GS1 QR Code management

Revolutionize your product management and customer loyalty with our GS1 QR Codes

From 2027, the classic barcodes on products will be replaced by GS1 Digital Link QR Codes (GS1 Sunrise 2027). Implement our solution in good time to gain the following benefits.

The one-stop solution for all your products.

Interactive packaging and product catalog
Product marketing on the next level
Optimization of supply chain processes
Optimization of inventory management

QR Codes for the transition

uture-proof products with GS1-compatible transition QR Codes

Use your account to generate QR Codes that combine both GS1 Digital Links and conventional barcodes.

This is a smart move: whether your digital content is ready or under development, and whether GS1 is fully implemented in your region or not, your products will be GS1 compliant from day one.

One code. Total flexibility. Future-proof by design.

Next level product marketing

Our GS1 QR Code platform offers you possibilities that nobody would have thought possible a few years ago.

You now have advanced options for tracking customers, running campaigns and analyzing data.

In this way, you can take advantage of new opportunities and significantly improve marketing initiatives with ease.

Retargeting – targeted advertisements

With the help of our dynamic GS1 QR Codes, you can retarget customers based on their location and interests.

This means that you can place ads for people who have scanned a QR Code of a specific product from your portfolio, for example.

It is also possible to place ads for people who are similar to those who have scanned a QR Code for one of your products.

This type of targeting is the most advanced type possible – and many times more effective than traditional targeting by age, gender or general interests.

Collection of contact information (leads)

Collect leads based on a specific product interest.

With our GS1 QR Code solution, you can collect contact information from people who have scanned a QR Code on one of your products.

This allows you to create email lists of people who are interested in a specific product from your portfolio. You even know in which city and in which language the person scanned.

Geo-based campaigns

Run (local) campaigns/cashbacks based on geographical information.

With our GS1 QR Code solution, you can dynamically run specific campaigns such as cashbacks or prize draws for people who are interested in a particular product and/or live in a particular city.

Advanced analyses

Analyze and compare customer interaction between product lines, languages, media types, etc.

With the advanced analysis functions of our GS1 QR Code solution, you can analyze transaction data according to various criteria such as country, city, language, device, operating system, etc..

For completely customized analyses, you can also load the analysis data into your analysis system such as Microsoft Power BI or Tableau via our API and create your individual dashboards there.

Product authentication

Offer a mechanism with which you can check whether your product is an original.

If it is important for you to be able to verify the authenticity of a particular product, you can use our product authentication feature to make this possible.

Interactive packaging

Take your product packaging to the next level! Since space on your product packaging is limited, use the possibilities offered by our GS1 QR Code platform to improve your customers’ product experience. Include information such as reviews and videos that you cannot include on your product packaging.

Geo-based information

Display of product information based on the scan location.

With our solution, you can display different versions of product information depending on where the user has scanned the GS1 QR Code.

This is usually used if you have offers that vary from region to region.

Different languages

Display product information in different languages.

You can display product information in the language of the user who scans the QR Code.

This can increase interest in your products, especially among tourists.

It also allows your company to use the same packaging for different countries.

Nutritional information

Display of nutritional information/allergen details.

With our GS1 QR Code solution, you can display nutritional and allergen information quickly and easily.

Product videos

Provide consumers with videos about your product.

  • Integrate your product videos
  • Let your customers also create and provide product videos – this increases the trustworthiness of the product as it is shown in real use.

Interactive chat

Offer interactive chat support at the point of sale.

What would you have given to have the opportunity to speak to a potential customer 1-to-1 in-store when they are considering buying your product?

This is now possible. When a user scans our GS1 QR Code on one of your products, you can offer them chat support or even a video call to answer any open questions.

Can you imagine how this can increase your trustworthiness and even boost your sales?

Structured data

Provide structured data for processing by other applications.

With our GS1 QR Code solution, you can provide data that can be processed automatically by other applications.

Possible scenarios range from special nutrition apps on a consumer’s smartphone to the provision of additional logistics data for partners in the supply chain.

Product reviews

Use the opportunity to present product reviews to customers in a physical store that you have collected in the webshop, for example.

You can use our GS1 QR Code solution to show reviews to consumers at the point of sale (POS), increasing trust and the likelihood of a sale.

It is also possible to collect new reviews by scanning the QR Code on the product.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Provide consumers with a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) so that they can

  • be able to make the purchase decision at the point of sale (POS) as quickly as possible
  • can use the product in the best possible way (after they have purchased it)

Tutorials

Provide your customers with tutorials and instructions on how to install, set up, check and recycle your product.

If there is something you want to tell your customers, you can create instructions for it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s assembly instructions or cleaning instructions.

You can provide the instructions in various formats, such as in written form or as a video, and you can even provide them in different languages.

HOWTO

GS1 QR Codes – The Practical Guide and Tutorial

This article will explain what GS1 QR Codes are, how you can benefit from them, how they work and how to create your first GS1 QR Code with our GS1 link creator.

Bulk-creation of Static QR Codes for GS1 QR Code Variants

Learn how to create static variations for your dynamic GS1 QR Codes in your account.

FAQ

What is the difference between a traditional GS1 barcode and a GS1 QR Code?

The main difference between a traditional GS1 barcode (like the EAN/UPC or GS1-128) and a GS1 QR Code lies in their data capacity, functionality, and use cases:

  • Traditional GS1 Barcodes: Historically used for simple product identification and quick scanning in retail environments.
  • GS1 QR Codes: Ideal for encoding comprehensive product information, supporting supply chain transparency, and enhancing consumer interaction. Can also be used for scanning in retail environments.

To summarize, a GS1 QR Code can do everything a Traditional GS1 Code can do and even more. So, there is no reason to not already switch to the GS1 QR Codes now. In 2027 it will be required to switch to the new GS1 QR Codes anyways (Sunrise 2027).

When is GS1 going to replace barcodes?

GS1 plans to start replacing traditional barcodes with QR codes by 2027 as part of their “Sunrise 2027” initiative. This transition is driven by the limitations of traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcodes and the need for more advanced data capabilities to meet modern retail and supply chain demands.

How can I generate a GS1 QR Code?

In order to be able to generate a GS1 QR Code you have to adhere to the GS1 Digital Link format. This format is based on a URL (Unified Resource Locator) and defines how data is going to be encoded. In a GS1 Digital Link you can encode information such as the traditional barcode number, batch numbers, expiry date, and much more.

Fortunately we provide a GS1 QR Code generator that adheres to the GS1 requirements and produces a valid GS1 Digital link by you just having to fill out a form.

What is a GS1 Digital Link?

A GS1 Digital Link is an innovative standard developed by GS1 that transforms traditional barcodes into a digital format, capable of linking physical products to online information and services. This standard allows for more data-rich interactions and enhanced connectivity between products and the digital world.

Reading a GS1 QR Code: A Simple Guide for Consumers and Professionals

You can read a GS1 QR Code using any standard smartphone camera. These codes are designed to be universally accessible, immediately directing users to a single, default website. For a deeper look, a specialized GS1 QR Code Scanner can reveal additional data and multiple links embedded within the code.