What is GS1 Digital Link: Everything Businesses Should Know

Με: ZelΕνημέρωση: June 04, 2025

Businesses are continuously seeking ways to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and growing expectations of consumers.

In this competitive digital era, where consumers demand quick access to product information, businesses often face the challenge of seamlessly conveying real-time, accurate details. Getting familiarity with what is GS1 Digital Link proves to be useful in such cases.

It’s like a digital upgrade to barcodes. It is a modern standard that replaces traditional barcodes with advanced digital connectivity. It links products to comprehensive insights such as ingredients, best-before date, recall, etc.

The ability to provide instant access to reliable and relevant product data revolutionizes how consumers and businesses interact. In this article, we will discuss how these modern standard assists businesses with improved operational efficiency and help ensure consumers a smarter digital experience.

Table of Contents

What is the GS1 Digital Link?
Why GS1-compliant Digital Link Is Essential for Businesses: Key Benefits
How Does GS1 Digital Link Work?
How Does the GS1 Digital Link QR code Work?
Practical Applications Across Industries
GS1-compliant Digital Link vs. Traditional Barcodes
How to Implement GS1-compliant Digital Link
Harnessing GS1-compliant Digital Link: A Gateway to Innovation and Efficiency

What is the GS1 Digital Link?

An essential part of GS1's global migration to 2D barcodes, GS1 Digital Link is a standard connecting physical products to digital content. It takes a barcode and transforms it into a web address.

It allows retailers, brand owners, consumers, and others involved in the supply chain to access rich product information. Users can scan a barcode on a product's packaging to instantly access digital content.

It helps businesses streamline supply chain operations, enhance product traceability, and improve customer engagement. By giving customers instant access to comprehensive product information, this standard ensures transparency and credibility.

It converts barcodes into web-enabled QR codes that provide real-time product information, authentication details, environmental standards, and more. It simultaneously supports regulatory compliance.

This standardized method encodes identifiers like GS1 GTINs, GLNs, and SSCCs. It encodes such that the GS1 identifiers can then be encoded, scanned, and connected to online information.

Why GS1-compliant Digital Link Is Essential for Businesses: Key Benefits

By understanding what is GS1 Digital Link, you can leverage many benefits that can revolutionize how businesses function and interact with consumers. Leveraging this cutting-edge standard helps companies to improve transparency, ensure an engaging consumer experience, and streamline operations.

Safe operations

Protecting your brand is pivotal for you as a business owner. Physical security is not the only priority because securing the digital space is also essential. This is where the GS1 barcodes come into play.

GS1 and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have collaborated. GS1 has several ISO standards by now. The data encoded within GS1 barcodes allows consumers to validate products' authenticity and detect counterfeit products.

The data integrated into GS1 barcodes protects consumers from purchasing expired or recalled products.

Supply chain visibility

GS1-enabled 2D barcodes provide real-time visibility into supply chain operations, improving their efficiency globally.

These codes give manufacturers valuable insights into the components and raw materials used. Retailers can track inventory across locations, and business partners and logistics providers can track shipments in real time.

The exceptional visibility provided by 2D barcodes improves traceability, accelerates recalls, and decreases manual errors. They also facilitate data-driven decisions that help optimize the productivity of supply chain operations.

GS1 standards drive supply chains into the future by integrating RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Future-proofing

2D barcodes are also valuable for shaping the future of connected IoT products and maintaining compliance with track-and-trace regulations. The deadline for transitioning from linear to 2D barcodes, GS1 Sunrise 2027, creates urgency for brands to adopt this technology to stay competitive.

Beginning the implementation of 2D barcode technology helps brands future-proof their operations and ensure compliance with upcoming standards. How to generate GS1 QR codes is straightforward using QR Tiger/GS1. These codes are secure and editable and facilitate detailed tracking and analytics.

Real-time updates

Businesses can adapt the information linked to a product's QR code without modifying the physical code. Thus, supply chain partners and consumers always have access to the updated and most accurate information.

Using GS1 QR code for managing inventory and expiration dates helps retailers get real-time updates. Therefore, businesses can track stock levels dynamically. These codes are also helpful for seamlessly sharing updated product details to maintain regulatory compliance.

