OrcaScan vs QR Tiger/GS1
Barcodes have supported product tracking and logistics for decades. QR codes came later, expanding how businesses link physical items to digital content and customer experiences. Barcodes and QR codes help businesses track products, optimize logistics, and connect with customers through digital experiences.
GS1, the authority in product data sharing, has since introduced a guideline that allows QR codes to carry the same product identification data as traditional barcodes. This approach is known through GS1 Digital Link(DL). Multiple use cases have already been documented, showing their effectiveness across retail, supply chain, and regulatory scenarios.
With Sunrise 2027 as the milestone, brands are now testing these QR codes in real-world environments, preparing for broader adoption.
Building on these global standards, the comparison of Orca Scan vs QR Tiger/GS1 shows how third-party platforms extend functionality for modern business needs.
This blog will explore the features of these tools and compare them to simplify your choice.
Table of Contents
Orca Scan Overview
OrcaScan is a cloud-based barcode tracking platform that turns smartphones into barcode scanners.
Users can build custom tracking systems for inventory, assets, inspections, compliance, samples, or any workflow that needs barcode-based data collection. It includes features like barcode generation, workflow automation (triggers), history logging, multi-user collaboration, and integrations.
Here are its key features:
Spreadsheet Interface
Orca Scan uses a spreadsheet-style layout to manage your GS1 DL QR codes. Each row represents a single product. The columns show the type of data to add, with required fields for GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), product name, and product URL, making it easy to handle many items at once.
Since this format is compatible with Excel and other sheet files, importing data is simple and fast.
Output Options
Orca Scan offers two ways your QR codes can lead users.
Direct to Product Page – The QR code opens the brand’s product page immediately.
Home Page with Multiple Links – The QR code opens a landing page that can hold several links, represented as icons.
Bulk QR Code Download
Orca Scan lets you download multiple QR codes at once, saving time and effort.
History Log
The platform tracks internal system changes (who edited the sheet, what was updated, when, and from where)
How to create GS1 DL QR codes with Orca Scan?
Step 1: Input Primary Data
Start by entering three essential pieces of information: your product's GTIN, product name, and a link to your product page on your website.
Step 2: Add Additional Links
Add extra columns for any additional content you want to share with consumers, such as sustainability data, FAQs, user guides, recipes, videos, or social media pages. Each column becomes a clickable link.
Step 3: Choose Your Destination
At the end of the sheet, decide where your QR code will send people. You have two options: send them directly to your product page or send them to a Smart Label homepage that displays all your links in one organized place.
When you choose the Smart Label option, Orca Scan looks at your product page. It automatically pulls your logo, brand colors, and product images. From that, it creates a mobile-friendly homepage. All links appear as easy-to-tap icons.
However, your product page needs special tags that the system can identify and read. These are called Open Graph tags, and they tell OrcaScan where to find your logo and product images. If these tags aren't set up on your website, OrcaScan won't be able to pull your branding.
This automated approach makes setup incredibly easy, but leaves no room for customization. You cannot adjust the layout, change icon styles, modify the template design, add custom branding elements, or control the color scheme. The homepage will follow OrcaScan's predetermined template structure.
Because it pulls information directly from your website, whenever you update your product page images or logo, the Smart Label homepage updates too.
Step 4: Download QR Codes
Download or print the QR codes one at a time or all at once. OrcaScan provides them in different sizes and formats to fit whatever you need and comes in standard black and white.
QR Tiger/GS1 Overview
QR TIGER is a veteran in dynamic QR code generation, trusted by over 850,000 brands worldwide. With years of experience in QR code technology and enterprise solutions, we've established ourselves as a leading platform for businesses seeking robust, scalable QR code management.
We created QR TIGER/GS1, a separate platform specifically focused on GS1 Digital Link QR code generation. This purpose-built solution is designed to meet the unique requirements of GS1 standards.
We worked directly with GS1 US and GS1 UK to ensure QR TIGER GS1 complies with the GS1 DL standards. This work confirms that the QR codes generated use the correct data format, structure, and resolver rules. As a result, they function properly within the global GS1 system.
