Symbol Placement
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.2.2. Multiple Logistic Units – Global Identification Number for Consignment
Application Description
■ Consignments can comprise one or many logistic units. If the consignment comprises more than one physical object there is no requirement that they are attached together.
A consignment number identifies a logical grouping. When a consignment number is read the message is that this physical unit should be associated with any other physical units carrying the same consignment number. Individual physical units carry the SSCC as described in the previous section.
■ The Global Identification Number for Consignment is assigned by the freight forwarder or carrier of the transport units and is referenced in the relevant transport messages and documents HWB (house waybill) etc. It may be used as a communication reference by all parties in the transport chain, such as in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) messages where it can be used as a consignment reference and/or freight forwarders or carriers loading list. See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Global Identification Number for Consignment (GINC): AI (401).
Note: Shipment and consignment are terms, which may be used interchangeably within the transport and logistics sector however for the purposes of clarity, when referring to multiple logistic unit identification for trade, GS1 uses the term shipment and when referring to multiple logistic unit identification for transport, GS1 uses the term consignment
GS1 Key Definition
The Global Identification Number for Consignment, AI (401), identifies a logical grouping of goods (one or more physical entities) that has been consigned to a freight forwarder or carrier and is intended to be transported as a whole. Refer to Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier for detailed information.
Rules
The data transmitted means that the Element String denoting a Global Identification Number for Consignment has been captured. The Global Identification Number for Consignment may be processed as stand-alone information where applicable or with other identification data appearing on the same unit.
See Section 4.9.
Attributes Required Not Applicable Optional Not Applicable Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent the GS1 Global Identification Number for Consignment is the GS1-128 barcode symbology.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality See Section 5.5.2.7.2, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 2.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.2.3. Multiple Logistic Units – Global Shipment Identification Number
Application Description
■ Shipments can comprise one or many logistic units. If the shipment comprises more than one physical object there is no requirement that they are attached together. A shipment number identifies a logical grouping. When a shipment number is read the message is that this physical unit should be associated with any other physical units carrying the same shipment number. Individual physical units carry the SSCC as described in the previous section.
■ The Global Shipment Identification Number is assigned by a seller (sender) of the goods and is referenced in the despatch advice and bill of lading, etc. It is a globally unique number that identifies a logical grouping of physical units in a transport shipment. It may be used as a communication reference by all parties in the transport chain, such as in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) messages where it can be used as a shipment reference and/or a consignor’s loading list. See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN): AI (402).
■ Note: Shipment and consignment are terms which may be used interchangeably within the transport and logistics sector, however for the purposes of clarity, when referring to multiple logistic unit identification for trade, GS1 uses the term shipment and when referring to multiple logistic unit identification for transport, GS1 uses the term consignment.
GS1 Key Definition
The Global Shipment Identification Number (bill of lading) is a number assigned by a seller (sender) of the goods. It provides a globally unique number that identifies a logical grouping of physical units for the purpose of a transport shipment
Rules
The data transmitted means that the Element String denoting a shipment identification number has been captured. The Global Shipment Identification Number may be processed as stand-alone information where applicable or with other identification data appearing on the same unit.
See Section 4.10.
Attributes Required Not Applicable Optional Not Applicable Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent GS1 Global Shipment Identification Number is the GS1-128 barcode symbology.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality See Section 5.5.2.7.2, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 2.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.3. Assets
The GS1 System provides a method for the identification of assets. The object of asset identification is to identify a physical entity as an inventory item. Each company holding a GS1 Company Prefix may assign asset identifiers to the assets or trade items supplied to their customers.
Each company holding a GS1 Company Prefix may assign a Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) or Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI). If the asset is manufactured on behalf of a company best practice may dictate that the manufacturing company applies the GRAI or GIAI during the manufacturing process on behalf of this customer.
Note: Where assets of the same type need to be ordered a GTIN is required for the ordering process. There is no conflict when a GTIN and a GRAI (GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type and Check Digit) have the same digits, because the data carrier (EDI qualifier, GS1 barcode with GS1 Application Identifier, or EPC/RFID) will distinguish between the two GS1 Identification Keys.
The GS1 System asset identifiers act as keys to access the characteristics of an asset stored in a computer file and/or to record movements of assets.
Asset identifiers may be used for applications, such as the location and usership of a given asset (e.g., a personal computer or returnable transport item) or for complex applications, such as recording the characteristics of a returnable asset (e.g., a reusable beer keg), its movements, its life-cycle history, and any relevant data for accounting purposes.
