As illustrated below, UPC Link Connections permit barcode values be used to easily and automatically access product descriptions and company information via the Web. A retailer can use UPC Link to integrate product descriptions from manufacturer's servers into their customers' shopping experience. Retailers can also directly connect with a manufacturer's B2B Web site to establish accounts, obtain supply chain information, place and track orders, etc.
Consumers can use a scanner or the keyboard to capture barcode values that can be used to directly access product descriptions, identify retail sources, and obtain product support information from the manufacturer's server. Manufacturers need only maintain one copy of product description information because UPC Link connections allow that information to be readily integrated into the Web pages published by both the manufacturer and all of its supply chain partners.