Here are its key features:
Easy QR Code Workflow
QR Tiger makes creating QR codes simple. First, you enter your product or item details. GTIN is required, but you can also add extra information if needed. Then, choose how you want the QR code to work and download it. This step-by-step approach makes it easy to handle even large batches of items.
Different QR Code Options
QR Tiger gives you several ways to use your QR codes:
- Single URL: Opens one link.
- File: Opens a downloadable file.
- Link Page: A simple page that holds multiple links.
- Product Page: A more advanced page that can show images, videos, text, FAQs, reviews, and multiple links.
- Smart QR: Changes where it goes depending on location, language, or number of scans.
- Appstore QR: Sends users to iOS, Android, or Harmony app stores.
These options help you choose the best way to share information with your users.
Bonus: EAN Barcode
QR Tiger lets you make small changes to your GS1 QR code colors and patterns. These edits still follow ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission) standards, ensuring your codes pass verification checks.
Organize and Manage Your QR Codes
You can keep your QR codes organized in folders. You can also create many codes at once with bulk generation, which saves time if you have lots of items or campaigns.Track Your QR Code Scans
QR Tiger tracks every scan so you can see how your codes are used. You get details like:
- Total scans
- Unique scans
- Device type
- Date and time of scan
- Location (IP or GPS; GPS needs permission)
This data helps you understand your audience and improve your product management.
How to create GS1 DL QR codes with QR Tiger/GS1?
Step 1: Input Your Data
You can choose between two input modes:
- Simplified: Enter only the GTIN.
- Extended: Add extra product information beyond the GTIN.
You can also choose to show the GTIN as HRI (human-readable information) below the QR code. The resulting URL syntax is displayed at the end of this step for manual verification. While our platform already follows the correct syntax, it’s always best to double-check.
Step 2: Choose an Output Method
QR Tiger offers several output options:
- Single URL, File, and Appstore: Quick and straightforward.
- Link Page and Smart QR: Easy to set up once you test them.
- Product Page: Takes a little more time to understand, but it’s the most powerful option. You can preview the page as you edit the content to see the results instantly.
Step 3: Generate, Customize, and Download
Once your data and output method are ready, generate your GS1 DL QR code. With this GS1 QR code generator, you can make minor customizations like colors and patterns to match your branding.
Option: Download EAN Barcodes
If needed, you can also download the corresponding EAN barcode for dual marking, making your product ready for retail or distribution.
Orca Scan vs QR Tiger/GS1: Comparison
Criteria | Orca Scan (OS) | QR Tiger (QRT) | Winner |
Data Encoded | GTIN only | GTIN plus additional product data | QR Tiger |
Ease of Use | Sheet-style interface. Features and setup have no guides except for a generic barcode generation video | Step-by-step process. Output setup ranges from easy to moderate, depending on the method | Tie |
Output Options | Single product page or templated homepage with icons linking to multiple items | Multiple output methods, including Single URL, File, Link Page, Product Page, Smart QR, and Appstore QR | QR Tiger |
Bulk Generation & Downloads | Supports bulk generation and downloads for both single links and the homepage feature | Supports bulk generation and downloads; Product Page requires extra steps | Orca Scan |
QR Code Customization | Standard black and white | Allows minor pattern and color changes | QR Tiger |
Scan Data & Statistics | Provides total scans, unique scans, device type, date, time, and location (IP/GPS) | Provides total scans, unique scans, device type, date, time, and location (IP/GPS); supports additional data beyond GTIN | QR Tiger |
| Integration | These QR codes must be created manually through the web platform. No API automation for GS1 DL QR codes. | Connects with Zapier to link ERP systems. New products can automatically generate the QR code | QR Tiger |
Data Encoded in the URL
Orca Scan: GTIN only
QR Tiger: GTIN plus additional product data
Winner: QR Tiger
GTIN-only codes aren’t helpful for targeted recalls. Batches must be identified manually, or the entire stock may be recalled. With additional data like batch numbers, scanning the QR code lets you quickly pinpoint only the affected items.
This is just a sample of what additional data can do. Including serialized numbers can also help with product authentication and anti-counterfeiting.
