Generate and configure the GS1 digital link for your products
 

With the GS1 Digital Link standard, it is now possible to add a GS1 identifier (GTIN) to a web address URL as structured data.

Kodici offers 4 domain options for generating GS1 digital link

Platform's domain

Kodici offers a default domain, which requires no additional configuration and is ready to use. In this case there is no brand customization.

Subdomain of the platform domain

Kodici allows the inclusion of 1 subdomain in the platforms default domain containing the name of the brand or product. This improves consumer perception and confidence after scanning the QR Code containing the GS1 digital link.

Own brand domain

The brand registers a domain and points to the Kodici platform. Consumers will be confident that the URL displayed on their phone after scanning the QR Code belongs to your brand and will be more likely to trust the link. Furthermore, the domain becomes a brand asset.

Subdomain of a brand's own domain

The brand creates a subdomain on its existing domain and points to the Kodici platform. Consumers tend to trust the link more as they will realize that the QR code is owned by the brand. This approach allows you to separate the brand website content from the domain used for GS1 digital link.

Repurposing to digital content

The GS1 Digital link URI serves as an entry point to redirect to the product's digital content.

This digital content and redirection can be updated whenever necessary without any impact on the 2D barcode applied to the commercial item.

The best practice is to set up a basic redirect for digital content, from the GS1 Digital Link URI. It is recommended to do this using a GS1-Conformant resolver, such as the one provided by Kodici, allowing multiple digital content sources to be linked to a single GS1 Digital Link URI.

Data carriers

Broadly speaking, a data carrier is any medium that is capable of storing and transmitting data - and especially machine-readable data - as well as allowing a GS1 Digital link to be encoded and that can be in some way added to the product itself, to your label or packaging.

Currently, there are two types of data carriers available for GS1 digital link, and both are 2D barcodes: QR Codes and Data Matrix, both of which are supported by the Kodici platform.

Link serialization

For brands, it means having control over product distribution, quality control and protection against unauthorized sales.

You are assigning a unique identity to each product: the serial number.

And with serialized QR Codes, you can link this exclusive product to an end consumer.

Embedded in this serial number, you can track powerful data such as batch number, product and dealer information.

What is the basic format of a GS1 digital link?

The 2D barcode is compatible with any form of 2D code, such as a QR Code. This QR Code incorporates a digital link URI in the standard defined by GS1, which is essentially a website URL with a product GTIN appended to the end.

Brands have the option of increasing granularity by incorporating additional identifiers into the 2D barcodes URI data sequence. For serialized items, this can involve including an individual item code, such as the batch number and serial number of a product.

Optimize your product packaging.

Use the 2D barcode as a gateway to information. Its flexibility allows connections to all types of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) information.

Whether for consumers who want to know more about a particular product, or for wholesalers and retailers who want to optimize efficiency by accessing accurate product data and supply chain information.

The new 2D barcode with GS1-standard digital link provides a globally standardized URL syntax for providing and sharing any product information within your organization, with your partners and with your consumers.

One QR Code, infinite possibilities

Provide product information in a simple and accessible way.

This allows product brands to deliver relevant content directly to consumers via a single standards-based QR code that serves multiple applications, rather than individual proprietary codes for each application.

Certifications
Discounts
Forms
Informations
Points of sale
Traceability
Augmented reality
Recycling
Social media
Product registration
Regulatory
About the brand
Sustainability

Be a leader in the transition from barcodes to digital links!

You can start testing right away, no need to wait for retailers to prepare.

Early adopters of the new standard across industries are building a competitive advantage for themselves by seizing the opportunity to shape the market.

Start scalably, from a single GS1 digital link. Dont worry about IT infrastructure, developers, etc. Kodicis GS1 digital link resolver is already running in the cloud, simply focus on the content.

