How does GS1 digital link technology work? |
A GS1 digital link is a barcode combined with a web address. GS1 Digital Link turns a barcode into a web address, making product information and additional data part of the wider Internet. |
This technology benefits consumers, retailers, brand owners, and everyone involved in the supply chain by providing access to updatable product information. |
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How the link must be constructed? How the connected information and content are retrieved and distributed? |
URI structure: |
A GS1 digital link URI is a web address formatted to contain a product's unique GS1 identifier (like a GTIN number). The URI structure connects physical objects to online digital identities. For example: https://yourbrand.com/01/01234567890123 |
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The URI syntax follows a standardized structure defined in the GS1 digital link specifications: |
1. Domain: The brand's or company's owned web domain. 2. Primary ID Key: A GS1 Application Identifier (AI) indicating the type of identifier used, such as GTIN-13, GTIN-14, SSCC, etc. 3. Identifier: The actual product identification number based on the AI key. For example, the 12-digit UPC. 4. Qualifiers: Optional additional IDs such as batch number, serial number, etc. 5. Attributes: Optional data points like weight, dimensions, and expiration dates. |
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When encoded and scanned, the URI enables the lookup of the product's digital identity and associated information. |
Resolvers in the website: https://yourbrand.com |
It will translate a GS1 2D barcode URI into meaningful product data, servers called resolvers are required. Resolving services bridge the connection between the physical and digital worlds. When a GS1 digital link is scanned, the resolver receives the URI and looks up the product's identity based on the identifier contained in the URI structure. |
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Resolvers perform several vital functions: |
1. Fetching associated digital content: Product info, attributes, media, web experiences, etc. 2. Checking the validity of product identifiers: Confirming the GTIN or SKU is officially registered. 3. Rerouting based on context: Redirecting to different experiences based on who, where, and how the code is scanned. |
The GS1 Resolver service is high-performance, and high-resilience system. Its purpose is to "resolve" GS1 identifiers (like GTINs) to one or more sources of information about the identified item. |
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For example: |
If you scan a product's barcode (encoded with a GS1 Digital Link), the resolver can link it to: Traceability information about the product. Nutritional information. Claims like "gluten-free" or "organic" for food items. Instruction manuals and usage videos for hardware items. It can also link an identified item to information for business partners, such as recall status APIs, master data, hazardous handling instructions, and more. These information sources can be updated at any time, allowing your barcode to act as a gateway to unlimited resources for both B2B and B2C operations. |
To attach digital links to physical products, the URI must be encoded into optical data carriers like a QR code or Data Matrix, which can be printed on the packaging. A QR code is an obvious choice here, especially since the evolution of high-definition professional printers has made it possible to reduce the minimum size of QR codes to 5mm, keeping them readable by devices. |
cs@easiersoft.com