President's Message
I am pleased to present GS1 India’s Annual Report of 2020-21, which highlights the notable milestones achieved over the past year despite the second wave of the pandemic impacting both human lives and economies. As part of the global standards organisation, GS1 India has taken special measures to adapt to the changing needs of its subscribers and ensure business continuity during challenging times.
GS1 India’s resilience and innovative initiatives have not only helped organisations progress towards their vision but also enabled multiple industries adopt and implement global supply chain standards. It has been helping small and mid-sized organisations in their digital transformation journey through adoption of global standards and AIDC technologies. For strengthening SMEs, it has initiated masterclasses where industry veterans share their experiences, industry expectations, and guide them in regard to common challenges.
Message from CEO
As we reflect on the past year, I am delighted to share the significant strides GS1 India has made in fostering innovation and expansion of global standards across industries. Our commitment to facilitating effective information exchange throughout supply chains has grown stronger.
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of first ever scan of a barcode. The power of the barcode has changed the way we work and live. Today, digitised information flows seamlessly across supply chains, whether from farm to fork, manufacturer to retail store, bringing about safety, resiliency, and transparency.
The Indian economy continues to grow, navigating challenges with agility and emerging as a global leader in innovation. This progress is mirrored in the increasing adoption of GS1 standards among businesses nationwide, as evidenced by the growth in our subscriber base and services.
GS1 is on a transformative leap with the introduction of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes at retail points of sale, with a global rollout expected by 2027. These next-generation barcodes, capable of carrying enriched attributes, will revolutionize information sharing and enhance operational efficiency across supply chains.
Our ongoing project with IIIT Delhi under the DataKart Centre for Excellence has showcased new developments in the Clickit app, enabling easy image background removal and efficient data extraction through artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The Indian economy is on a growth trajectory, and this has resulted in a positive business environment. MSMEs are considered the backbone of the economy. They play a vital role in promoting inclusive growth by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment. The government has implemented several initiatives and policies aimed at encouraging small businesses to remain agile and competitive.
DataKart has evolved beyond a product registry to offer comprehensive services. The enhancements to our Smart Consumer platform have delivered superior user experiences and value-added services.
The application of 2D barcodes for electronic labeling is changing how product information is shared across the supply chain. Industry is now adopting GS1 Digital link-based QR codes which enables detailed product information of the product with a simple quick scan. Web links can be embedded in this QR code which help consumers access nutritional information, food recipes, allergen(s), care instructions, user manuals, troubleshooting tips, operation guides, warranty activation links, etc.
Consumers, businesses, and governments want reliable information about the sustainability of their products and services. GS1 continues to provide a common set of standards to share sustainability information widely, both for B2B and B2C purposes. Furthermore, the circular economy model, which involves reusing, repairing, refurnishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible, is a key pillar of sustainability.
Looking towards the future with optimism and determination, we will remain dedicated to advancing standards, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable value for the entire business ecosystem and social welfare.
CEO Message
The outbreak and fast spread of COVID-19 has disrupted many businesses, supply chains and industries. This has necessitated a new approach to the way we work and live, with social distancing norms and work-from-home becoming the new normal. Staying true to its mission and core values, GS1 India has embraced technology and adopted innovative and agile ways of working, ensuring safety for teams and business continuity for our subscribers. This year, we have launched dedicated helplines and online chat to better support our subscribers.
For business, it was yet another year of satisfactory performance with the growth of 17% in new subscriber acquisition for allocation of unique product codes, DataKart and consulting services.
CEO Message
The outbreak and fast spread of COVID-19 has disrupted many businesses, supply chains and industries. This has necessitated a new approach to the way we work and live, with social distancing norms and work-from-home becoming the new normal. Staying true to its mission and core values, GS1 India has embraced technology and adopted innovative and agile ways of working, ensuring safety for teams and business continuity for our subscribers. This year, we have launched dedicated helplines and online chat to better support our subscribers.
