Since 1974, the UPC barcode has offered instant price lookup scanning at retail. Today however, it’s no longer keeping up with the growing demands for greater product information . In response, GS1, the steward of  global supply chain data, is transitioning to a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that carry more information. Industry has set a date to make the transition to accepting 2D barcodes at point-of-sale (POS) — referred to as Sunrise 2027. By the end of 2027, retailers will need to ensure their POS systems are equipped with scanners capable of reading both traditional UPC barcodes and new 2D UPC barcodes. Using a smartphone scan, consumers can get the information like nutritional information, allergens, sustainability, and sourcing data, as well as any other web engagement activities all powered by GS1 Digital Link. That same barcode can be scanned at point of sale for price lookup, at the patient bedside for medication administration, and a variety of other supply chain processes related to inventory management and recall readiness GS1 US is helping both supply and demand-side organizations and solution providers get started with a migration path toward the next dimension of barcodes. Learn more about how you can prepare your organization and your scanning systems to accept 2D barcodes to help streamline your operations.