GS1Systemstandards

GS1 System Standards are a globally recognized set of business process standards that enable companies to identify, capture, and share information about their products, services, locations, and assets. These standards are developed and maintained by GS1, an international not-for-profit organization. The core of the GS1 System lies in unique identification numbers, such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) for products and the Global Location Number (GLN) for physical locations and legal entities.

These identifiers are then encoded into various barcode symbologies, like the Universal Product Code (UPC) and the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) barcode, allowing for quick and accurate scanning at points of sale, in warehouses, and throughout the supply chain. Beyond identification, GS1 standards also define data structures and communication protocols for exchanging business information. This includes standards for electronic data interchange (EDI) and application identifiers (AIs) that specify the meaning of data within a barcode or message.

The primary purpose of GS1 System Standards is to improve the efficiency, transparency, and safety of supply chains worldwide. By providing a common language for business data, they facilitate interoperability between trading partners, reduce errors, enable better inventory management, and support product traceability. Industries ranging from retail and healthcare to manufacturing and logistics rely on GS1 standards to streamline operations and enhance global commerce.