GS1 Data Matrix - Unable to generate without AI 01

[umich-devin]

Good Afternoon,

A previous version of bwip-js (from last summer) allowed us to generate a GS1 Data Matrix without the (01) AI. This appears to have changed since then. Was this intentional, and is there any easy workaround?

Thank you,

Devin

[metafloor]

Yes, the upstream BWIPP code has added full GS1 spec-conforming functionality. If it's a GS1 barcode, then it needs an AI. If you don't want the AI, use the base datamatrix encoder.

[umich-devin]

Thank you for the quick clarification, we are using other AIs, just not 01 in rare circumstances where a GTIN doesn't exist. We will find something else for this. Again - thank you!

[terryburton]

The gs1datamatrix encoder will certainly allow you to generate a GS1 Data Matrix without an AI (01).

If it is rejecting your input then it will report exactly which other AI has a mandatory dependency on AI (01), e.g. One of more requisite AIs for AI (17) are missing.

If the mandatory associations between AIs are not satisfied, then the AI data is invalid and such symbols should not be used between trade partners.

[umich-devin]

Hi Terry,

Thank you for the follow-up. I appreciate the understandable explanation. We wish that all was true for all vendor products, but that is unfortunately not always the case with what we receive. We will find a workaround.

Thank you,

Devin

[terryburton]

The dontlint option disables GS1 data validation which would allow you to continue to use the application-specific encoder.

[umich-devin]

The dontlint option disables GS1 data validation which would allow you to continue to use the application-specific encoder.

Thank you! This is very helpful for our /unfortunate/ use case.