Glossary

A

alphanumeric (an)

Describes a character set that contains letters, numbers and other characters.

attribute

A piece of information reflecting a characteristic related to a GS1 identification key, for example, a batch number or expiry date associated with a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

B

Barcode Check

Barcode Check is a service offered by GS1 Australia.

barcode verification

The testing of the likely scanning performance of barcodes and how closely they conform to specifications based on ISO/IEC standards.

Base Unit

The product cannot be broken down into other products that are sold separately.

batch / lot

The batch or lot number that links a trade item with information the manufacturer considers relevant to the traceability of that item. The data may refer to the trade item itself or to items contained within in it.

bearer bars

Thick lines at the top and bottom of the bars in a barcode symbol, or a frame surrounding the entire symbol. They equalise the pressure exerted by the printing plate over the entire surface of the symbol and/or prevent a short scan by the barcode reader.

brand owner

The party responsible for allocating GSI identification keys. The administrator of a GS1 Company Prefix.

C

check digit

The last number encoded in a barcode, which is calculated using the preceding digits. This digit is used to check that the data has been correctly composed. Also see GS1 check digit calculation and Check digit calculator.

concatenation

The representation of several element strings in one barcode (e.g., the GTIN, batch number and expiry date). A GS1-128 barcode is an example of a barcode that can include concatenated data.

Consult

Consult is a service offered by GS1 Australia.

coupon

A voucher that can be redeemed at point-of-sale for a cash value or free item.

D

Data Carrier

See Physical Data Carrier.

data titles

Abbreviated descriptions of data fields (element strings) used to support manual interpretation of barcodes.

DataBar

See GS1 DataBar.

DataMatrix

A compact two-dimensional matrix symbology that is made up of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. Data Matrix ISO version ECC 200 is the only version that supports GS1 system identification numbers, including the Function 1 Symbol Character. Data Matrix symbols are read by two-dimensional imaging scanners or vision systems.

direct print

A process in which the printing apparatus prints the symbol by making physical contact with a substrate (e.g., flexography, ink jet, dot peening).

E

EAN/UPC symbology

A family of barcodes including EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A and UPC-E barcodes. Although UPC-E barcodes do not have a separate symbology identifier, they act like a separate symbology through the scanning application software.

EAN-13 barcode

A barcode of the EAN/UPC symbology that encodes GTIN-13. It is used to identify the vast majority of retail trade items.

EAN-8 barcode

A barcode symbol of the EAN/UPC symbology that encodes GTIN-8 or RCN-8. It is used to identify small retail items such as cosmetics.

EANCOM®

See GS1 EANCOM®.

EDI

Abbreviation for Electronic Data Interchange.

EDI Certify

EDI Certify is a service offered by GS1 Australia.

electronic commerce (eCom)

Conducting business via electronic methods, such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and automated data collection systems.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

An electronic business communication method that allows automatic electronic transmission of agreed business data between trading partners.GS1 EDI standards include GS1 eCom XML, GS1 EANCOM and GS1 UN/CEFACT XML profiles.

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

An identification scheme for universally identifying physical objects (e.g., trade items, assets and locations) via RFID tags and other means. The standardised EPC data consists of an EPC (or EPC Identifier) that uniquely identifies an individual object, as well as an optional filter value when judged to be necessary to enable effective and efficient reading of the EPC tags.

Electronic Product Code Information Service (EPCIS)

A GS1 standard that enables trading partners to share information about the physical movement and status of products as they travel throughout the supply chain - from business to business and ultimately to consumers.

element string

The combination of a GS1 Application Identifier and the data that follows.

EPC tag

An RFID tag that complies with the Tag Data Standard and contains an Electronic Product Code (EPC).

EPCIS

Abbreviation for Electronic Product Code Information Service. EPCIS Sandpit is a service offered by GS1 Australia.

extension digit

The first digit within an SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code). It is allocated by the user and is designed to increase the capacity of the SSCC.

F

fixed length

Term used to describe a data field in an element string with an established number of characters (e.g., an expiry date, which can only have 6 digits).

Fixed Measure Trade Item

An item always produced in the same pre-defined version (e.g., type, size, weight, contents, design) that may be sold at any point in the supply chain. For example, a 250g can of beans will always be sold as a 250g can of beans.

Full Members

If your company's annual turnover is more than $1M or if you need more than 10 barcodes you will need Full Membership. Full Members are provided with a GS1 Company Prefix and can assign up to 100,000 barcodes.

G

GCN

Acronym for Global Coupon Number.

GDSN®

Acronym for GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network.

general distribution scanning

Scanning environments that include barcoded trade items packaged for transport, logistic units, assets and location tags (e.g., scanning in warehouses, logistics platforms, etc).

GEPIR®

Abbreviation for Global Electronic Party Information Register.

GIAI

Abbreviation for Global Individual Asset Identifier.

GINC

Abbreviation for Global Identification Number for Consignment.

GLN

Abbreviation for Global Location Number.

Global Coupon Number (GCN)

The GS1 identification key used to identify coupons, with an optional serial number.

Global Data Dictionary

A repository of all the data elements defined across the GS1 system.

Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI)

The GS1 identification key used to identify a document type. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, document type, check digit, and optional serial number.

Global Electronic Party Information Register (GEPIR®)

A global database used by GS1 Member Organisations (MO) to find contact information about GS1 member companies. GEPIR also provides a very limited set of information on GLNs and GTINs (trade items).

