GTIN
Colloquially, many know GTIN as a barcode, but technically, GTIN is the number found beneath the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
Colloquially, many know GTIN as a barcode, but technically, GTIN is the number found beneath the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link open up new possibilities for product information, traceability, and consumer engagement. However, there are some technical details you need to master to ensure the solution works optimally in practice.
Here are five tips for companies working with QR codes and GS1 Digital Link:
It is crucial that the barcode meets the ISO/IEC 15415:2024 standard for print quality. This ensures that the code can always be scanned—both in retail and throughout the entire value chain.
Even if a phone or scanner can read the barcode, it may not always scan at the POS. To properly test barcode quality, you need a barcode verifier that tests according to ISO/IEC 15415:2024.
Label printers wear out over time, and printhead defects can mean that black modules are not printed correctly. Therefore, quality should be checked regularly.
It is important to follow GS1 guidelines for structuring GS1 Digital Link – both regarding correct URL structure and the use of Application Identifiers (AIs).
A correct structure is essential for data to be read and understood across systems and markets.
A QR code can range from 21 to 177 modules in width. It is therefore important to choose the QR version that provides the largest possible modules within the available space.
Larger modules typically provide better and faster scanning. At the same time, remember to comply with GS1’s requirements for module sizes, as described in GS1 General Specifications.
If the packaging contains both a QR code and a traditional EAN-13 barcode, placement is important.
GS1 has clear guidelines for both spacing and placement between the two codes, so they do not interfere with each other during scanning.
QR codes support four levels of error correction — that is, how damaged a code can be and still be scanned.
If the print quality is high and the environment is controlled, you can often choose a lower level of error correction. This allows for larger modules and thus better scanning performance within the same physical size.
At Axicode we provide consulting and solutions for labeling, barcodes, and print technology, and we have recently become GS1 Solution Partner. So please feel free to reach out to us if you need help or guidance.
Find further help and guidance on working with 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link here:
2D Barcodes at Retail Point-of-Sale Implementation Guideline
Best practices for creating your QR Code powered by GS1
Why QR Codes powered by GS1 are more than a marketing tool (video)
GS1Trade Image provides professional marketing and planogram images that meet retailers' requirements and imaging guidelines.
If you want to create your own product photos, we can also help you get certified.
GS1Trade Sync is a data pool for product data exchange that your trading partners can access.
GS1Trade Sync streamlines data exchange between trading partners because data only needs to be entered in one place. This increases the quality of product data and creates value for you - and the entire value chain.
GS1Trade Packaging is a packaging data system that gathers your packaging data in one place. The system ensures efficient collection, structuring, and declaration of packaging data, and makes it easy to exchange packaging data with other companies.
GS1Trade Exact ensures the quality of your product data. All physical products are checked against the data registered in GS1Trade Sync.
With this service, you get verified and quality-assured data that benefits the entire supply chain.
GS1Trade Transact handles the digital receipt of orders and the sending of documents to your customers. You can choose whether to integrate it with your financial system or access it online.
GTIN (also known as EAN) stands for “Global Trade Item Number” and is the number sequence shown beneath a barcode symbol.
GTIN (EAN) is a global standard used to uniquely identify digital and physical products, allowing the barcode to be scanned anywhere in the world throughout the supply chain.
A GLN (also known as EAN) allows you to uniquely identify physical, functional, legal, or digital entities. This can include the sender, receiver, buyer, seller, supplier, manufacturer, delivery location, billing location, store, or internal departments.
