Global Identification Numbers of the GS1 System TM
GS1 US TM is a not-for-profit, neutral organization dedicated to the adoption and implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions. A member-driven organization, GS1 US helps companies implement standardsbased solutions to expand business horizons, cut costs, and tap into the power of efficient supply chain management. GS1 US BarCodes and ecom TM is the U.S. implementation organization for the GS1 System the world s most accepted standards system. Table of Contents GS1 System Overview.................................................................. 3 The Foundation of Supply Chain Efficiency........................................... 4 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN ).................................................. 5 Global Location Number (GLN)....................................................... 6 Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)............................................... 7 Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI)................................................ 8 Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)............................................. 9 Global Service Relation Number (GSRN)............................................. 10 How to Begin Creating GS1 System Identification Numbers....................... 11
GS1 System Overview More than a number. More than a barcode. An entire system. With over one million user-companies doing business in more than 150 countries worldwide, the GS1 System truly enables one global language of business. The GS1 System is a suite of standards that makes a company s supply chain more efficient and responsive to customers in any industry. The standards enable a company to efficiently share business information with trading partners and to improve internal business processes, driving cost savings into business practices. The GS1 System includes: Identification Numbers, which are globally unique numbers and supplementary data elements. The identification numbers identify products, services, locations, logistics units, assets, and service relations. More than 90 supplementary data elements are standardized, including lot numbers, serial numbers, and best-before-dates. Data Carriers, which are GS1 approved barcode symbols and Electronic Product Code TM (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Data carriers are machine-readable, which provides a fast and accurate method of entering identification numbers and supplementary data elements into computer systems. Electronic commerce transactions, which enable trading partners to communicate business information in a standardized format using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or GS1 Business Message Standards using Extensible Markup Language (XML). 3
The Foundation of Supply Chain Efficiency The GS1 System identification numbers for products, services, locations, logistics units, assets, and service relations are at the foundation of supply chain efficiency. These identification numbers, when used in barcodes and electronic commerce transactions, create a link between the physical item and the database records maintained by suppliers and their trading partners. These identification numbers are then used in ongoing business transactions, such as purchase orders, advance ship notices (ASNs), and invoices. The GS1 System defines the construction of these identification numbers to ensure they are globally unique and unambiguous. These standards-based identification numbers overcome the limitations and costs associated with using multiple, proprietary, or industry-specific coding systems. The GS1 System identification numbers are created using the GS1 Company Prefix. A company in the United States is licensed a GS1 Company Prefix by becoming a member of GS1 US Partner Connections. The globally unique GS1 Company Prefix enables a company to create all the identification numbers of the GS1 System. This brochure describes the six identification numbers of the GS1 System and how your company can benefit from their use. GTIN GLN SSCC GIAI GRAI GSRN Global Trade Item Number - to identify products and services Global Location Number - to identify locations and entities Serial Shipping Container Code - to identify logistics units Global Individual Asset Identifier - to identify fixed assets Global Returnable Asset Identifier - to identify returnable assets Global Service Relation Number - to identify service relations 4
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) WHAT IS A GTIN? The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is the globally unique GS1 System identification number used for trade items, or products and services. It is used for uniquely identifying trade items that are sold, delivered, warehoused, and billed in commercial distribution channels. A GTIN is a number containing 14 digits, 13 digits, 12 digits, or 8 digits. The Universal Product Code or U.P.C., the symbol in the upper left hand corner, contains a 12-digit GTIN. The ITF-14 symbol in the upper right hand corner contains a 14-digit GTIN. It is recommended that GTINs are represented in software applications as 14 digits by right justifying and zero filling left, as appropriate. A unique trade item is assigned a unique GTIN. Therefore, an individual item, an inner pack of six individual items, and a case of six inner packs of individual items requires three different GTINs. HOW IS A GTIN USED? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A GTIN? GTINs are used to identify trade items as they move along the supply chain to the ultimate end user. GTINs are encoded in data carriers, such as barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Also, as an important component of electronic commerce, GTINs are required in data synchronization using the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN ). A common use of GTINs is in the scanning of U.P.C. symbols on retail items. The U.P.C. symbol is scanned, the 12-digit GTIN is read, and the GTIN is used to look up the price of the item. GTINs enable trading partners to uniquely identify their trade items, such as products and services worldwide, creating supply chain efficiencies and cost-savings. GTINs provide the following business benefits: Facilitate global flow of trade items along the supply chain. Identify products uniquely at all levels of packaging, such as pallet, case, and item. Allow accurate machine read (scanning) identification of trade items when encoded in data carriers. Employ globally-accepted GS1 System standards and are globally unique. 5
