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The value beyond compliance potential of DSCSA took a signficant step forward in 2025 through the advancement of collaboration and technology. In the early years of DSCSA development, it was unclear if the supply chain could fully embrace moving away from dependancy on the linear UPC barcode. 2025 showed that adoption of the 2D datamatrix had advanced for some beyond adoption and into innovation.

With full DSCSA interoperability and the last requirements in the rearview mirror for all of the largest trading partners in the supply chain, we saw an increase in indications of the significant value that comes with the adoption of new technology and barcodes. Historic linear barcodes are limited in the fact that they only contain a single string of data in the form of a GTIN number. The new GS1 Datamatrix barcode is a flexible barcode standard that allows for data that is only limited by the space of the barcode that grows as data is added. The current barcode content followed by US trading partners includes a GTIN, Lot Number, Expiry Date, and Serial Number along with the ability to add additional data through the use of Application Identifiers. It is expected this datamatrix format will move into fuller adoption including the inner units such as bottles, vials, and blisterpacks as the NDC 12 rule becomes finalized. Several events in 2025 and prior years are worth noting as clear indication that innovation is coming:

• NABP Publishes Decommissioning Workshop Results- following the pilot conducted in 2024 to explore the possibility of dispensers capturing product identifiers including serial numbers, the workshop showed the significant interest in closing the gaps being exploited in recent counterfeiting events. The report higlighted the risks and issues that need to be addressed but concluded in saying "SN decommissioning has the potential to further strengthen the security and integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain."
• GS1 Announces Smartphone Scanability Through Collaboration with Google- In November of 2025, GS1 announced that users can now scan datamatrix barcodes using Google tools such as Google Lens without the need for separate software and be routed through manufacturer enabled data. GS1 highlighted that the "new capability will give patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals instant access to trusted medicine information online, opening a new era for patient safety." The article went on to highlight that this does not prevent existing routing systems from continuing to operate.
• Trading Partners Leverage the Added Data Elements- Through various industry groups in 2025, there was mention that trading partners such as hospitals and pharmacies had begun leveraging the new datamatrix barcode including the ability to check for product expiration and capturing serial number with existing event information.
• New Technologies Utilizing Serial Data to Track- As mentioned on a recent podcast, Mark highlighted that logistic device manufacturers had begun integrating the serial information to help capture data for greater patient safety including the ability to track "time out of cooler" through the entire supply chain by serial number. These innovations will help increase patient safety while reducing cost related to product disposition/destruction.

We are excited to see what unfolds in 2026 and look forward to hearing more from peers and clients in the upcoming conference season.

👉 Ready to strengthen your DSCSA training program? Contact Ten Count Consulting today to learn how we can help your team prepare with confidence

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