Unlock new possibilities by combining the Intelligent Link Routing of Delivr dynamic QR codes with the global standards of GS1 Digital Link. The result is a single QR code that transacts with point-of-sale systems, provides supply chain traceability, and launches consumer experiences.
GS1 Digital Link teaches QR codes a new trick, several in fact.
Unlock new possibilities by combining the Intelligent Link Routing of Delivr dynamic QR codes with the global standards of GS1 Digital Link. The result is a single QR code that transacts with point-of-sale systems, provides supply chain traceability, and launches consumer experiences.
Goodbye UPC. Hello GS1 Digital Link.
Unleash your packaging with the GS1 Digital Link. With the GS1 Digital Link standard, it's now possible to add a GS1 identifier to a web address URL as structured data. GS1 Digital Link encoded QR codes will replace UPCs used by over 2 million manufacturers for over 4 trillion products annually. This will result in a single QR code placed on consumer packaged goods (CPGs) to connect to the web, transact with point-of-sale systems, provide supply chain traceability, and launch consumer experiences.
Why GS1 Digital Link?
We have all heard the "beep" sound at the checkout as our purchased products are scanned. These 1D barcodes, or UPC or EAN, are managed by GS1, the global standards organization responsible for the trillions of barcodes seen on products worldwide. However, 1D barcodes no longer meet today's growing demands for greater product information, connectivity, and functionality.
Many brands have responded to more data and information demand by adding secondary barcodes to their packaging. A single pack will now contain a UPC for point of sale, a QR code for consumer applications and other data carriers for internal stock control and supply chain operations management. It can confuse consumers when there are multiple barcodes on a product's packaging, and it can cause scanning issues at the point of sale. Additionally, having multiple barcodes takes up valuable space in the packaging design.
To address these challenges, GS1 has launched an upgrade called GS1 Digital Link. The GS1 Digital Link standard uses a single QR code that is data-rich and ISO-compliant on product packaging or labels. Other tags, such as NFC tags, can also support the GS1 Digital Link standard. This upgrade allows every product to have its own digital identity and web address, enabling it to connect to the Web, transact with point-of-sale systems, provide supply chain traceability, launch consumer experiences, and many other applications.
GS1 Digital Link explained.
A global business language has been created by GS1, which is based on unique and unambiguous identification. This identification is encoded in data carriers such as QR codes and RFID tags and is essential for business processes that rely on those identifiers. These fundamentals are used worldwide to support the various business needs of supply chain partners, enabling greater efficiencies in processing goods and services.
The World Wide Web is an environment that allows people and companies to access and share information on anything, including products and services.
GS1 Digital Link serves as the bridge that connects GS1-based identification schemes with the syntax used on the World Wide Web. In simple terms, GS1 Digital Link provides a standard way to express GS1 keys and attribute data in a format that can be used on the Web.
The GS1 Digital Link Standard defines how to structure web URIs to include additional information such as batch/lot, expiration date, serial number, and other GS1 keys like GLN (Global Location Number) and SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code). The GS1 Digital Link is an effective solution that allows a single, standardized QR code to perform multiple online and offline functions, reducing the need for numerous codes on packaging.
Each product is assigned a distinct digital identity using GS1 Digital Link. This technology allows every item to be linked to the internet by incorporating web addresses rather than numerical codes. By embedding a web address (URL), the product can be connected to its unique digital identity in the cloud. This link can be encoded in any 2D code, NFC/RFID tag, or Bluetooth beacon. Additionally, GS1 identifiers and attributes can be included in the web URL, making sharing product information with any app or device simpler.
- GS1 Digital Link is a QR code with a product GTIN added onto the end.
- It can be scanned to access information about the product.
- Brands can add additional identifiers for more specific information.
- Product information can be adjusted in real-time, such as during a recall.
- Apps can be developed to access specific information.
- Detailed Product Information
- Promotions & Rewards
- Provenance & Manufacturing Details
- Sustainability Practices
- Recall Information
- Instructions & Usage Tips
- Allergy Information
- Product Registration
- Authenticity
- Master & Traceability data
- Regulatory compliance data
- Recall the status of an item
- SKU & Batch information
- eCommerce & PoS integration
- Brand Protection
Let's introduce you to a QR code encoded with a GS1 Digital Link.
