The "DataBar Limited" barcode is a member of the GS1 DataBar family, which is a group of barcodes designed to fit more information into smaller spaces.

Specifically, the DataBar Limited is a fixed-length symbology that can encode Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) starting with "0" or "1".

This design is particularly useful for items where space is at a premium and omnidirectional scanning is not required.

The compact size of DataBar Limited makes it ideal for the healthcare industry, where it is often used to mark small items. Unlike its counterparts, the DataBar Limited is not intended for point-of-sale scanning, which means it's not commonly found in retail environments. Instead, its usage is more specialized, often for internal processes where items need to be tracked or identified but not necessarily scanned at a checkout.

The DataBar Limited can carry essential data such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates when paired with GS1 Application Identifiers, enhancing traceability and quality control.

Its introduction has been a significant step forward for industries that require a compact barcode solution without compromising on the amount of data encoded.

The adoption of DataBar Limited and other GS1 DataBar symbols has been critical in addressing revised coding requirements, especially in sectors like healthcare and fresh produce, where the ability to encode additional information is crucial for safety and quality assurance.

The design of the DataBar Limited barcode is such that it maintains a balance between size and data capacity, ensuring that even the smallest items can be effectively marked and tracked throughout their lifecycle.