FAQ

What is GS1 digital link?
The GS1 Digital Link is a globally standardized URL syntax to identify the product in POS systems and provide product-specific information to stakeholders and consumers.
What is a 2D barcode?
It is a QR Code or Data Matrix that contains a URL with a standardized GS1 Digital Link syntax that, when scanned by a consumer, will be redirected to associated digital content. If scanned by a POS, it will return the identifiers contained in the GS1 digital link.
What is a resolver?
A resolver is a web-based system that acts as an interpreter and traffic controller. It unpacks, validates and translates the information stored in a "GS1 digital link" URI, intelligently redirecting it to the appropriate links or content.
The "resolver" component in Digital Link allows a 2D barcode to be directed to various data sources depending on the application that reads the symbol. If there is no resolver, the link encoded in the 2D barcode will only point to a single web address.
Using a "resolver", brands can ensure that different scans of the same 2D barcode lead to the most appropriate endpoint. For example, a product may only have a QR code on its packaging, but scanning it with a "warehouse app" will direct you to a different URL than scanning it with a "consumer app".
What is a QR Code?
QR Codes are the most widely adopted type of 2D (two-dimensional) code.
2D codes can store much more information than 1D codes: a QR code contains up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, more than 50 times the maximum capacity of a barcode, making it possible to encode URLs in it.
QR Codes that encode unique URLs that redirect to other online resources are called dynamic QR Codes: their destination can be changed as many times as necessary, without regenerating or reprinting the QR code itself.
Why should I use GS1 digital link?
  • To prepare your brand and your products for the future. GS1 digital link is the product ID for the digital age. Early adopters of the new standard in all sectors are building a competitive advantage for themselves, seizing the opportunity to shape the market.
  • Accelerated compliance with international requirements, such as the FDA nutritional information label and the EU digital product passport.
  • Simplified packaging design and printing, with a single QR Code for all purposes, instead of multiple 1D and 2D codes, smart labels and tags.
  • Simplified and efficient supply chain management, with better traceability, transparency and sustainability.
  • Easy product authentication and anti-counterfeiting protection.
  • More value for customers through additional information, rich and engaging content, promotions, loyalty rewards and much more!
What is the main difference between QR Code Digital link and a traditional QR code?
Visually they are similar. The difference consists of the purpose and functions of each type.
The QR Code Digital link follows the GS1 standard and is mainly used for product identification and supply chain tracking. It has a unique Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) that differentiates products.
On the other hand, the traditional QR Code can serve various purposes, such as marketing and advertising. In addition to digital links, it can also store digital files such as videos, audio, images and documents.
What is the difference between a "GS1 Digital Link URI" and any URI or Web URL?
A GS1 digital link URI is the same as any other URI or Web URL and has no intrinsic meaning or value. It can be treated in exactly the same way as any URL.
There is no special character that can be included in a data carrier to indicate that what follows is a GS1 Digital Link URI.
However, URIs GS1 Digital link must follow the appropriate syntax and structure described in the GS1 digital link specification.
Do I need to be a GS1 member to use the Digital Link solution?
Yes, to use the Digital Link solution you must have a GS1 identifier, which can only be supplied by GS1.
For most brands, this will be the GTIN already assigned to their products. Kodici works with any GTIN format (GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13 or GTIN-14).
How does the GS1 Digital Link work?
Each product with a GS1 GTIN receives a new QR Code containing a unique URL. When a consumer points their smartphone camera at the QR code in GS1 digital link format (no app required), they are taken to a web page containing important product information, such as videos, recipes and recycling information.
Regardless of the size of your product label, consumers can scan and access your brand story, buy directly from you and even connect with you on social media. It's a direct connection between you and your customer and a new source of traffic to your website.
For most brands, this will be the GTIN already assigned to their products. Kodici works with any GTIN format (GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13 or GTIN-14).
Can I use my own domain/URL in the GS1 digital link?
Yes. Our solution supports the use of own domains/URLs as prefixes for digital link identities, such as id.yourbrand.com/01/12345678901234.
What kind of information can I provide via the GS1 digital link?
GS1 Digital Link classifies information as "Link Types". There are currently 47 different link types, an extensive list of which is available here. Some examples are Product Information (gs1:pip), Sustainability Information (gs1:sustainabilityInfo) or recall information (gs1:recallStatus).
Is the implementation of GS1 Digital Link difficult or time-consuming?
No. GS1 Digital Link can be implemented at your own pace. We recommend starting small by adding a link to your existing product pages using a QR code in the GS1 Digital Link standard and then expanding to more complex cases, such as capturing logistics data and making it available to end consumers.
Where can I find more details about the GS1 digital link standard?
You can find all the relevant information on the GS1 digital link standard at: https://www.gs1.org/standards/gs1-digital-link.
Does GS1 digital link require an additional application to use it?
No, it can be consulted and solved universally by an ordinary scanner or smartphone, without the need for users to download several separate applications for specific brands or manufacturers.
My brand doesn't have a website, can I use the GS1 digital link?
Yes, Kodici Resolver automatically generates a unique page using your logo and product photos.
After creating a digital link, how long will it take for it to be working?
On POS readers immediately. The content associated with the digital link will depend on the chosen service provider. In the case of Kodici, it starts working immediately after registration. Some other providers request longer publication deadlines.
Why should I upgrade to GS1 Digital Link barcodes?
Traditional retail barcodes will be phased out by 2027 and replaced by QR codes in the GS1 Digital Link format. So, although it's still a few years away, you can adopt Digital Link today.
What is a GS1 GTIN?
The GS1 Global Commercial Item Number (GTIN) is the number contained in the unique barcode on all retail products, allowing checkout systems to quickly recognize and process items. Essential for national and international sales, GTIN is a global standard for identifying retail products anywhere.
Apart from the GTIN and the website address, is there any other type of information that can be incorporated into the digital link?
Digital link uses the GS1 identification structure, allowing GTIN-centric data to be incorporated into the 2D barcode (QR code).
This additional data can include batch/serial number details, expiration dates, new weight, SSCC and physical location (GLN), as well as various other GS1 identifiers.
Will I need a resolver to use GS1 Digital Link?
No, you can start using GS1 Digital link today without setting up your own resolver or using one from any supplier.