Using a GS1 Digital Link, a QR code can contain identifiers like a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). This number is the same as found in a UPC barcode and is used to identify a product during checkout. This QR code also becomes a gateway to access various information about the product.
The following example contains the Product GTIN and Serial Number. However, it is also possible to include Batch/Lot, Expiration Date, and any other combination of GS1 keys. The base URL can be our default, a.mp, or your custom subdomain, e.g., id.yourdomain.com.
This information can be encoded into an on-pack QR code using GS1 Digital Link, such as the code below.
A better consumer experience.
Turn your product into a media channel for personalized, dynamic experiences and content.
By implementing GS1 Digital Link, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs) can provide personalized and relevant content to their customers through a single standards-based code that serves multiple applications. GS1 Digital Link eliminates the need for individual and proprietary codes for each application.
If a customer uses their smartphone to scan the QR code on the product packaging, they will be taken to the brand's website. Once there, they can enjoy a variety of experiences. This includes information about the product's origin, recycling instructions, authentication data, allergy information, rewards, etc. GS1 Digital Link enables a seamless and personalized experience for consumers.
Business-to-Consumer Applications
A more straightforward supply chain.
Simplify lifecycle traceability. Reduce the cost and complexity of data sharing across the supply chain.
Managing product data is essential for retailers and manufacturers. Suppliers must often navigate complex data-sharing ecosystems to gather images and videos from content service providers, marketing material from digital agencies, and multiple logistics and product information sources. This process is costly, time-consuming, and redundant.
By utilizing GS1 Digital Link and resolver technology, the industry can streamline and connect trading partners to relevant, brand-authorized data sources. This allows for a more efficient product-listing process using the foundational GS1 identity. Using the same GS1 Digital Link barcode helps inventory management across the supply chain and can improve traceability solutions, particularly for identifying particular and serialized product batches. This additional data in the barcode supports linking to information about provenance, recall, and expiration.
Business-to-Business Applications
When will GS1 Digital Link replace UPC at point-of-sale?
Before the UPC barcode becomes obsolete, various technological measures must be implemented. During this "transition period," national brands will carry the traditional UPC and 2D codes on their products, and retailers will upgrade their POS checkouts to read the latter while manufacturers and supply chain partners integrate.
The GS1 US has established a project called Sunrise 2027, with a deadline of 2027 for the US retail industry to adopt 2D barcodes at point-of-sale. The goal is to have GS1 Digital Link in place globally by 2027. The project is being led by GS1, involving many businesses and organizations. GS1 US is assisting supply and demand-side organizations and solution providers to migrate towards GS1 Digital Link. Various consumer brands, governmental organizations, and agencies have set goals, and while industry-wide adoption efforts are underway, pilot projects are already happening globally.
Around the world, various efforts are being made to promote sustainable choices through digital means. For example, the EU Digital Product Passport requires many consumer products to have a readily accessible digital identity, making it easier to choose environmentally friendly options. This standard is quickly gaining popularity as it meets many of the EU's initial requirements.
A revolution is underway.
Back in the 1970s, only a few could have predicted the significance of linear barcodes. The same can be said about GS1 Digital Link. However, as product identification, automatic data capture, supply chain visibility, and information sharing continue to gain importance in global business operations, this tool is expected to be widely adopted in all sectors.
It's a critical moment for the industry as the GS1 Digital Link standard gains traction. To unlock new value from your products, providing each item with a GS1 Digital Link and a digital identity is essential. It's time to take action and capitalize on this opportunity.
Delivr QR codes combined with the power of GS1 Digital Link unlock new possibilities.
Delivr is well-placed to help you respond strategically to this new industry standard. Delivr is a privacy-first platform used by the world's largest brands, offering tools for creating, managing, and serializing dynamic QR codes and now offers GS1 Digital Links, which allows a single 2D barcode to provide point-of-sale functionality and acts as a consumer-facing, web-based URL at the same time to drive a consumer experience. As one of the world's leading dynamic QR Code Generator platforms, we have provided millions of QR codes with real-time analytics and product/campaign management tools. By adding standard GS1 Application Identifiers to Delivr-managed Short URLs, you can configure support for a corresponding GS1 Digital Link and allow any consumer who scans the 2D barcode to be dynamically redirected to a rich product experience, providing additional value to the brand before retail.