2.3.1. Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI): AI (8003)
Application Description
A Returnable Asset is a reusable package or transport equipment of a certain value, such as a beer keg, a gas cylinder, a plastic pallet, or a crate. The GS1 System identification of a Returnable Asset, the Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI), enables tracking as well as recording of all relevant data.
The Element String comprises the GRAI (see Section 3.2 for List of GS1 Application Identifier).
The GRAI is composed of the GS1 Company Prefix of the company assigning the asset identifier and of the Asset Type. The latter is assigned to uniquely identify, together with the GS1 Company Prefix, a particular kind of asset. The GRAI remains the same for all identical Returnable Assets. Although consecutive numbering is recommended, the structure is left to the discretion of the assigning company. An optional serial number may be used to distinguish Individual Assets within a given asset type.
A typical application using this Element String is in tracking returnable beer kegs. The owner of the beer keg applies a barcode carrying a GRAI to the keg using a permanent marking technique. This barcode is scanned whenever the keg is supplied full to a customer and scanned again when it is returned. This scanning operation allows the beer keg owner to automatically capture the life-cycle history of a given keg and to operate a deposit system, if desired.
Note: This Element String identifies a physical entity as a Returnable Asset. When such a physical entity is used to transport or to contain a trade item, the Element String AI (8003) must never be used to identify the transported or contained trade item.
GS1 refers to GRAI in the Section 2.1.1.9, which deals with medical devices for the Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) management of these items within the micro-logistics cycle of use, cleaning and sterilization. See Section 2.1.1.9 for more details.
GS1 Key Definition
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify Returnable Assets. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type, Check Digit, and optional serial number.
The structure of the Element String for a Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) can include two parts: the mandatory Asset Type Identification and an optional serial number (see Section 3.2 for List of GS1 Application Identifiers).
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules.
Attributes
The attributes of the asset should be established on a computer file using the GS1 System asset identifier as the key to the information. Examples of the type of information held include the full name and address of the party who owns the asset, the value of the asset, the location of the asset, and the life-cycle history of the asset.
Required Not Applicable.
Optional
The owner of the asset assigns the optional serial number. It denotes an Individual Asset within a given Asset Type. The field is alphanumeric and is used to distinguish Individual Assets with the same Asset Types.
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI): AI (8003).
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules (none is currently identified).
Data Carrier Specification Carrier Choices
The GS1 data carriers that can be used to represent the GRAI are:
■ GS1-128
■ GS1 DataMatrix
■ GS1 QR Code
■ EPC/RFID
When encoding an asset identifier for medical devices see section 2.1.1.9.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
For GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code, see section 5.5.2.7.9 GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 9 – GS1 Keys Other than GTIN
Symbol Placement Not Applicable.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.3.2. Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI): AI (8004)
Application Description
In the GS1 System, an Individual Asset is considered a physical entity made up of any characteristics.
This Element String identifies a particular physical entity as an asset. It must not be used for other purposes and must be unique for a period well beyond the lifetime of the relevant asset records. Whether or not, the assigned Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) may remain with the physical item when changing hands depends on the particular business application. If it remains with the physical item, then it must never be re-used.
The GIAI comprises the GS1 Company Prefix of the company assigning the asset identifier and an Individual Asset Reference (see Section 3). The Individual Asset Reference is alphanumeric.
Its structure is left to the discretion of the company applying the Element String.
This Element String might, for example, be used to record the life-cycle history of aircraft parts.
By symbol marking the GIAI, AI (8004), on a given part, aircraft operators are able to automatically update their inventory database and track assets from acquisition until retirement.
GS1 refers to GIAI in the Section 2.1.1.9, which deals with Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) for medical devices within the micro-logistics cycle of use, cleaning and sterilization. See Section 2.1.1.9 for more details.
GS1 Key Definition
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify an Individual Asset. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix and an Individual Asset Reference (see Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier).
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules.
Attributes
The attributes of the asset should be established on a computer file using the GS1 System asset identifier as the key to the information. Examples of the type of information held include the full name and address of the party who owns the asset, the value of the asset, the location of the asset, and the life-cycle history of the asset.
Required
None is currently standardized.
Optional
None is currently standardized.
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules (none is currently identified).
