As the world of product identification and digital connectivity evolves, the global transition from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, is well underway. By 2027, the widespread adoption of GS1 Digital Link encoded QR codes is expected to transform the way products are tracked, authenticated, and interacted with. The shift to 2D barcodes allows brands to embed richer data into each scan, offering a wealth of information to various stakeholders, from consumers to retailers, regulators, and supply chain partners. This is where a robust GS1 QR code software platform becomes essential in managing these new complexities.
While creating a single GS1 Digital Link or a single GS1 barcode may seem simple enough, the challenge amplifies significantly when managing thousands of products already out on the market, with each product requiring its unique QR code and link. This complexity underscores the necessity for a powerful, scalable GS1 Digital Link solution capable of generating, deploying, and managing GS1 QR codes across an entire product catalog. This is where the Qliktag Connected Products Platform steps in as a critical tool for brands and manufacturers.
The Shift from 1D Barcodes to 2D QR Codes
For decades, traditional 1D barcodes have been the standard for product identification, enabling retailers and manufacturers to track and sell products efficiently. However, the limited data capacity of 1D barcodes has restricted their utility. As technology has evolved, the demand for more dynamic, data-rich product information has grown, leading to the adoption of 2D barcodes such as QR codes.
GS1, the global standard for product identification, has pioneered the move toward QR codes embedded with the GS1 Digital Link, a revolutionary standard that enables product-related information to be accessed via a simple scan. These 2D codes allow for much more than just pricing or inventory data—they can offer consumers, retailers, and regulators access to details about the product’s origin, ingredients, certifications, and even digital experiences. This shift is driven by the need for more transparency, traceability, and enhanced digital experiences across industries.
The Need for a GS1 QR Code Software Platform
Managing GS1 QR codes and Digital Links across an entire product portfolio introduces a new level of complexity that traditional systems are not equipped to handle. As businesses scale, the manual creation and deployment of GS1 QR codes for thousands of SKUs (stock keeping units) become untenable. Furthermore, keeping track of updates, reconfiguring routing rules, and deploying new digital experiences for each product code requires a seamless, scalable solution.
This is where a GS1 QR Code Software Platform becomes indispensable. A specialized platform allows for the generation, deployment, and ongoing management of GS1 QR codes and their associated digital links, giving brands the flexibility to configure and update their product experiences in real time. Without such a solution, brands risk inefficiencies, higher operational costs, and inconsistent consumer experiences.
The Qliktag Connected Products Platform
The Qliktag Connected Products Platform offers a comprehensive solution designed to meet the needs of brands and manufacturers managing GS1 QR codes and GS1 Digital Links at scale. This platform provides an all-in-one solution for generating, managing, and deploying GS1 QR codes across entire product catalogs while ensuring seamless interaction between physical products and their digital counterparts.
Qliktag’s platform allows brands to manage their product identities, digital twins, and associated data attributes in a single, unified interface. This means that brands can not only generate GS1 QR codes for individual products but can also bulk-generate and manage these codes for thousands of products with just a few clicks.
One of the platform’s standout features is its GS1 Digital Link management solution and resolver, which simplifies the bulk generation, download, and deployment of GS1 Digital Links. With this feature, brands can send these links directly to their printers, ensuring that each product’s GS1 QR code is correctly encoded and placed on the packaging before it hits the shelves. The platform’s built-in resolver can manage the routing rules associated with each GS1 Digital Link, allowing brands to change the destination or experience triggered by a QR code scan without changing the physical code itself.
Real-Time Control and Customization
The Qliktag platform offers an unprecedented level of control over the experience that each GS1 QR code delivers. Brands can dynamically configure the digital experience associated with each product’s GS1 QR code based on the scanning party—be it a consumer, a supply chain partner, a retailer, or a regulator. For instance, a consumer might scan a product’s QR code to access information about ingredients, sustainability practices, or a promotional offer, while a retailer might scan the same code to retrieve inventory or pricing data. This level of flexibility ensures that each stakeholder receives the information or experience tailored to their specific needs.
Moreover, these experiences can be updated in real-time. Brands can instantly modify the information delivered by a GS1 QR code to reflect new marketing campaigns, regulatory changes, or supply chain updates without having to replace the physical QR code on the product itself. This capability is critical in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world where information needs to be current and relevant at all times.
Scalability and Efficiency for Managing GS1 QR Codes
For large brands and manufacturers, managing GS1 QR codes and digital links across thousands of products requires scalability and operational efficiency. The Qliktag Connected Products Platform is built to handle the demands of high-volume, enterprise-level operations. Whether a brand needs to generate GS1 QR codes for a new product launch or manage updates across an existing catalog of products, Qliktag’s platform provides the tools and automation necessary to ensure consistency and accuracy across the board.
Additionally, the platform’s cloud-based infrastructure ensures that brands can access their GS1 Digital Link management solution from anywhere in the world, making it easier to collaborate with global teams, suppliers, and printing partners.
Navigating the Future with Qliktag’s GS1 Digital Link Solution
As the world moves toward the widespread adoption of GS1 QR codes and the GS1 Digital Link standard by 2027, having the right tools in place will be critical for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve. The Qliktag Connected Products Platform offers brands a complete and comprehensive GS1 QR Code Software Platform and GS1 Digital Link Solution that delivers the scalability, control, and efficiency needed to navigate this new world of product identification.
With its ability to manage product identities, digital twins, routing rules, and dynamic experiences for stakeholders, Qliktag provides an end-to-end solution that simplifies the complexities of managing GS1 QR codes and digital links across vast product portfolios. For brands looking to embrace the future of product connectivity and digital transformation, Qliktag offers the ideal platform to make the transition seamless.
