Whether it’s nutritional information, an origin story, or recycling instructions, consumers are more and more curious for information about the products they purchase.

They want to know where their products come from, how they are made, and whether they align with their personal values. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted companies to adopt new technologies that enhance transparency and provide comprehensive product information at the point of interaction.

One such innovation is the integration of GS1 Digital Link, which when combined with Openscreen Engage, gives brands a turnkey solution to digitally expand and deliver upon the promise of full product transparency.

Understanding GS1 Digital Link

Before diving into how Openscreen Engage works with GS1 Digital Link, it is essential to understand what GS1 Digital Link is and why it matters. GS1 Digital Link is an extension of the traditional GS1 barcode, which has been the standard for product identification for decades. While the traditional barcode carries basic product information, the GS1 Digital Link takes this a step further by enabling a web-based connection to additional data.

With GS1 Digital Link, a single scan can lead consumers to a vast array of product information, including nutritional facts, sourcing details, usage instructions, recycling information, and much more. This is made possible by embedding a URL within the barcode that directs users to a web-based landing page, where all this data is hosted.

The Role of Openscreen Engage

Openscreen Engage takes the GS1 Digital Link standard, and makes it easily implemented by brands who want to both generate new, QR Code activated experiences for their products.  Openscreen Engage’s drag-and-drop mobile CMS let’s brands create customized, contextual microsites for their products without re-structuring their existing web efforts.

Here’s how Openscreen Engage enhances the GS1 Digital Link experience:

1. Branded, Dynamic (Trackable) QR Code Generation

As GS1 Digital Link relies on the creation of a QR Code to embed both the traditional barcode information, and the enhanced digital link, Openscreen Engage’s QR Code design studio lets brands create, manage and maintain their full library of product specific GS1 Digital Link QR Codes.

2. Drag-and-Drop Mobile Microsites

One of the key advantages of Openscreen Engage is its ability to create engaging mobile content using an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, without needing to modify existing corporate websites.  Most corporate sites are built for structured navigation, and not for Point of Interaction support.  Using Openscreen Engage allows brands to create curated, contextual product sites.  For instance, a brand can update nutritional information, add new recipes, or provide an interactive origin story triggered right by the product’s GS1 Digital Link and hosted on Openscreen Engage. This flexibility is invaluable for brands that want to keep their consumers informed with the most current and relevant information.

3. Interactive Consumer Engagement

Openscreen Engage is designed to do more than just display information; it enhances consumer engagement by providing interactive experiences. Through the platform, brands can create engaging content such as videos, quizzes, and loyalty programs that are accessible directly from the GS1 Digital Link. For example, after scanning a product, a consumer might be invited to watch a short video about the product’s journey from farm to table, or participate in a quiz that offers rewards for correct answers.

4. Data Analytics and Insights

Openscreen Engage provides brands with valuable data analytics and insights. Every interaction a consumer has with a product can be tracked and analyzed, giving brands a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and preferences. This data can be used to optimize marketing strategies, improve product offerings, and even predict future trends. With the integration of GS1 Digital Link, brands can gain insights into which types of information consumers find most valuable, helping them to refine their content and engagement strategies.

5. Supporting Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Today’s consumers are more conscious of the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases. Through the integration of GS1 Digital Link and Openscreen Engage, brands can provide detailed information about their sustainability practices, sourcing methods, and ethical standards. Consumers can easily access information about the carbon footprint of a product, its recyclability, or the fair-trade practices involved in its production.  New organizations like Circular Materials, created to promote a more circular economy, can drive dramatic improvements in recycling using GS1 Digital Link and Openscreen Engage.

6. Facilitating Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

In addition to enhancing consumer engagement, Openscreen Engage also supports brands in meeting compliance and regulatory requirements. Many industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, have strict labelling requirements that are continually enhanced. The integration of GS1 Digital Link with Openscreen Engage ensures that all necessary information is readily accessible to consumers and regulators alike. This can include ingredients, allergens, expiration dates, and safety instructions. By providing this information digitally, brands can easily update it to remain compliant with changing regulations.

The Future of Product Interaction

The combination of GS1 Digital Link and Openscreen Engage represents the future of product interaction. As consumers continue to demand more transparency and personalized experiences, brands must leverage these technologies to stay competitive. The ability to provide in-depth, dynamic, and personalized product information at the point of interaction not only enhances the consumer experience but also builds trust and loyalty.

Moreover, as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart packaging technologies continue to evolve, the role of Openscreen Engage in supporting GS1 Digital Link will only become more critical. Imagine a world where every product is connected to the internet, capable of providing real-time information, and interacting with consumers in meaningful ways. This is the vision that Openscreen Engage and GS1 Digital Link are helping to realize.

Conclusion

In summary, Openscreen Engage is a powerful tool that supports GS1 Digital Link by enabling brands to deliver comprehensive, real-time product information to consumers through a simple scan. By enhancing consumer engagement, offering dynamic content management, and providing valuable data analytics, Openscreen Engage helps brands meet the growing demand for transparency and personalization. As consumers continue to prioritize informed purchasing decisions, the integration of Openscreen Engage with GS1 Digital Link will be essential for brands looking to build trust, foster loyalty, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

The lights on your color printer won’t stop blinking red. You’ve navigated the manufacturer’s website but you’re having trouble finding the right make and model, let alone the troubleshooting guide. If only you could get one-click access to a curated site for your specific machine.

What if there was a QR Code right on your printer that took you to a portal that was purpose-built for your specific make and model. One scan and you’re exactly where you want to be, with all the resources (and just the resources) for your product.

Using QR codes to activate custom digital manuals for products can be a convenient and efficient way to get product specific relevant information, when and where customers need it most.

With Openscreen Engage, manufacturers can easily create device-specific support flows that increase issue-resolution rates and client satisfaction. Here’s how:

1. Design & Host Product Specific Digital Manuals
   Use Openscreen Engage’s Page and Form manager to drag-and-drop digital manuals for each of your products. They can include text instructions, images, diagrams, videos, or a combination of these elements.  They can also include content from your existing site but organized in a product-specific way. 
2. Design, Generate & Print Branded QR Codes:
   Once your microsites are done, use the QR Code studio to design a branded QR Code that integrates seamlessly into your product’s look and feel.   Leverage the print wizard to generate sheets, rolls or even digital files to include ON your actual product.
3. Clone Existing Manuals for New Products
   Openscreen Engage’s page and form cloning feature means you don’t have to start from scratch when you have new product SKUs.  Just clone the manual of an existing product and change what you need.  You’ll have QR Codes for your entire lineup, in minutes.
4. Track Issues & Dynamically Optimize Your Manual
   With the Openscreen Engage dashboard and reporting function, you’ll be able to track the usage of your manuals with every scan and understand what products and issues are driving support requests.  Based on these insights, you can change your content at any time.
5. Replenish, Cross-Sell and Upsell Too:
   Digital manuals don’t need to be used for support alone.  Give your customers links to order supplies, upgrade equipment or buy complementary products.  Leverage every interaction to drive more revenue.
6. Add a Form for Customer Feedback
   Your digital manuals don’t have to stop at one-way content.  Using Openscreen Engage’s Form Manager, get feedback from your customers WHILE they’re using your products.  They’re the best to let you know how you can engineer a more perfect product and user experience.

By incorporating contextual QR codes ONTO your products, manufacturers can optimize the customer support experience while meaningfully reduce costs and time-to-resolution. 

To begin your free trial of Openscreen Engage for on product digital manuals, click here.