QR-ID: A Next-Generation Standard for Product and Instance-Level Identification

Authors: Maximilian Lindqvist
Date: December 10, 2024

Abstract

The GTIN-Batch-Serial standard is a next-generation approach to revolutionizing product and instance-level identification. By combining a product code (GTIN), a batch identifier, and a unique serial identifier into a single structured format, this standard provides the flexibility, scalability, and modularity necessary for tracking, authentication, and consumer engagement. Using a separator (-) to distinctly organize GTIN, batch, and serial-level data, the approach embeds the complete identifier into a scannable QR code, enriched with logic-based routing. This white paper outlines the technical details, use cases, benefits, adoption strategies, and implementation roadmap for GTIN-Batch-Serial as a global standard.

1. Introduction

1.1 Motivation

Modern supply chains and consumer ecosystems demand a global standard that supports precise product and instance-level identification. While existing standards such as GTIN provide batch or product-level traceability, they lack the ability to organize modular data layers or facilitate true unit-level serialization.

With industries adopting digital-first models and data-driven logistics, a unified approach that combines product information, batch-level data, and unit-specific serialization is essential. The GTIN-Batch-Serial format meets this demand, unifying these elements into a compact, structured identifier encoded into scannable QR codes.

1.2 Vision

The GTIN-Batch-Serial standard aspires to:

1. Deliver a single scannable code to work across inventory tracking, batch recalls, anti-counterfeiting, consumer engagement, and IoT integration.
2. Simplify serialization and enhance hierarchical data layering across industries to minimize the need for multiple tags or codes.
3. Enable data routing based on scan context, ensuring manufacturers, distributors, and consumers can securely retrieve the information they need.

2. Design of the GTIN-Batch-Serial Standard

2.1 Format Overview

The GTIN-Batch-Serial format uses a simple, structured pattern:

[GTIN]-[Batch]-[Serial]

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number):
  Encodes the universal product identifier, covering standards already used for product classification worldwide (e.g., 12/13/14-digit codes).

• Batch:
  Provides batch- or lot-level information for production, quality control, and recall purposes. Batch identifiers are customer- or system-defined and may include alphanumeric characters.

• Serial:
  Represents a unique, unit-specific identifier (UID) assigned to each individual product instance. This is essential for single-item tracking, counterfeit prevention, and IoT use cases.

• Separator (-):
  Clearly distinguishes GTIN, batch, and serial components for easy parsing by systems and applications.

Example:

• QR Code: 12345678901234-LOT5678-AA00123
  • 12345678901234: GTIN (Global Product ID)
  • LOT5678: Batch ID
  • AA00123: Serialized identifier

When encoded into a QR code:

https://qr-id.org/12345678901234-LOT5678-AA00123

2.2 URL-Based Routing Framework

The GTIN-Batch-Serial format leverages a URL structure for logic-based routing when scanned. On scan, systems can dynamically interpret and act on the GTIN, batch, or serial components separately or combined.

This URL-based routing allows the identifier to:

• Dynamically connect to centralized or decentralized databases.
• Enable contextual use cases, such as consumer-facing product information or manufacturer-specific traceability.
• Provide encrypted interactions for sensitive data such as authentication or inventory control.

3. Use Cases

3.1 Supply Chain Optimization

• Product and Batch Tracking: Organizations use the GTIN and Batch sections for inventory and quality control.
• Serialized Shipping: The Serial portion enables granular unit-level monitoring for logistics, reducing shipping errors.

3.2 Consumer Engagement

• Interactive Packaging: Consumers use scanners (e.g., smartphones) to reveal information encoded in the GTIN-Batch-Serial standard. For example:
  • GTIN: Access product specifications, assembly instructions.
  • Serial: Enable personalized interactions like warranty claims.

3.3 Anti-Counterfeiting

• Unit Verification: Serial identifiers protect against counterfeits by verifying the uniqueness of each scanned unit.
• Blockchain Integration: GTIN-Batch-Serial can store product data on blockchain networks to create immutable, verifiable records.

3.4 IoT Integration

• Serialized Device IDs: IoT products encoded with GTIN-Batch-Serial can securely share firmware versions and configuration details.
• Cloud Access: Enable dynamic retrieval of batch or serial-specific data such as maintenance schedules or error logs.

3.5 Recall Management

• Scalable Recalls: Use GTIN-Batch combinations to identify defective product lots and Serial data to isolate affected units faster.

4. Benefits of GTIN-Batch-Serial

4.1 Versatile and Scalable

This format combines product-level identification with modular instance data. Stakeholders can extract only the sections of the code they need (e.g., manufacturers focus on GTIN/Batch, consumers on GTIN/Serial).

4.2 Simplifies Identification

By uniting multiple identification elements, GTIN-Batch-Serial eliminates redundant labels or codes, reducing complexity and costs.

4.3 Future-Ready

The format’s QR-embedded and URL-based design integrates seamlessly with:

• Cloud services, APIs, and modern IT systems.
• Analytics platforms to track product lifecycles and user behavior.

4.4 Consumer-Friendly

For consumers, GTIN-Batch-Serial enables seamless mobile scanning to retrieve tailored information or services, improving the overall product experience.

5. Technical Standards and Interoperability

5.1 Standards Integration

The GTIN-Batch-Serial approach is designed for compatibility with existing standards:

• GTIN Compliance: Works within the globally accepted GS1 framework for GTINs.
• Serialized ID Standards: Supports global UID formats, ensuring cross-industry functionality.

5.2 QR Code Implementation

• Encoding: QR codes can store GTIN-Batch-Serial data compactly while supporting long alphanumeric strings.
• Error Correction: Proprietary error correction ensures usability even in damaged codes.

6. Adoption Strategy

6.1 Industry Partnerships

Collaborate with GS1, consumer groups, and IoT consortia to advocate for and implement the GTIN-Batch-Serial educational framework globally.

6.2 Pilot Deployment

Initial rollout with industries that will greatly benefit from serialization, such as pharma, electronics, and luxury goods.

6.3 Open Standard

Release GTIN-Batch-Serial as an open specification to inspire broad-scale innovation.

7. Challenges and Future Opportunities

7.1 Challenges

• Standards Alignment: Achieving cross-industry consensus on encoding methods.
• Sensitive Data Management: Balancing features with data privacy regulations like GDPR.

7.2 Opportunities

• AI Insights: Analyze scanned data for user trends, fraud detection, and quality improvements.
• Blockchain Authentication: Record and verify serialized product information.

8. Conclusion

The GTIN-Batch-Serial format offers a revolutionary approach to unified identification. By consolidating GTIN, Batch, and Serial identifiers into a single modular and scannable code, it unlocks traceability, anti-counterfeiting, and customer engagement at unprecedented levels. The proposed system is future-friendly and adaptable across industries, paving the way for a smarter, more connected global product-identification ecosystem.

9. Appendix

9.1 GTIN-Batch-Serial Example Structure

Encoded into QR Code:
https://qr-id.org/12345678901234-LOT5678-AA00123

9.2 References

• GS1 Guidelines on GTIN
• ISO 15459 (Serialized Identifiers)
• API/Cloud Integration Specifications