As businesses prepare for the rise of 2D barcodes and the GS1 Digital Link standard, upgrading your barcode scanners is crucial for compliance and efficiency. This guide covers leading manufacturers, including Zebra and others like Honeywell, Datalogic, Cognex, Motorola/Symbol, and Tera, outlining their upgrade processes to support symbologies required for 2D barcodes.

To see full details of 2D barcode compatibility for the major scanner models, visit Compliance for 2D barcodes at Point of Sale (POS) and select your scanner's manufacturer.

Zebra

Zebra scanners can be upgraded for GS1 Digital Link and 2D barcodes using the 123Scan utility. Download the latest firmware from the Zebra Support Page and use 123Scan to apply updates, selecting Mode 2 for comprehensive 2D data capture. Compatible models include the MP72 Series and DS2200 Series. Follow the Upgrade Zebra Scanners Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Honeywell

Honeywell scanners support GS1 DataBar and 2D barcodes with firmware updates. Visit the Honeywell Support Site to download firmware and use EZConfig to apply it. The EasyParse plug-in parses GS1 application identifiers in 2D codes. Compatible models include the Voyager series (e.g., 1250G) and Xenon imagers. Refer to Honeywell’s How to parse GS1 data by the embedded application identifiers guide.

Datalogic

Datalogic offers firmware upgrades for GS1 Digital Link and 2D barcodes, especially on Android-based scanners. Update firmware via the Datalogic Software Updates (select the Software & Updates category) or Aladdin Configurator, enabling Mode 2 for 2D priority. Fixed scanners like the Magellan 9550i support GS1 2D Digital Link upgrades. Compatible models include the Magellan series (e.g., 9550i) and QuickScan 2500. View New Datalogic settings for GS1 Digital Link management for further details.

Cognex

Cognex provides upgrades for GS1 Sunrise 2027, supporting 2D barcode readiness. Flash firmware via the Cognex Support Page to enable GS1 Digital Link.

Motorola/Symbol (now Zebra)

As a legacy brand under Zebra, Motorola and Symbol scanners use Zebra’s 123Scan tool for upgrades. Update firmware via Zebra Support and enable GS1 parsing for 2D codes.

Tera

Tera offers upgrades for GS1 2D barcodes, primarily through newer hardware or manual configurations. Check Tera’s supported 2D barcode scanners or product manuals for firmware updates.

General Advice

Upgrades typically involve firmware updates via manufacturer tools (e.g., Zebra’s 123Scan, Honeywell’s EZConfig). Most scanners support GS1 Sunrise 2027 for 2D scanning, with rollouts by mid-2025. Verify compatibility with the GS1's Compliance for 2D barcodes at Point of Sale (POS) Scanner Readiness List.

Stay informed as manufacturers release new firmware to meet evolving GS1 standards.