Global Location Number (GLN) WHAT IS A GLN? The Global Location Number (GLN) is the globally unique GS1 System identification number used for legal entities, functional entities, and physical locations. The GLN, a 13-digit number, provides a standard means for identifying locations and entities anywhere in the world. The GLN is used to identify the following: Legal entities/trading partners such as buyers, sellers, whole companies, subsidiaries or divisions, such as suppliers, customers, financial services companies, freight forwarders, etc. Functional entities such as a purchasing department, an accounting department, a returns department, or a customer service department within a legal entity. It may be assigned to unstaffed operation points like automated teller machines or vending machines. Physical locations such as a particular room in a building, warehouse, warehouse gate, loading dock, delivery point, cabinet, cabinet shelf, circuit board rack, or a hospital wing. 6 HOW IS A GLN USED? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A GLN? GLNs enable trading partners to accurately share location and entity information. GLNs are a prerequisite for GS1 electronic commerce transactions and data synchronization using the GDSN. GLNs are also encoded in data carriers, which support business processes needing to identify Ship to - Deliver to, Bill to - Invoice to, Purchased from, Ship for - Deliver for - Forward to, a physical location, and the invoicing party. GLNs provide the following business benefits: Replace proprietary numbers assigned by trading partners with a simple method of identifying locations. Allow any location to be identified for any company regardless of its activity anywhere in the world. Identify locations and entities in electronic commerce transactions. Allow accurate machine read (scanning) identification of locations and entities when encoded in data carriers, such as barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Employ globally-accepted GS1 System standards and are globally unique.
Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) WHAT IS A SSCC? HOW IS A SSCC USED? The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is the globally unique GS1 System identification number used for logistics units, such as pallets, cases, and cartons. The SSCC, an 18-digit number, acts as a license plate to efficiently move products from one trading partner to another. The SSCC expedites products through the shipping and receiving processes by enabling quick and accurate identification of logistics units. The shipping process uses the SSCC, encoded in a data carrier, such as barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, as the license plate of the logistics unit. The products contained in the logistics unit, identified by the GTIN, are linked to the SSCC. This information is communicated to the receiving trading partner via an electronic commerce transaction, such as the advance ship notice (ASN). During the receiving process, the SSCC is scanned and the electronic commerce transaction is retrieved, detailing the products contained in the logistics units. With this information, the logistics units or the products are sorted, cross-docked, or put-away. Manufacturers may also apply the SSCC at the end of the production line to manage palletized products until shipped to a trading partner. SSCCs enable trading partners to move products quickly and efficiently, while reducing time and costs associated with shipping and receiving. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A SSCC? SSCCs provide the following business benefits: Provide the link between a logistics unit and the information that is communicated between trading partners via electronic commerce transactions. Facilitate shipping and receiving throughout the entire supply chain, from raw materials supplier to manufacturer to distributor/wholesaler to end user/retailer. Support both inter- and intra-company transactions. Employ globally-accepted GS1 System standards and are globally unique. 7
Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) WHAT IS A GIAI? HOW IS A GIAI USED? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A GIAI? The Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) is the globally unique GS1 System identification number used for an asset that is part of the fixed inventory of a company. The GIAI is a variable length alphanumeric structure with a maximum length of 30 digits. The GIAI can be shared throughout an organization or supply chain to identify assets. The GIAI identifies any fixed asset of an organization, which includes all property of a business that will not be consumed through use or sold to a trading partner. The GIAI enables trading partners to eliminate duplication of asset numbers, provide tracking and tracing capabilities, facilitate maintenance, and provide equipment configuration management and control. For example, the GIAI is used to identify long lived valuable assets such as office equipment, furniture, computers, and manufacturing equipment. The GIAI is marked on the item using a data carrier, such as barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Over the life of the asset, information is collected using the GIAI and entered into an asset management system. Collected information includes asset location, installation date, preventive maintenance records, and discard data. This life history information may be analyzed for many business purposes. GIAIs enable trading partners to solve complex asset tracking challenges. They provide the following business benefits: Establish product ownership history from creation to current ownership. Provide a link to asset information such as: Depreciation In-service history Performance analysis Repair history Warranty data Support business processes such as: Product recall Item traceability Cost accounting Asset lifecycle management Employ globally-accepted GS1 System standards and are globally unique. 8
Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) WHAT IS A GRAI? The Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) is the globally unique GS1 System identification number used for returnable assets, which include reusable packages or transport equipment. The GRAI is used to access returnable asset information stored in a computer file and/or to record movements of returnable assets. The GRAI is a 14-digit number that may include an optional serial number. HOW IS A GRAI USED? GRAIs enable organizations to computerize the tracking of returnable assets such as pallets, barrels, gas cylinders, beer kegs, rail cars, rental cars, and trailers used for transport and trade. The GRAI encoded in data carriers, such as barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, enables returnable assets to be scanned as they are released or delivered to the user, and then scanned as they are returned, updating financial and inventory data. Trading partners create additional efficiency by tracking returnable assets that are used, returned and reused throughout the supply chain, which provides operational, financial and environmental advantages. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A GRAI? GRAIs enable trading partners to uniquely identify returnable assets facilitating efficiency in asset management and providing cost savings. GRAIs provide the following business benefits: Offer a low cost solution to the challenge of tracking returnable assets. Enable improved control, information, and efficiencies. Enable improved accuracy and completeness of a company s returnable asset information, elimination of redundant activities, and reduction or elimination of paperwork. Employ globally-accepted GS1 System standards and are globally unique. 9
Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) WHAT IS A GSRN? HOW IS A GSRN USED? The Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) is the globally unique GS1 System identification number used for the business relationship between a service provider and the customers of their services. The GSRN is an 18-digit number that provides a unique and unambiguous identification number for the service provider to store data, tracking the service(s) provided to the recipient. The GSRN enables a user to access information stored on computer systems or reference information transferred via electronic commerce transactions. The GSRN allows a service provider to track any customers service requirements and usage over a continuing relationship. For example, a service provider might use the information captured by a GSRN to suggest or sell new services to a customer, based on those purchased in the past. GSRNs support privacy concerns by tracking service requirements without the use of personal information. GSRN uses include: Hospital admission, where it can be used to identify the relationship between the patient and the hospital. This identification enables the ability to record room charges, medical tests, and other charges. Membership in a loyalty program or club, where it can be used for recording awards, claims, preferences, entitlements, use of facilities or subscriptions. Service agreements, such as those used for a TV or a computer, where it can be used for managing agreed-upon services and warranties. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A GSRN? GSRNs provide the following business benefits: Identify a variety of service relationship types. Enable service relation identification directly by service providers rather than depending on a third party. Track service requirements without using personal information. Allow accurate machine read (scanning) identification of service relations when encoded in data carriers, such as barcodes and Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Employ globally-accepted GS1 System standards and are globally unique. 10
How to Begin Creating GS1 System Identification Numbers GET STARTED QUICKLY BY USING THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES PROVIDED BY PARTNER CONNECTIONS. DATA DRIVER IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO PARTNER CONNECTIONS MEMBERS. PARTNER CONNECTIONS MEMBERS RECEIVE FREE AND UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SOLUTIONS CENTER. PARTNER CONNECTIONS MEMBERS RECEIVE FREE AND UNLIMITED ACCESS TO ON DEMAND WEB SEMINARS. All GS1 System identification numbers are based on the GS1 Company Prefix, the globally unique number licensed to a company or organization by GS1 US. The first step to receiving your GS1 Company Prefix is joining Partner Connections, the membership program supported by GS1 US BarCodes and ecom. When you receive your GS1 Company Prefix, you ll be able to create identification numbers and barcodes to communicate product and location information with your trading partners, getting your products to the selling floor faster, and making your supply chain more efficient. Tools to Help You Get Started Data Driver Data Driver is an easy-to-use, online tool that accurately creates and manages U.P.C. barcode numbers and sends data electronically to trading partners, via data synchronization. No technical or standards knowledge is required. Simply enter basic product information and Data Driver creates identification numbers (GTINs) for your barcodes to meet GS1 standards. You can also use Data Driver to create and manage Global Location Numbers (GLNs) for your company or organization to identify its physical locations for trading partners in electronic commerce transactions and for data synchronization in the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). Learn more at www.gs1us.org/dd Solutions Center Complete information about the identification numbers of the GS1 System can be found in the Solutions Center. This comprehensive online reference library includes the latest barcode and electronic commerce standards, detailed how-to information, searchable content, and industry-specific documentation. The Solutions Center provides important information about how to improve supply chain business efficiency. www.gs1us.org/solutionscenter Online Education You can take On Demand Web Seminars to learn more about the GS1 System identification numbers and how they are used in barcodes and electronic commerce at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more at www.gs1us.org/ondemand 11
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