TEC7 sticks to the QR code by GS1
What if a single scan immediately gave you access to all product information? No more endless searching for technical data sheets or safety documents. Thanks to the next generation of barcodes, the QR code by GS1, that is becoming a reality. At Novatech, the company behind TEC7, they are already convinced.
We spoke with Pascale, Product & Masterdata Manager, about their first steps, insights and plans.
How Novatech built a brand with TEC7 that everyone knows
Novatech is the driving force behind brands such as TEC7, TwinBond, Bike7 and Novatio. TEC7 in particular is a familiar brand on the shelves for many professionals and DIYers.
“At our company, everything revolves around simplicity,” Pascale explains. “A product you can use in many different ways makes life easier.” That philosophy is also part of the company culture: straightforward, practical and always looking for smart solutions.
Why switch to the QR code by GS1?
The QR code with Digital Link is much more than a smart barcode. It is a digital gateway to product information. And that appeals to Novatech.
“We already provide our data to GS1 via My Product Manager. So moving to a QR code by GS1 is actually a logical step. Why wouldn’t we do it?”
Pascale learned about the possibilities of the new barcode through the GS1 Belgilux Forum and the newsletters. The conviction to get started came quickly, also internally within the rest of the management team.
Testing first
Together with GS1 Belgium & Luxembourg, Novatech conducted an initial test case. With this, they wanted to discover how easy it is to create QR codes themselves and enrich product data via My Product Manager.
“The tool is intuitive. You quickly find your way. And through the test you really discover what you need,” Pascale says. An important part of this test phase is determining which elements or pages will be linked to the QR code with Digital Link. “No final decision has been made yet,” Pascale explains. “The possibilities are endless, but we also want to keep it clear. Of course, we are already thinking of essential product information such as technical data sheets (TDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), certificates and the user manual. A lot will also depend on the extent to which the data we want to link can flow automatically from the information GS1 already holds. After all, we want to stay loyal to our ‘single source of truth’ principle.”
Slowing down now to speed up later
Novatech is still waiting a bit before a full rollout. This is related to a change in the CLP legislation, which will affect the layout of their packaging.
“If we have to rework everything anyway, we prefer to do it properly in one go. That saves work and time,” Pascale says.
“The question isn’t if we will start, but when.”
Behind the scenes, they are already working hard on preparing their data, processes and designs. As soon as the green light is given, they are ready.
A tip for other companies?
“Don’t postpone it! Start working with the QR code by GS1 and test the possibilities. Use the free feature in My Product Manager to see how you want to shape things. The system is flexible: you can adjust the data behind the QR code, and your feedback can help give this relatively new concept a solid foundation for further growth.”
- Pascale, Product & Masterdata Manager at Novatech -
