GTINi

GTINi is a proposed extension of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) system intended to carry additional internal metadata linked to a trade item. It is described as a supplementary construct rather than a replacement for GTIN, aimed at improving internal traceability, inventory control, and data interoperability within an organization’s supply chain network.

Structure and purpose: GTINi denotes an internal payload associated with a GTIN that can include information such as batch numbers, manufacturing dates, lot identifiers, or internal location data. Access to GTINi is assumed to be restricted to authorized systems, and the internal data may be stored in corporate databases or transmitted as a secured, linked payload alongside the externally visible GTIN.

Barcode encoding and usage: Public barcodes continue to carry standard GTIN data in recognized symbologies (such as GTIN-13/14 in EAN/UPC or GS1-128, and sometimes Data Matrix). GTINi information is intended to be retrieved and interpreted by internal systems that map the GTIN to its associated internal payload. The external barcode remains the globally recognized identifier, while GTINi supports enhanced internal data handling.

Adoption and standards: GTINi is not part of the core GS1 standards as of the latest public references. It is discussed in industry circles as a potential approach to extend item data handling within organizations, with proponents highlighting benefits for recall management, data quality, and counterfeit protection, and critics noting the additional data governance and integration requirements.

See also: GTIN, GS1, barcodes, data integrity, supply chain management.