How Does GS1 Digital Link Work?

Many individuals are confused about what is GS1 Digital Link? Well, it converts traditional barcodes into web-enabled, smart codes like QR codes.

Those codes include a unique identifier for the product, such as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) embedded in a URL format.

Whenever somebody scans the code through a scanner or smartphone, it connects them to a database or web page with rich product information. The information can include sourcing details, ingredients, usage instructions, recall alerts, etc.

Its work mechanism is unique. It allows businesses to update the linked information in real-time without changing the physical code embedded in the product. Hence, data is always up-to-date and accurate.

Connecting a single code to multiple types of information makes the standard efficient and versatile. For example, a business can use the same QR code for supply chain management, inventory tracking, and informing consumers of product details.

How Does the GS1 Digital Link QR code Work?

A QR code embedded with a GS1-compliant Digital Link directs the user scanning the product to relevant information online. These codes are like smart links connecting users to detailed product information via a single scan.

The smart barcode embeds information like the product identifier (GTIN), product variant, batch or lot number, serial number, and expiration date. The URL organizes all such details.

Let’s first understand how you can get the GS1-enabled digital link.

As you create a GS1 barcode, the input data is collected into one unique code. Subsequently, a data matrix barcode or a QR code stores it.
The GS1-compliant digital link follows a standard structure, i.e., the Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) syntax. This aspect means that a single GS1 code contains the following data: Domain, Key Qualifiers, Primary Identification Key, and Data Attributes.
After you input all the above data, you will get your GS1-compliant digital link.

Now, let’s understand how these QR codes work.

The QR code encodes a URL containing the following information: Base URL, Product GTIN, Product Variant, Batch/Lot No., Serial Number, and Best Before Date.
When a user scans the QR code, the URL directs them to a database or webpage that shows all relevant product details (like recall alerts, origin, etc.).
Businesses do not need to modify the QR code; they can update the linked content. Hence, this standard ensures up-to-date, accurate data.

Here’s a GS1 Digital Link example to understand better:

https://id.brand.com/01/00012345678903/22/S-blue/10/03660803/21/12345?15=25051

The first highlighted part shows the base URL, and the next is the product GTIN. The third highlighted part shows the product variant. Next is batch/lot no. The fifth highlighted part shows the serial number. The last highlighted part shows the best-before date.

Practical Applications Across Industries

Let’s know more about the practicality of this standard in diverse industries.

Retail and e-commerce

GS1-enabled Digital Link benefits consumers with swift access to essential product details. These details can be sustainability info, included ingredients, offers, and more.

Retailers also find this standard useful to ascertain product authentication, optimize the process of inventory handling, enhance transparency, and create consumer trust.

Logistics

Digital Link in the logistics industry fosters real-time tracking of shipments and related objects. Proper identification of each product takes place at each stage resulting into better visibility of the supply chain. Henceforth, businesses can make delivery processes more efficient.

Food and Beverage

Linking products to sourcing details, expiration dates, etc. facilitate traceability. It assures GS1 compliance with food safety guidelines. Consumers are ensured with purchase of decent quality products.

Healthcare and Pharma

The Digital Link connects medical products to details like batch numbers, usage instructions, and expiration dates in healthcare. It improves patient safety, helps combat fake medicines, and supports regulatory compliance.

Healthcare facilities can use this standard to track pharmaceuticals, supplies, and medical devices in the supply chain. As a result, healthcare brands can quickly address delivery delays or other concerns.

Consumer Packaged Goods

Manufacturers of consumer-packaged goods can use GS1-compliant Digital Link to share detailed information like sustainability practices, usage tips, etc. This adoption simplifies supply chain operations and guarantees accurate product identification.

Apparel

The Digital Link makes sharing information about apparel materials, sustainability efforts, and care instructions possible. It helps engage consumers who prioritize ethical practices and assists the brand in building transparency.

Electronics

Electronic manufacturers can use this standard to link products to warranty details, user manuals, and troubleshooting guides. Consumers get smooth access to essential information.

