The Next Leap Forward in Retail's Digital Transformation
In our previous blogs, we explored how seamless shopping and swift fulfillment are reshaping retail. Driving these changes are key digital initiatives—like item-level tracking with RAIN RFID, Digital Product Passport (DPP), Digital Link, and Sunrise/ Ambition 2027 (2D barcodes)—that enable real-time visibility, compliance, and stronger customer trust. As retailers move toward unified commerce, these capabilities are no longer optional but essential to staying competitive.
Three Key Innovations Powering Retail’s Future
Retail’s digital shift is accelerating, and these three initiatives provide critical advantages:
| Initiative | What It Does | Retail Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| GS1 Digital Link | Connects a product’s barcode to online content across the supply chain, enabling real-time access to product details, promotions, traceability, and authentication services. | Enhances the customer experience and streamlines operations. |
| Item-Level Tracking with Digital Product Passport (DPP) | Provides end-to-end product visibility by capturing standardized data such as origin, materials, and sustainability info—accessible via RFID or 2D barcode—to support circular economy and compliance. | Enables traceability and regulatory readiness and strengthens consumer trust. |
| Sunrise/ Ambition 2027 (2D Barcode) | Supersedes 1D barcodes with richer data, enabling faster transactions and better product visibility under GS1 Sunrise 2027. | Improves inventory accuracy, speeds up checkout, and strengthens anti-counterfeiting efforts. |
Choosing the Right AIDC Partner
To fully leverage these technologies, retailers need to partner with an AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) provider that can offer:
- Seamless Integration – Compatibility with critical retail systems such as ERP, e-commerce, OMS, and WMS platforms.
- Advanced Scanning & Data Capture – High-performance scanners and mobile computers optimized for 2D barcodes and Digital Link.
- Advanced, Reliable RFID Encoding and Reading – High-performance RAIN readers and printers.
- Robust Data Management – Real-time tracking, compliance support, and security.
- Future-Ready Solutions – Scalable hardware and software built for evolving retail demands.
Why TSC Auto ID Group?
TSC Auto ID Group is your single-source provider for end-to-end AIDC solutions, which include printers, enterprise mobile computers, RFID technology, and supporting software. We deliver scalable, future-proof product offerings and expert field support to help retailers transition to item-level tracking with Digital Link, DPP, and 2D barcodes.
Contact us for tailored guidance, and stay tuned for more insights throughout our Retail Campaign. If you’d like to explore these topics further, you can download our guide, Beyond the Barcode: How GS1 Digital Link Transforms Retail, and watch our recent webinar for in-depth insights and practical advice from industry experts. Watch the webinar playback here !