Data Carrier Specification Carrier Choices
The GS1 data carriers that can be used to represent the GRAI are:
■ GS1-128
■ GS1 DataMatrix
■ GS1 QR Code
■ EPC/RFID
When encoding an asset identifier for medical devices see section 2.1.1.9.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
For GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code, see section 5.5.2.7.9 GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 9 – GS1 Keys Other than GTIN
Symbol Placement Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.4. Locations
GS1 System has defined two broad classes of entities that are identified with a Global Location Number: Physical Locations and Parties. The distinguishing characteristic between the two is one is always an object or point in the physical world (structure, building, or a specific location within a site) and the other is a business or business function (a party to a transaction, a group, or organisation, including regulatory and other public sector agencies), which may be associated with a physical location.
2.4.1. Introduction
A Global Location Number (GLN) is used to identify any location that needs to be uniquely identified for use in the supply chain.
The GLN makes possible the unique and unambiguous identification of physical locations and parties used in the supply chain. Identification in this manner is a prerequisite to efficient Electronic Commerce between trading partners (e.g., Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), electronic catalogues). The GLN is a 13-digit number created by a GS1 Company Prefix, a Location Reference and a Check Digit. Note that when a U.P.C. Prefix is used to generate the GLN, the U.P.C. Prefix should be considered as having a leading zero (see Section 1.3 for a full definition of the GS1 Company Prefix).
Within the GS1 System, the GLN and the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) are two distinct data identifiers. There is no conflict when a GTIN and a GLN have the same digits, because the data carrier (EDI, machine readable symbol, or radio frequency) will distinguish between the two identifiers. For example, when GLNs are used in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) and EDI, the context (Application Identifiers and qualifiers) will prevent any misinterpretation. Each company or organisation that is a member of a GS1 Member Organisation may use GLNs to identify locations under the terms of its membership. For full contact details of the GS1 Member Organisations worldwide, visit www.gs1.org.
Although in some countries the national GLN database is administered by the GS1 Member Organisation, it remains the responsibility of the company issuing the numbers to keep business partners informed of all relevant GLNs related to the trading relationship. Special care is needed if ownership of the company changes (see Section 1.6).
In business operations, location numbers are of no value if they are not associated with business attributes. The attributes of the location ideally should be established as part of master data management using the GLN as the key to the information.
These attributes, in conjunction with transactional data, answer the three questions of who, what, and where. The GLN is designed to improve the efficiency of communication with trading partners and add value to the trading partners involved as well as to consumers. For communication between trading partners, a GLN should be used following the rules defined in Section 4.
2.4.2. EDI and Global Data Synchronization (GDS)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) ideally uses Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to identify all trading partners and physical locations involved. The mailbox or network address for companies has traditionally been identified with a GLN to support EDI applications. The EDI standards promoted by the GS1 System (EANCOM, GS1 Business Messaging Standards (XML)) make full use of GLNs to simplify the automation of business messaging. Any GLN related Application Identifier should have an equivalent field (data element) in EDI messages.
GLNs and associated information of trading partners are communicated at the start of the relation through the party information message (PARTIN). GLNs are then used during the trading relationship in any other business message, such as invoice, order, pay, or deliver.
National data pools and the global registry that links them for the purpose of global data synchronisation mandate the use of GLNs to identify each party that provides information to any data pool or who requires information about products and locations.
Note: The GS1 General Specifications do not provide details on business messages or the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN). For further information, please consult the relevant GS1 standard.
2.4.3. Application Overview
The Global Location Number (GLN) provides a unique and unambiguous identification of physical locations and parties used in the supply chain or participating in a business process.
Physical Location - A site (an area, a structure or group of structures) or an area within the site where something was, is, or will be located.
Party – Any legal entity or organisation (including regulatory and other public bodies), business function, group, or individual actor; a participant in one or more business processes.
Note: A party may have an address associated with it whereas a physical location always has a geographical address.
A geographical address is a collection of information expressing a specific location on the Earth's surface. Most commonly a postal delivery address; but could be any geographical coordinate system such as latitude & longitude.
2.4.3.1. Physical Location
The identification of physical locations is an essential element for supply chain visibility. A GLN assigned to a physical location always has a permanent and identifiable geographical address regardless of any business process roles conducted at the site. If the GLN + GLN Extension Component are used to identify locations within the site, each sub-location identification shall follow the same reassignment rules defined in section 4 for the site GLN.
The following figure illustrates just one likely example; it is not the only normative solution.
Figure 2.4.3.1-1. Physical Locations in a Logistic Process