GS1 QR Code: What Is It and How Does It Work?
The GS1 QR code holds GS1 keys, and when scanned, it would lead to details like expiry date, manufacturing date, slot, and batch number for easy access.
Through this innovative idea, you can now create an impressive user experience that’s accessible on all platforms, whether on the web or any printed materials.
Using a GS1 link requires various steps, including choosing a data carrier—you can rely on the Free QR Code Generator for this task.
Learn more about this tool from the blog below.
Table of Contents
What is the GS1 2D QR code?
Did you know that you can redirect existing QR codes like the same concept used in GS1?
It may sound intimidating, but the GS1 digital link is an easy concept to understand. It is developed by the GS1 company. Have you noticed the barcodes printed on the packaging of products in retail stores or groceries?
When scanned at check-out, they show the price of the product on a screen making your purchase quick and hassle-free.
Simply put, a link URL containing all the necessary information about a product is stored in a data carrier, like a Data Matrix tool. It can be accessed by different users using different devices, usually by scanning.
The interesting part about this is its ability to detect what device you’re using. Different devices give off different information.
For instance, when a consumer scans this food packaging QR code or GS1 QR code on food packaging using his mobile phone, the product information, like price and ingredients, will appear on his device.
Also, some special scanners can also provide inventory data—batch number, manufacturing date, and so on. Equipping your products with such advance technology can make a huge difference in expenses and time.
How to make GS1 QR code?
There is a process that you need to follow in order to use this technology successfully.
One important piece of information you need to have is the Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) of your product. You can purchase this from the GS1 website.
Each item must have its own GTIN; prepare this first before moving on to the steps below.
Step 1: Make sure to have a GS1 digital link
Your GS1 data link structure is the core foundation of your QR code. It must be well-structured and adhere adhere to GS1 standards, if not it won’t be scannable.
The specific structure is composed of the domain, which is the company’s web domain. Then, the primary ID key used is a GS1 application identifier like GTIN-13 or SSCC.
After that is the exact identifier number, which could be a 12-digit or 13-digit UPC. Sometimes this structure is even longer with qualifiers and attributes—batch or serial number and weight or dimensions.
Step 2: Get a resolver
Resolvers are responsible for fetching, checking, and rerouting the data whenever scanned.
Resolvers mainly check the data and then determine what information should be given, depending on the device used when scanning.
This is a very important factor because it’s what automates and makes your digital link for GS1 multi-purpose.
Step 3: Choose a data carrier
And the last thing you need is a data carrier, like a QR code or GS1 Data Matrix. Your carrier will make your URL’s data accessible when printed.
QR codes are widely used as carriers because of their ability to withstand minor scratches and folds, they can be easily integrated into any material because of their flexible design.
The Free QR Code Generator: Best Data Carrier
Technically, the effectivity of your QR code will heavily rely on your chosen data carrier. If your QR code is hard to scan or has no room for customization, consider yourself a step behind other brands and companies.
In choosing the best free QR code software, you need one that’s easy to use, offers customization features, has a wide array of solutions, and most importantly—is free!
URL QR code solution and more
The best solution to convert your digital link into a QR code would be the URL solution—which the Free QR Code Generator offers.
After composing your GS1 link, you can then proceed to the site and generate the code. It won’t take long, and you’ll have a QR code in just seconds.
But that’s not all, there are other QR code solutions that you can use apart from URL, such as social media, vCard, and WiFi.
Offers static and dynamic
When using URL QR codes and other solutions, you can opt to have it in static or dynamic form. So what is a dynamic QR code and how does it differ to static? Static QR codes are free and store permanent data.
Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, are more advanced. With it, you can edit, track, add a password, and expiry to your QR code.
QR code tracking for instance, can provide you with useful analytics. These features make your QR code very flexible and suitable for many complex campaigns.
Customization and personalization
Also, with Free QR Code Generator, you can create unique and colorful QR codes. You don’t have to settle with the usual black-and-white QR codes. Plus, there are other things you can personalize.
You can do modifications on other elements, like eyes, patterns, frames, and even logos. After that, you no longer have to worry about QR codes not matching the design of a material.
For better results, it would be best to use the proper format: PNG for digital purposes and SVG for print purposes.
Easy-to-use interface
When you visit the Free QR Code Generator website to create a QR code, you’ll see how easy it is to navigate through it. The button labels are clear enough to understand. Even if you are not technologically inclined.
24/7 customer support
When you sign up for free in this software, you will be redirected to another interface where you can reach out to their customer service team for questions and inquiries.
You can contact them 24/7 and note that they’re real agents and not just chatbots, so you’re sure to get the exact answers you’re looking for.
Relay your concerns politely, and they’ll respond with utmost respect, proven and tested!
How to create a URL QR code and convert it into a GS1 QR code
1. Go to the Free QR Code Generator website
2. Click on the URL QR code solution
3. Paste the link the GS1 link of your product to convert this link into a QR code
4. Click the “generate QR code” button
5. Customize your QR code design by using the available features on the site
6. Test if your QR code is working properly.
7. Download, print in SVG format, and deploy your QR code on your product packaging.
Uses and benefits of GS1 Barcode
Because of its flexibility, QR code for GS1 benefits manufacturing and retail companies in numerous ways.
Here are some GS1 example of it can enhance operations:
Customer convenience
For users, it allows them to access different information about the certain product. They can access details like ingredients, expiring dates, manufacturing dates, and even allergens through the product packaging QR code on the label.
This gives customers enough knowledge to make smart purchases and, in return, gives businesses a good record of transparency.
Inventory management
When scanned with a different device or personnel from the inventory department, these GS1 barcodes can give details about inventory management, such as warehouse location, number of pieces left, incoming stock deliveries, and more.
This way, inventory processes are automated, saving time and finances spent when hiring additional personnel for manual inventory-related tasks.
Regulatory matters
As your small business packaging ideas expand, you can incorporate a QR code for compliance function.
It also helps businesses present regulatory documents, especially during government-related inspections. Some of the information you can show are certificates and licenses.
Automate deliveries
One of the benefits of GS1 barcode is it helps in tracking products or deliveries in transit. You can check whether the product is already at its destination already or in what location it is at the moment.
The tracking data capabilities of QR codes lets you monitor several data. This helps ensure that whatever item is out for delivery will arrive at its destination at the exact time. Reducing bad impressions about your services.
Facilitates easy checkout
In POS, you can use a GS1 QR code also to facilitate easy check out for cashiers. Scanning the code using a specialized scanner can reroute them into pricing details to conveniently compute payables.
Sunrise 2027: Road to 2-D GS1 barcode usage
GS1 is now initiating a movement that hopes to replace all 1-dimensional barcodes with QR codes starting in 2027.
This Sunrise 2027 idea is born out of the willingness to have a more useful tool that’s flexible and can offer more benefits to both businesses and consumers.
Unfortunately, traditional barcodes have many limitations in tracking and data content—something that QR codes can solve.
In a single QR code, businesses can store any data that adapts and reroutes according to the scanner’s need. It’s as good as automating works, truly working smart.
But GS1 recognizes the fact that this transition cannot be done overnight. Hence, the effort to help companies adjust until 2027.
Wrap up your business’ delays with every QR code scan
Get ready to automate and improve business services by having GS1 QR code as your partner tool.
Experience the wonders of storing various information and providing customers with the necessary information in a single 2-dimensional QR code.
For your GS1 data carrier needs, make sure to tap on a free QR code generator for help. Just prepare your GS1 link and convert it into a QR code now.
Visit their homepage and sign up to enjoy more dynamic features, don’t worry! No credit card details are needed.
