Fresenius Kabi introduces a 3 year plan to add GS1 data matrix bar codes to its pharmaceutical portfolio of vials, syringes, IV solutions, and parenteral nutrition products at the unit of use. Often referred to as 2D barcodes, data matrix bar codes store more information than a standard one-dimensional bar code. In addition to the NDC, each bar code will include the lot number and expiration date. Additional benefits of these bar codes include improved safety checks for clinicians, system-wide data integration of lot numbers and expiration dates to help easily track potential recalls and expired medications, and the elimination of manual data entry and transcription.