GS1 Standards provide a common basis for companies that allow for products, locations, assets, transactions, etc. to be uniquely
- identified by a globally unique number
- to encode these identification numbers (with additional information) in a data carrier so that this information can be transferred automatically, and
- and to exchange the related information between trading partners
Below you will find an overview of the various standards that GS1 supports and the solutions and applications that are offered based on these standards.
GS1 identification keys are unique identification numbers that can be used worldwide. These identification keys are generally used to identify the following things:
| What do you want to identify? | Which GS1 identification key do you need? |
|---|---|
| Trading units/products | GTIN |
| Logistical units | SSCC |
| (Physical) locations | GLN |
| Discount vouchers | GCN |
| Reusable assets | GRAI |
| Additional information (lot number, expiry date, etc.) | Application Identifiers |
| Other information | Other GS1 identification numbers |
All GS1 identification keys can be converted to machine-readable data carriers so that the encoded information can be read automatically. For example, a barcode can be scanned at the checkout.
There are several types of barcodes and other data carriers in which the identification keys, and potentially additional information, can be encoded.
The type of data carrier you use will depend on the type and amount of information you want to encode, the scanning environment, the material on which you need to print the data carrier and possibly the requirements of your business partner.
Click on a data carrier in the table for more information.
| Data carrier name | Type of data carrier |
|---|---|
| EAN/UPC | Linear barcode |
| GS1 Databar | Linear barcode |
| GS1-128 | Linear barcode |
| ITF-14 | Linear barcode |
| GS1 Datamatrix | 2D barcode |
| RFID | Radiofrequency technology |
GS1 offers various solutions for the standardised exchange of product data or to exchange commercial, logistical and financial messages (e.g. electronic invoicing). These solutions can be divided into different categories. Check the table on the right to see which solution you need for your category.
| What kind of data do you want to exchange? | GS1 solution |
|---|---|
| Product master data |
My Product Manager (MPM) |
| Transactional Data |
Electronic Data Interchange (GS1 EDI) Sectoral FMCG & Food Service Harmonized Order to Cash (HO2C) Cross-sectoral Peppol standard
|
| Electronic invoicing |
General information about electronic invoicing E-invoicing between the FMCG & Foodservice sector and from that sector to government E-invoicing between trading partners from various private and/or public sectors
|
GS1 offers various solutions and applications to make it easier for members to implement the GS1 standards.
For example, you can use My Product Manager for the creation of GTINs and barcodes, enable the Calimero test robot to check electronic invoices or manage your GLNs in My Locations.
Are you not sure which solution or application you need for your question? Then please contact our general helpdesk!
| What do you want to do? | GS1 solution or application |
|---|---|
| Create a GTIN and/or barcode for a product | My Product Manager |
| Check or search for a GTIN | Verified By GS1 |
| Search for a company using the company prefix in a GS1 identification key | GEPIR |
| Search for a company's GLN | My Locations |
| Track logistics units | GS1 Logistics Label |
| Create a discount voucher | My Coupon Manager |
| Encode a GCN into a GS1 DataBar | GCN-tool |
| Check the label on a product, GS1 Logistical Label or discount coupon | GS1 barcode verification service |
| Check the EDI messages | Calimero |