The term ‘resolver’ is used for any service that connects an identifier to an online information source. A GS1-Conformant resolver connects an identifier structured in GS1 Digital Link format to one or more sources of information about the identified entity. For example, it can connect a product’s GTIN to a Web page about the product, instructions and ideas for how to use the product, sustainability information and more. Likewise, it can connect an air conditioning unit to a detailed product specification, its installation and service history. In healthcare applications, it could be a pharmaceutical to information for patients as distinct from clinicians, all in the correct language and according to the local regulations as well as electronic Product Information Leaflets (ePIL), Summaries of product characteristic (SmPC) and electronic Instruction for Use (eIFU) for healthcare products.
By following the standard, GS1-Conformant resolvers can operate as part of a network with no single point of failure. This means that information about a product, asset or location remains within the data owner’s own system with the resolver network acting as a discovery service.
In Healthcare, scanning the existing barcode already on the product or pack used for compliance with regulatory requirements with a mobile device app that connects to a GS1 Conformant Resolver helps reinforce the One-Product One-barcode goal.
Meaning that manufacturers, distributors and hospitals use the linear GS1 barcode or GS1 DataMatrix already on the product or pack, yet now with a mobile device app and a GS1 Conformant resolver they can also access digital information online about the product. The Digital Link URI is not encoded in a 2D barcode in healthcare applications. QR Codes are not used in healthcare for product identification.
GS1 Digital Link and GS1 Conformant resolvers
GS1 Member Organisations, solution providers and brand owners are all encouraged to operate resolvers according to their own business practices, but the input is always a GS1 Digital Link URI. Applications can query any resolver in the network with a common set of commands and expect a common set of responses. In healthcare applications, refer to local or jurisdictional regulatory validation systems requirements and GXP guidelines that further govern the type of regulated content to which the scan may be directed.