GS1 Philippines Kicks Off Landmark Shift from Barcode to QR Code to Bolster Local Retail

19 March 2024, Manila, Philippines - In an era where consumers demand instant, transparent information about their purchases, the supply chain industry is undergoing a transformative shift. The 2023 Global Shopper Study by Zebra Technologies revealed that 77% of retail associates confirm that today's shoppers are more informed than ever, highlighting a well-connected, discerning consumer base.

In light of these evolving consumer expectations, businesses are revamping their products and supply chains to offer greater transparency, resilience, and sustainability. The study further reveals that approximately 7% of companies are incorporating or planning to incorporate business intelligence and analytics into their supply chain management strategies.

Responding to these industry challenges, GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, has announced the start of the adoption of the 2D barcode in the Philippines aimed at further enhancing operational efficiency in the supply chain industry and bridging better product engagement between businesses and consumers with the advent of digital labeling.

The 2D barcode, most popularly known as “QR code,” leverages web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan. Through the QR codes, brand owners and retailers can easily interact with consumers and shoppers by providing in-depth information on their physical products. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, buyers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, and promotions, as well as brand-authorized details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order, and other kinds of information.

The QR code also allows retailers and supermarkets to ensure product safety, guarantee product freshness, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it enables regulators to check a product's sustainable characteristics. 

Moreover, the migration to 2D barcodes improves operational efficiency in the supply chain industries. In addition to holding GS1's global trade item number found in the traditional 1D barcodes, the QR codes can now store essential information, such as a product's batch or lot number, serial number, and expiry date. With access to crucial data, all stakeholders in the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, and simplify recall and return processes.

"In the face of rapid technological advancements, it's critical that we adapt to empower the supply chain industry further. The introduction of QR code technology serves as Pandora's box, opening infinite possibilities for brands and retailers to make their operations more efficient and improve customer engagement. GS1 Philippines members pave the way in this groundbreaking transition to more efficient and robust supply chain operations," GS1 Philippines President Roberto "Bobby" Claudio said. 

The announcement aligns with the global commemoration of GS1 Global's 50th anniversary of the barcode's invention, celebrating a legacy of innovation in business solutions through web technologies and GS1 Standards.

GS1 Philippines is eyeing to prepare industries for the shift to the 2D barcode by 2027. By then, all retail POS scanners globally are capable of reading and processing 2D barcodes powered by GS1 and there is broad, global brand owner implementation of the same.

Currently serving more than 5,000 retailers, GS1 Philippines targets to reach 30,000 businesses nationwide by the end of 2024.

To explore the infinite possibilities of one scan with GS1’s 2D barcode technology, you may visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or their Facebook page

Look Out for these giant QR codes and get big surprises to start your 2023!

Wondering what these giant QR codes are? These are big surprises headed your way to kickstart the year! Scan them and you will be able to claim Crave & Claim Deals with big discounts that you and your friends will enjoy together, exclusively through the McDonald’s App!

This January 5-15, 2023, customers can redeem crowd-favorite products and grab discounts of up to 40% off through deals perfect for barkadas to satisfy their McDonald’s cravings on the McDonald’s App. These exclusive deals will surely make your whole barkada get excited for your new year ahead!

Excited to find out what’s in store for you this new year? Look for a giant QR code in select McDonald’s stores and scan them to see all the Crave & Claim Deals you can get only on the McDonald’s App! Here’s a sneak peek of the exciting offers you can claim via dine-in, takeout, or drive-thru this January 5-15, 2023!

1. Two Medium Barbecue Shake Shake Fries for P130 [save P30!]

2. Two 6-pc. McNuggets Solo for P140 [save P94!]

3. Two 2-pc Mushroom Pepper Steak Meal for P170 [save P54!]

4. Two Double Cheeseburger Solo for P170 [save P64!]

5. Two 1-pc Chicken McDo w/ Fries Meal for P199 [save P77!]

6. Two 1-pc Spicy Chicken McDo w/ Fries Meal for P215 [save P61!]

7. Two Quarter Pounder with Cheese Solo for P225 [save P85!]

8. Two Big Mac Solo for P225 [save P85!]

Download the McDonald’s App now!

• Google Play Store – bit.ly/mcdoph-app-android

• App Store – bit.ly/mcdoph-app-ios

Hurry! Don’t miss the special offer only available on January 5-15 via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. For more information and updates on McDonald’s Crave & Claim Fest, visit McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

GCash Brings Businesses in Araneta City’s Farmers Market into the Future

The cost and risk of doing business during the pandemic has gone up drastically, especially for market vendors who earn their income on a daily basis interacting with people and oftentimes in crowded spaces. With strict health protocols, crowded areas like markets have been challenged time and time again by the potential increase of infection, making it more difficult to get through in their respective businesses. 

But now, thanks to GCash, the leading mobile wallet app in the country, MSMEs like market vendors have a safe and convenient method of payment for its buyers through the app’s QR on Demand feature. This will first be rolled out in Farmers Market as GCash’s partners with Araneta City to make the famous market a model for a cashless palengke. With the virus being able to remain for 28 days on paper currency, With the probable risk of paper currency exchange, having cashless transactions reduces the likelihood of infection by minimizing physical transfer. Furthermore, cashless transaction also allows the vendor and vendees to practice social distancing required by the government, making cashless transaction a surefire way to ensure survivability of MSMEs during this pandemic.

"Even before the pandemic, Araneta City has been introducing digital solutions to provide convenience to its patrons. Now, the ‘City of Firsts’ continues to do so by encouraging vendors of Farmers Market to offer cashless payment options to customers via GCash,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive officer. “For our part, we will continue to innovate our digital offerings and partner with institutions that would help us achieve this goal of giving financial access for all Filipinos." 

The leading e-wallet app introduced QR on Demand as part of its mission of financial inclusion for all, which includes supporting all types of entrepreneurs. The QR on Demand is a new and better way to securely send and receive money without having to worry about “wrong sends” due to incorrect numbers, or giving away personal information such as their mobile numbers. 

Users can easily generate their own QR Code and use this in place of giving their GCash number for safe and hassle-free payments ─ whether it’s for personal use or for small businesses. 

"As an essential establishment, Farmers Market has remained open to the public regardless of the quarantine classification imposed by the government. We have always maintained that all market personnel, vendors, and shoppers will observe compliance with health and safety protocols. We value the cashless payment platform provided by GCash as a welcome addition to our strict anti-COVID measures," according to John Castelo, Araneta City's Senior Vice President for Business Development.

GCash’s partnership with market vendors of Farmers Market at Araneta City is just among its initiatives to provide equal financial opportunities for Filipinos. Recently, GCash enabled up to 15,000 jeepney drivers to receive alternative income sources through the app under the Service Contracting Program, in partnership with Sakay.Ph. The app also provides PUJ drivers and commuters with a safe and cashless transaction option amid the pandemic via P2P QR Codes on the GCash app. 

Not yet on GCash? Simply download the GCash app for free on Google Play for Android, Apple Store for iPhone and iPad users, or Huawei Gallery to enjoy this exciting offer from GCash and airasia.

To know more, visit https://www.gcash.com/business.

About GCash

 

GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, customers can easily buy load; pay bills at over 600 partner billers in the app; pay at more than 7,000 online partners; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines; pay using QR codes at over 130,000 partner merchants nationwide; save money while earning interest; and invest money at local and global funds -- all through the convenience of their smartphones.

 

GCash is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom, Inc. GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 40 million Filipinos in the country today.