GS1-compliant Digital Link vs. Traditional Barcodes

Unlike traditional barcodes, GS1 digital link QR code connects the physical product with the online world. This feature of GS1 QR codes allows users and customers to conveniently verify the products’ data and ensure that the product is not expired. Businesses can use it for inventory tracking and thus ensure product accessibility for consumers.

The following table explores the key differences between these two technologies:

Sr. No.	Point of Comparison	GS1-compliant Digital Link	Traditional Barcodes
1	Meaning	It is more than a barcode, acting as a gateway to digital transformation. It connects product packaging to web-enabled links. This capability allows businesses to connect retailers, consumers, and supply chains to essential product data. Implemented through a GS1 QR code, this technology serves a standardized format that is globally recognized. It ensures interoperability and consistency across the supply chain.	Traditional barcodes (including linear barcodes such as EAN or UPCs) are printed on product packaging. They contain encoded information, typically a unique product identifier. They are effective for basic tasks such as inventory management and checkout. They don’t directly connect customers to additional content.
2	Information handling capacity	Businesses can update the linked digital content as required; there is no need to change the barcode itself.	Traditional barcodes are static and can’t be updated once printed. They can only store a small amount of information, usually just the GTIN.
3	Access to information	GS1 enabled Digital Link enables customers to access varied information such as product pricing, reviews, offers, augmented reality experiences, etc.	Traditional barcodes don’t provide an interactive customer experience.
4	Scope of applications	It serves multiple applications ranging from product marketing to customer support.	They are primarily used for product identification at the point of sale.
5	Ominchannel integration	It supports seamless integration across different channels, like mobile apps and e-commerce platforms.	They are limited to physical retail environments.

How to Implement GS1-compliant Digital Link

First, you must ensure that your business conforms to GS1 global standards. If not, it can’t promote universal compatibility and data integrity. Here are steps to implement this standard.

Step 1: Join a local GS1 organization. This will give your business a unique GS1 Company Prefix.

Step 2: Create a GTIN for each product using your assigned prefix. Ensure each product has a unique identifier.

Step 3: Determine the format to encode. The 2D barcode is generally a preferred choice, as it ensures flexibility and allows the storage of dynamic data.

Step 4: The next step is to create a URL for your Digital Link. Make sure to frame the URL according to the standard format as mentioned below.

Scheme, domain, GTIN, key qualifiers (such as serial numbers), and data attributes (such as example, expiration dates).

Here’s an example to understand better:

Suppose your GTIN is 00012345678903, your data attribute is 15=816542, and your key qualifier is 09/YTRF. So, your URL will be:

https://id.brand.com/01/00012345678903/09/YTRF?15=816542.

Step 5: Link the URL to the desired digital content (such as special offers, product videos, etc.).

Step 6: Embed the URL into a barcode to make it ready for use and keep it scannable.

Step 7: After setting up the GS1-enabled digital link, integrate it with your current data management systems. The integration can be into your business’ POS (point-of-sale), inventory system, ERP (enterprise resource planning), or CRM (customer relationship management) platforms.

Step 8: Once the digital link is integrated into your system, automate data synchronization to ensure your business has up-to-date information.

Step 9: To make these codes operational, partner with GS1-certified solution providers and ensure you use suitable APIs for each system.

Step 10: Request a GS1-compliant resolver service to scan your created link before rolling out the standard on your barcodes. Ensure it shows accurate product information as expected. Check the link on mobile devices to ensure compatibility and correctness.

Note: Since these steps need technical expertise, you can hire professionals to make the implementation successful.

Harnessing GS1-compliant Digital Link: A Gateway to Innovation and Efficiency

A thorough understanding of what is GS1 Digital Link is essential because it transforms global trade by connecting digital and physical products. In this fast-paced digital world, businesses that postpone embracing this standard risk lagging behind their competitors.

Adopting this standard enables businesses to lead in their sector and deliver outstanding customer experiences. It also helps businesses streamline operations and enhance product traceability.

Are you ready to adopt this shift? Discover our GS1-compliant QR code solutions and improve your business operations.

DISCLAIMER: We acknowledge that GS1, as well as the materials, proprietary items, and all related patents, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property (collectively, “intellectual property”) relating to its use, are the property of GS1 Global, and that our use of the same shall be in accordance with the conditions provided by GS1 Global.