Abstract
The evolution of barcode systems will enter a new stage in 2010. The GS1 DataBar will complement and consequently replace the existing EAN/UPC standards. This paper elaborates on the main conceptual differences between these two barcode generations and discusses evolving potentials of the GS1 DataBar. Based on that, results from a Delphi study are presented comprising the notions of 15 experts who represent different partners of grocery supply chains. The results from two Delphi rounds show that the respondents see an extraordinary importance of this new barcode generation for the collaboration between supply chain partners. This standard is also seen to facilitate instore-logistics processes with respect to bulk fresh food products.