Barcodes are changing. Soon, all retailers around the world will be scanning 2D Barcodes at the Point of Sale instead of linear UPC or EAN barcodes. Here at IBN Link we make it easy to create these 2D Barcodes for your products.
2D Barcodes are replacing UPC/EAN barcodes. Get ready and make the change with IBN Link today!
Find out more about the transition to 2D Barcodes
data encoded: 0701197903555
Scan Result at Point of Sale: 0701197903555 (GTIN)
The only information contained is the barcode number (GTIN). The retailer has to manually link the GTIN to the product name and price within their own inventory system.
Scan Result on a Smartphone: 0701197903555 (GTIN)
data encoded: https://id.ibn.link/01/00701197903555
Scan Result at Point of Sale: 0701197903555 (GTIN)
A 2D Barcode functions just like a UPC/EAN barcode at the Point of Sale (displaying the GTIN number, which is connected to the product name/price in the retailers system).
Scan Result on a Smartphone: Product Info Page (eg https://future-products.com.au/vivafizz-naturale/) which shows you the product name, description, image, and GTIN number.
On scanning, a 2D Barcode directs the consumer to a landing page, typically the Product Information Page, via a Resolver service like IBN Link. The page will automatically appear in the language set on the smartphone, provided it’s configured in the IBN Link dashboard. For instance, the barcode to the left will display content in English or Portuguese based on your phone's language settings.
data encoded: https://id.ibn.link/01/00701197903555/10/3?15=250902
Scan Result at Point of Sale:
0701197903555 (GTIN)
Batch 3
Best Before 2 Sept 2025.
Scan Result on a Smartphone: Product Data Page (https://ibn.link/01/00701197903555/10/3/?15=250902) which shows you the GTIN number, Product name and information, Batch Number, and Best Before Date.
Scan the 2D Barcode below with your smartphone camera to see how a 2D Digital Link QR Code works!
What is a 2D Barcode?
A 2D barcode is a two-dimensional way to represent information. Unlike the traditional linear UPC or EAN barcodes, which are limited to storing a small amount of data, 2D barcodes can hold a significantly larger amount of information.
How are 2D Barcodes different from traditional barcodes?
Traditional barcodes store data in a series of black and white lines, while 2D barcodes use patterns of squares, dots, hexagons, and other shapes. This allows 2D barcodes to encode more data in a smaller space.
Are your 2D Barcodes compatible with GS1 Digital Link?
Yes, our 2D Barcode system and Resolver are fully compliant with the GS1 Digital Link standard. This ensures that the 2D Barcodes we provide follow global GS1 specifications for encoding product data in a web-friendly format. As a result, your 2D barcodes will be scannable and functional anywhere GS1 Digital Link-compliant systems are used - worldwide and across all major retail and supply chain platforms.
Can 2D Barcodes display information in different languages?
Yes they can. When a customer scans the 2D Barcode, it automatically displays information in the device’s language setting. For example, if a smartphone is set to Portuguese, the content will appear in Portuguese, provided the product owner has set up multiple language options in their IBN Link dashboard)
Why are retailers switching to 2D Barcodes?
Retailers are switching to 2D barcodes for their capacity to hold more information, their speed and accuracy in scanning, and their versatility in use across different types of products and industries.
Will my existing UPC/EAN barcodes still work?
While the transition to 2D barcodes is underway, most retailers will continue to accept traditional UPC/EAN barcodes for a period of time. However, it is recommended to adopt 2D barcodes as soon as possible.
How do I generate a 2D Barcode for my product?
At IBN Link, we provide an easy-to-use platform where you can create 2D barcodes for your products. Simply enter your product information and our system will generate the barcode for you.
How can customers scan 2D Barcodes?
Customers can scan 2D Barcodes using standard barcode scanners at retail outlets or through smartphone cameras using various barcode scanning applications.
What are the costs involved in switching to 2D Barcodes?
Transitioning to 2D barcodes involves minimal costs on our platform. The primary cost is associated with updating your product packaging to include the new barcode.
How will 2D Barcodes benefit my business?
By adopting 2D barcodes, your products will be ready for the future of retail, ensuring compatibility with the latest retail technology. This transition also offers opportunities for enhanced product tracking, better inventory management, and enriched customer engagement through augmented product information.
