Barcodes: A New Chapter
Barcode technology is undergoing a seismic shift, doing what barcodes do very well: adapt to change.
Perhaps as remarkable as the change itself is the fact it has taken this long, but with pain comes gain and the tipping point is fast approaching. Several factors are driving the change but first, the change itself.
Digital Link is on track to replace the humble, ubiquitous UPC symbol, and in relatively short order: 2027. GS1, the global organization for barcoding and RFID, has released a standard and a quick start guide for organizations considering adoption of Digital Link.
This is another great example of the adaptability of barcode technology, which has more than survived—it has thrived in its 50-year history. Barcodes solve problems and Digital Link is just the latest example. What problem is it solving?
RIP UPC
The overarching problem that Digital Link solves is the limited data capacity of the UPC.
Digital Link is a single barcode that can do it all. Currently, this has either not been done at all or is done with a combination of printed, non-machine-readable information appended to a product label, or additional barcodes on the product label.
Who hasn’t gotten home from the grocery store only to realize some of the products are already expired? Digital Link flags an expired product at checkout. Here are consumer advantages enabled by Digital Link:
- Product nutritional information
- Usage instructions
- Recipes
- Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and recycling data
- Expiration and best use-by dates
- Allergy information
- Installation, FAQ, Troubleshooting, Support and other guides
- Batch, lot, manufacturing location, and other quality control information that make recalls quicker, more precise, and less disruptive
Digital Link in Manufacturing
As beneficial as Digital Link will be to consumers, the manufacturing advantages run deeper and wider. Scanning a digital link barcode on machinery instantly accesses maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guides, and instructional videos.
Healthcare advantages include:
- Medication details. Digital link can flag counterindications, allergy or other problems a specific medication presents to a specific patient
- Electronic Medical Records: digital link gives a patient access to their medical history, lab results and appointments
- Recalls will be quicker, more efficient, more accurate and less disruptive with instant access to batch, lot, manufacturing location and other pertinent data
- Inventory tracking. Healthcare facilities can restore supplies and medications in real-time and prevent shortages.
- Digital Link connects patients to Telemed and remote monitoring of wearable devices
Digital Link in Healthcare
Hospitals and clinics can better ensure compliance, with instant access to documentation and certifications. Tracking and managing clinical trial data is more accurate and efficient with Digital Link.
Digital Link is another major step in the long and continuing journey of barcoding. The continuing success of barcoding is remarkable not only for its longevity—50 years is a long time. It is more remarkable for the mutual benefits barcodes bring to all who use them. Barcodes were invented by a grocery industry consortium, to solve an inventory control problem. I suspect the collateral benefit to consumers was little more than an afterthought. Digital Link changes that.

John helps companies resolve current barcode problems and avoid future barcode problems to stabilize and secure their supply chain and strengthen their trading partner relationships.