GS1 Reference Information
GS1 Reference
GTIN
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) can be used by a company to uniquely identify all of its trade items. GS1 defines trade items as products or services that are priced, ordered or invoiced at any point in the supply chain.
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The GTIN can be used to identify types of products at any packaging level (e.g., consumer unit, inner pack, case, pallet). Groups of trade items with similar production and usage characteristics such as production batches can be further identified with the help of the batch / lot number, expiry date, and similar data elements. Individual trade items can be uniquely identified using a GTIN plus serial number.
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Once a company has assigned a GTIN to a trade item, it provides a common language for all of its entities and trading partners worldwide to uniquely identify the item and easily communicate information about the item.
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The GTIN can be encoded in a barcode or an EPC/RFID tag. By scanning the barcode or EPC/RFID tag, companies can efficiently and accurately process products and related information; for example, at checkout in a store or when receiving food in a warehouse.
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GTINs can be used to unambiguously identify trade items online, for example in catalogues, in electronic messages such as purchase orders and invoices, and embedded in web pages to optimize use by search engines and other information consumers. THE GTIN IS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH ISO/IEC 15459 – PART 4: INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT PACKAGES
There are four GTIN formats. For applications that require a uniform 14-digit format, leading zeroes need to be added:
000000nnnnnnnn (GTIN-8)
00nnnnnnnnnnnn (GTIN-12)
0nnnnnnnnnnnnn (GTIN-13)
Source: https://www.gs1.org/docs/idkeys/GS1_GTIN_Executive_Summary.pdf
GLN
The GS1 Global Location Number (GLN) provides a globally unique, standardized identifier that allows companies to answer the questions “who” and “where” within their own organization and throughout the entire supply chain
GLNs can be used to identify:
Parties identified by GLN include legal entities and functions. For example, a legal entity could be a corporation, subsidiary or government body. Functions are organizational subdivisions or departments, such as accounts receivable or quality assurance. Locations include both physical and digital locations found throughout business.
Locations identified with a GLN include places like warehouses, dock doors, ports, farms and ERP systems. When needed, locations inside larger facilities, like a room or shelf, can be assigned GLNs as well.
Where GLNs are used:
Data carriers – GLNs in barcodes can help to route products to their destination or capture where they came from.
Systems and communications – Sharing information relating to parties and locations using GLN will enhance transitional data and physical event data.
GLN Data Structure:
Source: https://www.gs1.org/docs/idkeys/GS1_GLN_Executive_Summary.pdf
SSCC
The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) can be used by companies to identify a logistic unit, which can be any combination of trade items packaged together for storage and/or transport purposes, for example a case, pallet or parcel.
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The SSCC is a crucial key for traceability, since it uniquely identifies each distributed logistic unit and its content.
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The SSCC enables companies to track each logistic unit for efficient order and transport management.
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The SSCC can be encoded in a barcode or EPC/RFID tag, ensuring the logistic unit can be accurately and easily identified as it travels between trading partners, anywhere in the world.
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When SSCC data is shared electronically via EDI or EPCIS, this enables companies to share information about the status of logistic units in transit, and reliably link it to related transport information such as shipment details
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The SSCC enables companies to link to additional information about the logistic unit. This information can be communicated via a Dispatch Advice or Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) prior to the logistic unit’s arrival. Upon receipt the SSCC will be scanned, providing the required information to speed up the receipt of goods as well as the subsequent invoicing process. THE SSCC IS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH ISO/ IEC 15459 – PART 1: UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS FOR TRANSPORT UNITS. THIS IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ISO LICENCE PLATE AND IS A PREREQUISITE FOR TRACKING AND TRACING LOGISTIC UNITS IN MANY INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAINS
SSCC Data Structure:
Source: https://www.gs1.org/docs/idkeys/GS1_SSCC_Executive_Summary.pdf