Ease of Use
Orca Scan (OS): Spreadsheet-style interface; minimal guidance, only a generic barcode generation video
QR Tiger (QRT): Step-by-step workflow; output setup ranges from easy to moderate, depending on the method
Winner: Tie
Both platforms can range from easy to moderate, depending on the user’s familiarity and the 2D barcode’s goal. Clear workflows reduce mistakes, helping teams generate QR codes quickly and accurately.
Output Options
Orca Scan (OS): Single product page or templated homepage with icons linking to multiple products
QR Tiger (QRT): Multiple output methods: Single URL, File, Link Page, Product Page, Smart QR, Appstore QR
Winner: QR Tiger
Different campaigns or retail strategies need different outputs. For example, a Product Page with images and FAQs improves customer experience, while a Smart QR can direct users to localized content automatically.
Bulk Generation & Downloads
Orca Scan (OS): Supports bulk generation and downloads for single links or homepage features.
QR Tiger (QRT): Supports bulk generation; Product Page requires extra steps
Winner: Orca Scan
Both platforms save time when launching hundreds of SKUs. Fast bulk generation prevents delays in product rollout. QR Tiger’s Product Page is highly customizable, so it requires a thorough setup and verification rather than fully automated generation.
QR Code Customization
Orca Scan (OS): Standard black and white codes
QR Tiger (QRT): Minor pattern and color adjustments, following ISO/IEC rules
Winner: QR Tiger
Custom colors allow QR codes to either match your branding or go in the opposite direction for better visibility. For example, using contrasting colors on packaging can make the code stand out clearly to users.
Scan Data & Statistics
Orca Scan (OS): Tracks total scans, unique scans, device type, date, time, and location (IP/GPS)
QR Tiger (QRT): Tracks total scans, unique scans, device type, date, time, and location (IP/GPS); supports additional data beyond GTIN for batch-level or serialized tracking.
Winner: QR Tiger
Product traceability in the supply chain is the top priority. Tracking via GTIN only lacks granular identification, making it harder to monitor specific batches or serialized items. QR Tiger’s ability to include additional product data provides detailed insights for better product management and recall precision.
Integration Capabilities
Orca Scan: To create these types of QR codes, you must use their website. You cannot generate these special QR codes automatically through their API. The codes, along with their product landing pages and GS1 connections, can only be made using their web platform.
QR Tiger: QR Tiger connects with Zapier, which can link to your ERP system to automatically create GS1 DL QR codes. When you add new products to your ERP, the system can automatically make QR codes and pull in product details like GTINs, batch numbers, and expiration dates.
Winner: QR Tiger
QR Tiger wins for integration flexibility. When set up properly, new product information from your ERP system automatically generates a corresponding GS1 Digital Link QR code without leaving your product management platform.
Why Choose QR Tiger?
When comparing Orca Scan vs QR Tiger, both offer reliable tools for GS1-powered QR codes, but QR Tiger stands out for its flexibility, customization, and detailed tracking. It can include additional product data beyond GTINs, such as batch and serialized-item tracking for better traceability and targeted recalls.
QR Tiger also offers multiple output options, from simple links to advanced Product Pages and Smart QR codes, giving brands more ways to connect with customers. Minor customization of patterns and colors helps the codes stand out or match branding. Detailed scan statistics provide insights for managing products and stock more effectively.
Orca Scan is simple and quick, especially for bulk generation, but it has limits in output choices, customization, and detailed tracking.
For brands needing flexible outputs, precise tracking, and advanced GS1-powered QR codes, QR Tiger is the better choice. Test it today
FAQs
1. What is a GS1 Digital Link QR code (or QR code powered by GS1)?
A GS1 Digital Link QR code turns product data into a URL that works with supply chain systems. It can hold more information than a traditional barcode, making it easier to track, manage, and share product details.
2. What is Sunrise 2027?
Sunrise 2027 is the target date for point-of-sale systems to scan 2D barcodes. This allows more information to be accessed and opens opportunities for better customer engagement and digital experiences.
3. Are UPC barcodes being phased out?
No. 1D (UPC/EAN) barcodes still work and will continue to be used. 2D barcodes are being added as a better alternative, since they can hold more data and support new use cases. During the transition, many products will use dual marking, meaning both 1D and 2D barcodes are printed. This ensures older systems can still process checkout without issues.
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.
