Migrating to GS1 Digital Link standard on Datalogic Mobile devices: compatibility and interaction between features and settings
GS1 Digital Link is a new innovative standard that represents an evolution in product identification and information access, introducing a link between the physical product and its digital identity.
GS1 Digital Link allow for a single, standardized way to meet both supply chain needs and evolving consumer requirements, transforming traditional barcode capabilities into web-enabled identifiers. It standardizes how product identifiers (GTIN - Global Trade Item Number) can be encoded in a URI format, enabling direct connections to product information via the web, while maintaining backward compatibility with existing systems.
Similarly to a URL, GS1 Data Link enables consumers to instantly access to a wide variety of information as: product identification, traceability, expiring date, nutritional facts, warranty, recycling information, offers and fidelity cards, instructions, and many others.
A date has been set to make the transition to accepting 2D barcodes at point-of-sale (POS) or point-of-care (POC), by the end of 2027 (program called Ambition 2027), retailers would need to ensure their systems are equipped with devices capable of reading both traditional barcodes and GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes.
As reported in the GS1 document Ambition 2027 for Retail, Datalogic Mobile Android products are ready to meet the criteria defined by GS1.
(Readiness table from https://www.gs1.org/)
For more detail regarding the data structure and composition of GS1 Digital Link barcodes see following link: GS1 Digital Link Structure
GS1 Digital Link compatibility
To address compatibility in existing environments, Datalogic has introduced a comprehensive set of parameters that enable:
- Recognition and validation of GS1 Digital Link barcodes
- Conversion between GS1 Digital Link and traditional formats for backward and forward compatibility
- Management of multiple barcodes on the same product
- Standardized handling of product identification across different formats
GS1 Digital Link and GTIN
GS1 Digital Link relies on GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), which is the GS1 standard for unique product identification used globally in barcodes.
Today, GTIN can be encoded in different barcode formats, including UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), GS1 DataBar, and GS1 DataMatrix.
In new GS1 Digital Link Data Matrix and GS1 Digital Link QR Code, the GTIN identifier will be included in the basic URI syntax.
During the transition to global GS1 Digital Link adoption, items may feature both the current EAN/UPC barcode and either a simple GS1 Datamatrix:
- A simple GS1 DataMatrix
- A QR Code with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax
- A Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax
Supporting the transition and maintaining backward compatibility requires converting barcodes to "GTIN-14", a 14-digit representation of the Global Trade Item Number. Devices must be configurable to transmit desired data (GTIN or GTIN plus additional data) from one or all retail-compliant GS1 barcodes (see Ambition 2027 for Retail).
GS1 Digital Link Standard Modes for Multiple Label Scanning
To implement the transition to the adoption of GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes at the point of sale (POS), decoding software will need to be able to handle retail items that may have multiple barcodes encoded with typical GS1 data structures and identification keys. For example, a GS1 DataMatrix or a GS1 QR code and an EAN-13 may be present on the same retail item and will have the same GTIN.
GS1 standard, defined three scanning modes for handling multiple labels on the same product.
- Mode 1: After initially capturing the first GTIN from either a linear or 2D barcode, the scanner promptly processes and transmits only the GTIN with a single signal.
- Mode 2: Scanner prioritizes 2D barcodes, transmitting both GTIN and additional data in GS1 element string syntax, falling back to linear barcodes if necessary.
- Mode 3: Transmits all GS1-compliant labels with a standardized 8-digit set identifier prefix to associate multiple barcodes.
See more detail at:
- Datalogic device configurations for implementing Modes 1, 2 and 3 of the GS1 Digital Link.
- New settings introduced by Datalogic for GS1 Digital Link management.
- Official documentation of GS1 Digital Link Standars Mode1, Mode2 and Mode 3 (2D Barcodes at Retail Point-of-Sale Implementation Guideline).
Datalogic device firmware with GS1 Digital Link support
The new GS1 Digital Link features are available on the following devices and firmware versions:
|
Product |
OS |
Firmware Version |
|
Memor 30/35 |
Android 13: |
v1.03.002.20240415 or later |
|
Memor 12/17 |
Android 13: |
v1.16.004.20241204 or later |
|
Joya Touch 22 |
Android 13: |
v4.04.001.20240905 or later |
|
Skorpio X5 |
Android 13: |
v4.04.002.20240909 or later |
|
Memor 20 |
Android 13: |
v4.04.001.20240905 or later |
|
Memor 11 |
Android 13: |
v2.00.01.20240710 or later |
Useful Links:
Datalogic:
- GS1 Digital Link support on Datalogic Mobile Android devices (Datalogic NEWS)
- Datalogic device configurations for implementing Modes 1, 2 and 3 of the GS1 Digital Link
- New Datalogic settings for GS1 Digital Link management
- GS1 Digital Link Structure
- How to: Configure GS1 2D Conversion and GTIN Format for reading GS1 Digital Link in legacy application
GS1 Digital Link:
- GS1 Digital Link Standard
- Ambition 2027 for Retail (Solution provider 2D readiness)
- 2D Barcodes at Retail Point-of-Sale Implementation Guideline
At this address you will find the complete list of