A resolver controls which digital information a user or system is directed to when a 2D code with GS1 Digital Link is scanned. It is particularly relevant when the same barcode needs to lead to multiple destinations.

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What is a resolver?

A resolver acts as a digital traffic director between the web address in a 2D barcode with GS1 Digital Link and the information the user needs to see. It receives the request, identifies the relevant destination, and directs the user or system to the correct location.

The resolver does not store the actual product information - the data remains on the company's website or in the systems where it is already maintained. The resolver simply manages the connections to that information.

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How a resolver works

1. ‍The code is scanned. The scan opens the web address encoded in the 2D barcode with GS1 Digital Link.
2. ‍The resolver receives the request. The resolver checks if a specific type of information is requested and then selects from the links associated with the product's GS1 identification. If no specific link type is requested, the default link is typically used.
3. ‍The user is redirected. The destination could be, for example, a product page, a user manual, or other content.

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Link types describe the information

Links in a GS1-compliant resolver are categorized by link types that describe the nature of the information they lead to - for example, a product page, a user manual, or certification information. A standard scan typically opens the default link, while apps and IT systems can request a specific link type.

Resolver vs. standard redirect

If a code should always lead to a single webpage, a standard redirect is often sufficient. A resolver becomes relevant when there are multiple connections or when redirects need to be managed centrally.

In short: A standard redirect is like a single road sign. A resolver is like a directory where multiple destinations can be managed.

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When is a resolver relevant?

Consider a resolver if one or more of these situations apply:

• The same code needs to provide access to multiple types of information, such as product details, manuals, certificates, repair information, or recycling instructions.
• Different target audiences need access to different content, such as consumers, trading partners, repair technicians, authorities, or logistics staff.
• Content needs to be adapted based on factors like language, country, time, or usage context.
• You have many products and want to manage their destinations centrally.

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Use cases

• Language: The user is directed to the relevant language version
• Campaigns: The code leads to a campaign page for a specific period and subsequently to the standard product page
• Recalls: Consumers and trading partners can be directed to the information relevant to them
• Logistics: A warehouse or distribution center can access, for example, batch information, receiving instructions, or deviations
• Documentation: Authorities, repair technicians, or other professional users can be directed to relevant documentation.

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When is a resolver not necessary?

A resolver is not always the best or simplest solution. If a QR code only needs to lead to one fixed product page, and all users should see the same content, a standard redirect may be sufficient.

Regardless of whether you use a standard redirect or a resolver, it is not necessary to change the barcode on the packaging when you change the destination page(s).

→ Read more about redirects in the guide here

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GS1 Digital Link and a resolver are not the same thing

GS1 Digital Link makes it possible to express a GS1 identification, such as a GTIN, in a web address. The resolver is the service that manages where this web address leads.

This means that you can use GS1 Digital Link without a resolver. The choice depends on how many destinations, products, target audiences, and changes you need to manage.

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Clarify this before choosing a solution

How many destinations do you have? One fixed page or multiple types of information and services?

Who needs to use the information? Consumers, trading partners, authorities, employees, IT systems, or multiple target audiences?

Do the destinations need to be changed? For example, for campaigns, new language versions, changing requirements, or recalls?

Where is the information located? Map out the websites and systems that the resolver needs to connect to.

Who is responsible? Agree on who maintains connections, content, access, and quality.

Who controls the domain? Use a domain that the company can control in the long term.

How should the solution be operated? Clarify whether you want to develop and operate it yourselves or choose a vendor.

→ Read: Redirecting from the GS1 2D code to various online content