen around the cannabis industry: GS1-128, UPC-A, and QR Codes.
Barcodes are not just for retail; they are also used throughout the physical plant for identification, which can reduce human entry error and incrementally save labor. Utilizing barcode symbols effectively is an investment that can enhance your cultivation SOP templates and ensure consistency in quality, ultimately impacting the cost of good quality. Proper use of barcodes can also help reduce the costs of poor quality by improving accuracy and efficiency in operations.
GS1-128 Barcode
In Canada, the barcode seen on most product labels or Master Case labels is the GS1-128 Barcode. The numbers within the parentheses are called Application Identifiers (AIs). Common AIs include:
- (01) – Global Trade Item Number (GTIN14)
- (10) – Lot Number (20 characters maximum, alphanumeric)
- (13) – Packaging Date (YYMMDD)
- (17) – Expiry Date (YYMMDD)
- (90) – Case Lot Size (00##)
UPC-A Barcode
QR Code
Finally, we come to the QR Code, which has become even more prevalent in the post-COVID-19 era. Often used to encode web addresses or links, QR Codes can redirect users to various media formats, including videos and pictures. In a cannabis production facility, a QR Code could be attached to operational equipment, allowing users to scan it with a smart device to access a playlist of videos on how to clean, use, and maintain the equipment. This instant access to relevant information helps reduce labor time, minimizes the opportunity for human error, and provides the data required in real-time to make informed decisions during execution.
Integrating these barcode systems with your cultivation SOP templates and seed-to-sale cannabis software streamlines operations, ensuring that all processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with the industry's best practices.