https://arab.news/85kua
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is poised to have an enhanced product tracking system providing accurate production-to-consumption information as its barcode agency expands, adhering to international standards.
GS1 Saudi Arabia, locally known as the Saudi Barcode Center, has unveiled its latest expansion plans and development initiatives, aimed at offering reliable details about national and international products, tracking their production, storage, distribution, and reaching the end consumer.
This will aid in product recalls, reduce commercial fraud, and promote e-commerce.
The center, operating under the Federation of Saudi Chambers, made the announcement during the inaugural meeting of the board of directors, attended by Hassan Al-Huwaizy, chairman of the center and head of the FSC, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting discussed the center's plans and initiatives to strengthen its position and improve its services to both the public and private sectors. The gathering also saw the approval of the Product Traceability System and the National Products Catalog projects, based on international barcoding standards.
Board member Saad Al-Turaif emphasized the significant potential for the center to expand its capabilities in serving both the government and private sectors. He also underscored the pivotal role of barcoding in facilitating exports and protecting products.
In order to boost the center’s effectiveness, the board of directors proposed refining its organizational structure and implementing comprehensive governance guidelines to regulate all administrative and financial procedures.
According to its website, GS1 Saudi Arabia is the sole authorized entity providing GS1 international barcodes for the local market, serving as a foundational tool for automation in inventory, warehouse management, and point-of-sale systems.
The Saudi center began operations in 1999, aiming to heighten awareness among local businesses about supply chain automation and foster their adoption to enhance logistics workflows.
The center adheres to the specifications of the international organization and aims to increase awareness and promote the adoption of barcoding, utilizing the global barcode system to establish a common international language for economic activities.
GS1, a neutral and global collaboration platform, has over 2 million registered companies worldwide utilizing its standards.