Deciding on your approach
There are different ways to implement QR codes powered by GS1 and your chosen route will depend on how you intend the QR codes to be used and the technical resources available to you.
Probably the biggest decision you will need to make is do you want your QR code powered by GS1 to link through to a single webpage or multiple sources of online content through a dynamic landing page. How much content have you got to share with your customers?
Single webpage
“We're a small artisanal brand with basic digital resources who wants to be able to share a limited amount of exciting information about our products to build trust with customers We’re happy linking to one page for now but are open to wider opportunities in future.”
Dynamic landing page
"Our brand has evolved, and we now have lots of exciting content that tells our story, showcases our offerings and helps us to meet regulatory requirements. To engage our consumers, we want to link a single QR code to the content we have across different platforms and websites. We have some digital expertise and are happy to engage with service providers to benefit from this."
| Functionality | Single webpage | Dynamic page |
|---|---|---|
| GS1-compliant QR codes | Yes | Yes |
| Points to a product-specific webpage | Yes | Yes |
| Online content can be changed without changing the QR | Yes | Yes |
| Will scan at point of sale in future | Yes | Yes |
| Uses a GS1 Conformant Resolver | No | Yes |
| Can point to multiple sources of online content | No | Yes |
| Can deliver smart content, such as location-specific web content | No | Yes |
Regardless of your approach, the general steps to implement are similar, though linking through to a dynamic landing page of online content may require some additional website configuration.
It's okay to start simple and evolve over time. You can begin with the simple approach to getting QR codes on your products then, as your business grows, you could work with a GS1 UK partner to help you transition to a more advanced implementation and all the additional benefits that brings.
Steps to implementation
Allocate GTINs. You need to have Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) assigned to your products. If you haven't already got GTINs, you need to become a GS1 UK member.
Decide on your approach. Have you got lots of content for each product, such as videos, recipes, allergen information and reviews? A dynamic webpage linking to multiple sources of content is for you. If you just want to link to a single webpage for now, that’s fine, take the simple approach.
Best practice. Familiarise yourself with our best practice guide so you know what questions you might need to ask a solution provider to ensure your QR implementation is compliant with GS1 standards.
Choose a solution provider. GS1 UK has a number of solution partners who specialise in using QR codes for consumer engagement. Your chosen provider will be able to meet your requirements whilst adhering to GS1 best practice.
Configure your website. You will need to set up redirects and, depending on your approach, you may need to look into implementing a subdomain. Our best practice guide and how to tutorials will assist you with this.
Create your QR code. Typically, the solution provider you choose will be able to help you generate your GS1 Digital Link (the data will be encoded in the QR code powered by GS1) as well as provide a downloadable QR code.
Get it checked. Before you go to print, please contact GS1 UK so we can check your QR code powered by GS1 and the data encoded. GS1 has recommendations for size, placement and more to ensure your QR works as it should. It could save you from making an expensive mistake.
Print your QR code. Incorporate your QR code in your artwork or on your label as you would any other barcode.
Rather do it yourself?
Although we highly recommend using a solution provider to help you implement QR codes powered by GS1, if you have the technical capabilities then you can do it yourself.
Our best practice guide is a good place to start to understand the requirements, and we have additional resources for you to undertake it yourself.
Currently, there is no way for GS1 UK members to create QR codes powered by GS1 in My Numberbank.
Best practice
Regardless of whether you take the simple or more advanced approach, we have some recommendations to make sure you and your consumers get the most from your QR code. If you are using a solution provider to help you implement QR codes powered by GS1, make sure they adhere to the best practice.