GS1compliant

GS1compliant refers to products, packaging, systems, or software that conform to GS1 standards established by the GS1 organization for global identification and data sharing in supply chains. Being GS1compliant implies adherence to the GS1 System of Standards, which covers product identification (GTIN), location identification (GLN), logistic unit identification (SSCC), and data carriers such as barcodes and RFID tags, as well as data structures and identifiers used in electronic data interchange and data synchronization.

Common elements of GS1 compliance include the correct use of application identifiers AIs in GS1-128 barcodes, the use of GS1 DataMatrix or GS1-128 as appropriate, proper barcode scannability, and human-readable text. It also involves enabling data capture and sharing through GS1 standards, such as product master data and supply chain events, and, in many cases, participation in the GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) for master data synchronization.

Implementation considerations: organizations may need to obtain GS1 company prefixes or GTIN allocation, design packaging hierarchies that can be encoded in GS1 barcodes, and ensure label formatting and printing comply with GS1 guidelines. Software and systems claiming GS1compliance may be tested against GS1 conformance and, where relevant, certified by GS1 member organizations.

Benefits include improved traceability, interoperability across trading partners, reduced data errors, and streamlined receiving, invoicing, and inventory management.