Fast-paced building and construction materials manufacturing lines sit against a backdrop of slim margins, tight deadlines, and continued industry expansion. With fears that new regulations could jeopardise the drive for efficiency, Rob Ellinor explains how to print EU CPR-compliant GS1 2D codes without compromising manufacturing productivity…

Construction product rules for manufacturers

Construction materials manufacturing companies are assessing the implications of new and anticipated regulations, including the EU Construction Products Regulation (EU-CPR 2024), mandating more advanced material traceability, including machine-readable codes, to improve building safety, accountability, and sustainability.

The adoption of global data standards will underpin consistent identification and sharing of data related to building and construction materials throughout a building’s lifetime. While there is currently no single rule for how the information should be shared, GS1 2D codes with Digital Link technology offer a universally recognised standard that can bring much-needed clarity to the industry.

Each GS1 2D code (GS1 QR or GS1 DataMatrix) will link to the product’s brand name, key attributes, and unique Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). It will also allow access to other product information, including compliance certification, traceability details, usage and installation instructions, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Challenges of printing GS1 2D codes in construction manufacturing

Existing coding equipment and production lines may not be optimised for 2D code printing, however. Manufacturers upgrading their lines to manage advanced variable data 2D codes will need to consider an array of factors to ensure effective scanning within harsh, fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Construction materials such as wood, aggregates, and bagged products may vary in surface texture and consistency, making reliable coding more difficult. There is also a trade-off between line speed and print resolution, with fast line speeds potentially leading to inadequate print quality and scan experience. The implications of poor print quality in the sector extend beyond wasted raw materials, with downtime leading to lost sales, wasted labour, and downstream disruption.

Upgrading construction materials manufacturing lines for GS1 2D codes

The good news for manufacturers looking to upgrade the line is the growing maturity of 2D barcode printing options. Adoption in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals, has accelerated development and driven down costs. New coding systems are also specifically engineered for harsh, dusty environments, with modern industrial inkjet and laser systems built to effectively apply GS1 2D codes in hostile environments, reducing the risk of downtime.

Printing technology has also evolved to deliver higher resolution 2D codes at high speeds. Add-on solutions such as automation and vision verification systems improve productivity and reduce waste while also ensuring regulatory codes are verified for accuracy and readability.

Coding automation solutions can simplify integration with manufacturers’ ERP and MES systems to automate product coding, reducing the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of coding errors. Inline machine vision systems can automatically verify 2D codes at speeds matching production line printers and reject substandard products before they leave the line.

A growing number of customisable coding systems that integrate coding, product handling, and inspection are also available. For example, coding stations for extruded products, and solutions with multiple printhead combinations that code directly onto stacked products. Such solutions serve to overcome challenges related to irregular product-to-printer presentation and production line stability, all of which can affect final code quality.

What’s more, many modern coding systems have been developed to be user-friendly – with intuitive interfaces, options for remote monitoring, and augmented reality-enabled support. This means that line upgrades won’t require complex coding knowledge, and new systems can be straightforward for existing operatives to use.

Beyond compliance: The foundation for smarter manufacturing

For many, compliance is viewed simply as a cost of doing business. In reality, more granular product traceability requirements can unlock increased efficiency and add value to the downstream supply chain.

When printed with a 2D code, each construction product becomes a smart object, scannable at any point in the manufacturing or construction process. A simple scan can access a digital product profile, which shows when a product was created, the line it originated from, its material composition, and its intended use.

For manufacturers, this can be used to provide production insight, error identification, and accurate root cause analysis. Beyond the factory, this product information provides a gateway to greater collaboration and efficiency up and down the supply chain.

There is now a compelling opportunity to look beyond compliance as a cost and recognise the chance to deliver significant value throughout a connected and collaborative supply chain. With the right understanding and a partner that recognises the wider potential of advanced variable data 2D codes, building and construction materials manufacturers can transform compliance from a regulatory requirement into an opportunity to differentiate in a highly competitive industry.