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Barcodes have been used for over fifty years to communicate information between buyers, sellers, distributors, governments, and more. While a barcode could contain any random string of numbers, the power of barcodes is in standards.
Barcode standards assign unique values to entities, like GS1’s Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN). This prevents overlap in data, allowing different organizations to communicate clearly.
GS1 is the organization behind the most widely used barcode standards in the world. Generating accurate GS1 barcodes is a priority for any business. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to generate GS1 barcodes using barcode label design software.
GS1 is a global standards organization focused on addressing the challenges of data exchange in the supply chain. It is made up of member organizations in over 100 countries, including GS1 US, GS1 France, GS1 Germany, and more.
A GS1 barcode is a barcode that conforms to GS1 standards. There are several types of GS1 barcodes, from the simple UPC-A to the more complex GS1-128. GS1 also offers 2D barcodes such as QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix.
Different business use cases require different types of barcodes. Always check your label and barcode specifications document to ensure you’re using the right barcode type.
TEKLYNX barcode label design software includes a barcode generator wizard where you can select the type of barcode you wish to create, including GS1 barcodes.
GS1 barcodes in the EAN/UPC family are limited to one piece of data, typically the GTIN. More complex GS1 barcodes use Application Identifiers (AIs) to encode additional details.
A GTIN is a unique number, 8-14 digits long, that identifies a single product. GTINs are licensed to companies by GS1 member organizations.
TEKLYNX partners with GS1 US so you can get authentic GTINs directly through GS1 US by clicking the appropriate link below. You will be taken directly to the GS1 US store. When completed, come back to TEKLYNX and discover GS1-compliant barcode label design software.
GS1 AIs are used to encode specific data into GS1 barcodes. AIs are prefixes in parentheses that define the meaning of the following data.
For example, (01) is the AI used to define the GTIN. In the following barcode, 0952110153000 is the GTIN.
After the GTIN, the example above uses the AI (17), indicating Expiration Date (YYMMDD). This barcode displays an expiration date of 210704, or July 4, 2021.
Other common AIs include Batch/Lot Number (10), Production Date (11), and Serial Number (21).
There are hundreds of GS1 AIs, and each update to the GS1 General Specifications Standard may introduce new AIs.
When creating GS1 barcodes for your business, it’s important to use an application that stays up to date with GS1 standards.
The best way to generate a GS1 barcode is to use barcode label design software with a built-in GS1 barcode generator wizard, such as CODESOFT. Online barcode generators and barcode fonts may create a readable barcode, but they leave you open to mistakes in your barcode format.
Using a reliable barcode label design software like CODESOFT ensures that your GS1 barcodes will be compliant:
In this blog, we’ll describe the basic steps to create a GS1 barcode. For an in-depth training, watch our free webinar, Creating GS1 Barcodes in CODESOFT and LABELVIEW.
GS1 barcodes enable communication across the global supply chain. Businesses today need to efficiently create accurate GS1 barcodes for their products.
CODESOFT’s robust GS1 barcode generator wizard makes creating GS1 barcodes simple and organized. Download a free 30-day trial today to get started.
Travis Wayne is the Product Manager at TEKLYNX. Travis applies his 20+ years of IT and health sciences experience to empower businesses to streamline operations and barcode better by applying software and technology. He works to continually improve TEKLYNX strategic planning, product and project management principles, and cross-functional communications. When not working, he enjoys many outdoor activities with his wife and two children.
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