Many manufacturers already add QR codes on their products. These typically contain short URLs that link to specific online resources (pages, videos etc.) If the online resource is moved or deleted, the QR code on the pack will lead to a 404 (a broken link).
By using a GS1 Digital Link URI – remember that it can be on any domain, it doesn’t have to be on id.gs1.org – they’re creating a permanent address that can then be redirected to whatever the manufacturer wants, and those redirections can be updated at any time. Any webmaster can do this, there is no special software or knowledge required. It means that a QR code printed on a pack today will still work in many years’ time.
Furthermore, it means that:
- The QR code contains exactly the same information as the existing GS1 barcode;
- The manufacturer can easily add in further functionality (with a resolver) at a later date;
- They’re ready for when point of sale and other scanners can routinely read the GS1 identifiers from those data carriers.
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