For business, it was yet another year of satisfactory performance with the growth of 17% in new subscriber acquisition for allocation of unique product codes, DataKart and consulting services.
GS1 India is poised for the digital future and is continuously helping industries transcend towards a data first approach. To support our subscribers better, we have been constantly enhancing DataKart platform by offering new services. This year, we have introduced an imaging app – ClickIt, to help our subscribers easily create digital product catalogues, list their products on popular e-commerce platforms, and gain access to wider consumer base. Also, a couponing module has been added to help brand owners uniquely identify, manage and redeem coupons.
Our data first approach is decluttering MDM systems, reducing human error, and turning beeps into clicks. Harnessing the power of product data enables retailers and online marketplaces to run their operations better. This year, major e-tailers have started using GTIN Validation service for validating product codes (GTINs) and fetching additional attribute information on products.
We believe that a constant process of learning is the best way to move up the value chain and cope up with the pressures. Hence, we organized regular knowledge sharing sessions for our subscribers and staff members to help them grow.
Several traceability projects were initiated this year. This includes UNDP and Spices Board’s blockchain-based traceability pilot for chili and turmeric farms using GS1 standards; use of GS1 India’s traceability service for end-to-end order tracking by Tata Pravesh; and technical feasibility study for Indian Navy to better manage their ammunition inventory.
Further, we supported our subscribers comply with unique identification requirements of Department of Agriculture, Government of India, and Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).
GS1 India is partnering with Authentication Solution Providers Association (ASPA) to strengthen anti-counterfeiting ecosystem and take the fight against counterfeiting to the next level in India, using global standards. Jointly, we will sensitize stakeholders in this respect and will spread awareness and motivate brands and customers to use ‘Smart Consumer’ – an app launched to empower consumers with digital product information. This year, GS1 India enabled Bureau of Civil Aviation Security develop certificate registry by leveraging document identification standards for unique identification and authentication of Aviation Security (AVSEC) certificates.
GS1 India has also organized a goal setting meeting, with the theme ‘Gearing Up for growth and Aligning with GS1 Global Priorities’, to develop a 5-year growth plan of the organization. For motivating employees, we have also constituted performance awards. Going forward, we would continue to support SMEs and industries with adoption of global standards, knowledge sessions, quicker query resolution options, and better information accessibility through redevelopment of website and Smart Consumer app.
I take this opportunity to thank our president Dr. Srikar Reddy, members of the Management Board, GS1 Global Office, and GS1 Member Organisations for their continued support and guidance. I would also like to thank GS1 India team for their commitment in supporting our subscribers to ensure continuity of service and establishing enduring relationship with them, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
Annual Update
Here’s an update on some of the recent projects of GS1 India
Spices Board
UNDP Accelerator Lab India, along with GS1 India and Spices Board joined together to develop blockchain-based traceability system for Indian spices.
Indian Army
To comply with FSSAI's recommendations on product recall and traceability, Indian Army implemented DataKart Trace to achieve standards-based traceability system.
Tata Pravesh
GS1 India’s Consultancy and DataKart Trace services enables Tata Pravesh to establish end-to-end traceability of its product and manage warranty claims.
Pesticide Notification
GS1 India pivoted into Digital Link services (QR code) services to support pesticide manufacturers comply with the notification of Department of Agriculture.
UP State Excise Department
Department of Excise, Govt. of UP, plans to adopt global standards with an objective to enhance consumer safety by ensuring that consumers get access to genuine liquor only.
Oxygen cylinder manufacturers
GS1 India is supporting the oxygen cylinder manufacturers to comply with DPIIT’s requirement, using our Digital Link based QR Code services.
Tata Steel
To avoid the possibility of counterfeit, Tata Steel plans to use DataKart Trace, to enable consumers authenticate its pressure vessels.
Indian Navy
GS1 India conducted a technical feasibility study for DGONA to ease their challenge of tracking ammunition in Naval Armament Deports and ships.
Annual Report
GS1 India's Annual Report of 2021-22 highlights the notable milestones accomplished over the past year.
Download Full Report 