Global Identification Number for Consignment (GINC)

The GS1 identification key used to identify a logical grouping of logistic or transport units that been consigned to a freight forwarder or carrier and are assembled to be transported under one transport document. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix and the freight forwarder's or carrier's transport reference.

Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI)

The GS1 identification key used to identify an individual asset, such as a computer. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix and individual asset reference.

Global Location Number (GLN)

The GS1 Identification Key used to identify physical locations or parties. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference and Check Digit.

Global Product Classification code

The code used to group products based on similar characteristics according to the GS1 Global Product Classification (GPC).

Global Service Relation Number (GSRN)

The GS1 identification key used to identify the relationship between an organisation offering services and the recipient or provider of services. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, service reference and check digit.

Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN)

The GS1 identification key used to identify a group of logistics units for the purpose of a transport shipment that travels under the one bills. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, shipper reference and check digit.

Global Standards Management Process (GSMP)

GS1 created the Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) to support standards development activity for the GS1 system. The GSMP uses a global consensus process to develop supply chain standards that are based on business needs and user-input.

Global Trade Item® Number (GTIN®)

The GS1 identification key used to identify trade items. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, an item reference and check digit.

GRAI

Abbreviation for Global Returnable Asset Identifier.

GS1 AIDC data carrier

A means to represent data in a machine readable form; used to enable automatic reading of the element strings as specified for use by GS1. Examples include barcodes and RFID tags.

GS1 Application Identifier

Two to four digits at the beginning of an element string that uniquely define the meaning and format of data that follows this prefix. Use them to hold more data about a product in a barcode, such as batch numbers, expiry dates, serial numbers etc.

GS1 check digit calculation

An algorithm used by the GS1 system for the calculation of a check digit to verify accuracy of data. Also see Check digit calculator.

GS1 Company Prefix

Part of the GS1 system identification number consisting of a GS1 Prefix and a Company Number, which are allocated by the GS1 Member Organisation.

GS1 Company Prefix licensee

The entity to which a GS1 Company Prefix is licenced.

GS1 DataBar®

A family of different barcodes created to support the identification of small and hard-to-mark items. Some of them can be used to contain additional information, such as expiry dates.The GS1 DataBar family of barcodes include: GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional; GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional; GS1 DataBar Expanded; GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked; GS1 DataBar Truncated; GS1 DataBar Limited and GS1 DataBar Stacked symbols.

GS1 DataMatrix

GS1 implementation specification for use of Data Matrix.

GS1 EANCOM®

A component of GS1 eCom, which is the GS1 standard for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and is used to share data via eMesssaging (or EDI). Some industry sectors have their own subsets of this standard.

GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN®)

An online network that enables companies around the world to exchange standardised and synchronised supply chain data with trading partners. GS1 Australia’s GDSN® service, or certified data pool, is called GS1 National Product Catalogue.

GS1 Identification Key

A unique identifier for a class of objects ( eg., a trade item, carton) or an instance of an object (e.g., a logistic unit).

GS1 Member Organisation

A member of GS1 responsible for administering the GS1 system in its country (or assigned area), for example GS1 Australia. Tasks include ensuring companies use the GS1 system correctly; providing access to education, training, promotions and support; and participating in the GSMP.

GS1 Prefix

A unique string of two or more digits by GS1 Global Office and allocated to GS1 Member Organisation to issue GS1 Company Prefixes or allocated to other specific areas.

GS1 Product Recall

A GS1 standard that defines a set of business processes and supporting data to enable clear traceability of products within the supply chain.

GS1 QR Code

GS1 implementation specification for use of QR Code.

GS1 Source

A framework for sharing product information in consumer-facing digital channels. It is standards-based, scalable and interoperable. Companies can use GS1 Source to share information about their products on the cloud. Application developers can then integrate this product data in their web and mobile applications.

GS1 system

The specifications, standards and guidelines administered by GS1.

GS1 Traceability

A GS1 standard that gives all parties in the supply chain a common business language for traceability systems.

GS1 XML

The GS1 standard for Extensible Markup Language (XML), which provides users with a global business messaging language to undertake internet-based electronic commerce.

GS1-128 barcode

Used to represent the GTIN and other data, and is commonly found on cases, pallets and other logistics units.

GSIN

See Global Shipment Identification Number.

GSMP

See Global Standards Management Process.

GSRN

Abbreviation for Global Service Relation Number.

GTIN

See Global Trade Item Number.

GTIN-12

The 12-digit GS1 identification key composed of a UPC Company Prefix, item reference and check digit used to identify trade items. These are commonly used when exporting to the US and Canada.

GTIN-13

The 13-digit GS1 identification key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, item reference and check digit used to identify trade items. 

GTIN-14

The 14-digit GS1 identification key composed of an indicator digit (1-9), GS1 Company Prefix, item reference and check digit used to identify non-retail trade items. 

GTIN-8

The 8-digit GS1 identification key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, item reference and check digit. Mainly used to identify very small trade items. 

H

Higher Level unit

The Product can be broken down into other products that are sold separately.

HRI

Abbreviation for human readable interpretation 

human readable interpretation (HRI)

Characters that can be read by people (e.g., letters and numbers), as opposed to symbol characters within barcode symbols, which are read by machines.