GTIN Identifiers – Keys to Efficient Supply Chains

GS1 has structured the GTIN Identifiers and Barcodes to provide uniqueness, precision, productivity, and visibility in modern supply chains. They are the industry standard for identifying products, storage and tracking, guaranteeing smooth inventory handling and logistics processes. This article discusses some of the widely used GS1 identifiers in depth. Thus, we highlight their unique structure and importance in supply chain management.

“In God we trust; all others must bring data.”

W. Edwards Deming. An influential American statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and consultant, best known for his work in the field of quality management.

In the above quote by the late W. Edwards Deming, we observe from this article that GTIN Identifiers provide the data needed to manage inventory and logistics accurately. Thus, it ensures that every decision is backed by precise information.

Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN Identifiers):

GTINs, or Global Trade Item Numbers, are unique identifiers the trade uses to distinguish products from one another. GTIN Identifiers were conceptualised over fifty years ago. They have become the standard way to uniquely identify products in supply chains, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

GTIN-13: The Standard Retail Identifier:

Retailers widely use the GTIN-13 as an identifier consisting of a 13-digit number uniquely identifying a trade item worldwide. Initially, the trade conceptualized a twelve-digit numeric code in the USA known as UPC-12. This was specific to products sold in the USA. Its adoption as a global standard transformed it into GTIN-13 to encompass more countries in its item number structure.

Structure of GTIN-13:

• Prefix: The first three digits represent the GS1 company prefix that begins with the number assigned to the specific country. For example, all company prefixes for companies in India begin with the number 890.
• Item Reference: The subsequent digits identify the specific product.
• Check Digit: The last digit ensures the number’s validity.

This structure assures the unique individuality of each product. The checksum, used as the last digit, ensures the integrity of the product number. Therefore, utilising a barcode scanner to scan barcodes generated using the GTIN-13 product identifier is extremely important.

Applications of GTIN-13 in Supply Chain Management:

• Inventory Management: GTIN-13 plays a crucial role in ensuring that the stakeholders can uniquely identify each product, thereby significantly reducing the risk of errors in stock counts and product mismanagement. Its reliability is a reassurance in the complex world of inventory management.
• Retail Scanning: GTIN-13, widely used in point-of-sale systems, brings product identification and pricing accuracy, instilling confidence in its precision.

GTIN-14: Identifying Higher Packaging Levels:

GTIN-14 is used to identify trade items at higher packaging levels in the product hierarchy. Thus, it is crucial for logistics and inventory management.

Structure of GTIN-14:

• Indicator Digit: The first digit indicates the packaging level. The company may assign it to inner cartons, master cartons or pallets. If we consider the GTIN-13 as the child level of the hierarchy, the GTIN-14(s) assigned for each GTIN-13 are higher. Additionally, Companies can create multiple hierarchies based on their unique needs.
• GTIN-13 Base: Companies derive the next 12 digits from the first 12 digits of the GTIN-13 of the base item.
• Check Digit: The last digit is a checksum for validation.

Applications of GTIN-14 in Supply Chain Management:

• Case and Pallet Management: Firstly, the GTIN-14 is indispensable for case and pallet management. It enables efficient tracking of larger units of goods, ensuring the correct quantities are shipped and received.
• Logistics Optimization: Additionally, by identifying larger units, GTIN-14 facilitates bulk handling, reducing time and labour in logistics operations.

GTIN-128: Beyond Basic Identification:

GTIN-128, formerly Code 128, is a more advanced identifier that encodes the product and additional data like batch numbers, expiration dates, and serial numbers.

Structure of GTIN-128:

• Application Identifier (AI): GTIN-128 begins with an AI, specifying the data encoded type.
• GTIN Base: This includes the standard GTIN identifier.
• Additional Data: The code contains information such as batch/lot numbers, expiration dates, and other information that resonates with the needs of the supply chain.

Applications of GTIN-128 in Supply Chain Management:

• Traceability: Firstly, the GTIN-128 is a powerful tool for traceability. It enables detailed tracking of products, making it invaluable for industries like pharmaceuticals and food, where product recalls and safety are critical.
• Inventory Management: Additionally, the ability to encode expiration dates and batch numbers helps manage perishable goods, ensuring that stock is rotated and utilized efficiently.

Serialized Shipping Container Code (SSCC):

SSCC uniquely identifies logistics units, such as containers, pallets, or any grouping of products transported through the supply chain.

Structure of SSCC:

• Extension Digit: A variable-length digit used to increase the capacity of the SSCC.
• GS1 Company Prefix: Identifies the organization responsible for the SSCC.
• Serial Reference: A unique reference number assigned by the company.
• Check Digit: Used for validation purposes.

Applications of SSCC in Supply Chain Management:

• Shipment Tracking: SSCC is essential for tracking shipments as they move through various points in the supply chain. Moreover, using this code ensures that the supply chain can trace every logistics unit back to its origin.
• Inventory Control: By assigning unique identifiers to each unit, SSCC facilitates precise inventory tracking. Thus, it reduces the risk of lost or misplaced goods.

Global Model Numbers (GMN) as GTIN Identifiers:

The Global Model Number (GMN) uniquely identifies a product model or design. It benefits industries that sell products in multiple configurations or variants.

Structure of GMN:

• Manufacturer Code: Firstly, the company derives part of the GMN from its GS1 prefix.
• Model Identifier: This section identifies the specific model or product design.
• Check Digit: Finally, the last digit or the checksum ensures the GMN’s validity.

Applications of GMN in Supply Chain Management:

• Product Lifecycle Management: GMN enables manufacturers and suppliers to manage product lines effectively, ensuring all stakeholders reference the correct product models.
• Regulatory Compliance: In industries like healthcare and electronics, GMN is critical for meeting regulatory requirements by providing a clear and consistent way to identify product models.

For those seeking comprehensive resources on GS1 Identifiers, the GS1 USA website is an excellent source. Managed by industry leaders, including manufacturers, retailers, and trade associations, GS1 USA offers extensive guidelines and support for implementing GTINs and barcodes in your supply chain. Additionally, Indian manufacturers and brand owners can visit the GS1 India website, managed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, to obtain GS1 identifiers, thus ensuring compliance with global standards.

For a deeper understanding of how data exchange is facilitated through GS1 Data Pools and the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), check out my previous article here. It covers how these tools ensure accurate and efficient data sharing across the supply chain. Each product has its unique identity backed by data. Moreover, companies retain the flexibility to fetch data in their native format through data pools.