How to Manage and Implement Barcode Numbering Series
Barcodes are essential in modern business operations, enabling unique identification, automatic data capture and sharing, efficient tracking, and management of products. They provide a way to encode information, such as a product’s identity, price, and other key details, in a machine-readable format. A barcode number series or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a critical component of barcodes, ensuring that each product is uniquely identified, globally.
Obtaining a GS1 barcode or GTIN is vital for businesses to streamline their operations, avoid confusion, and maintain consistency in product identification. In this blog, you will understand the importance of having a structured barcode numbering series/GTIN in enabling businesses to scale efficiently.
Understanding Barcode Number Series
A barcode numbering /GTIN is a unique set of numbers assigned to objects. GTIN provides a structured and standardised system of product identification through barcodes. Each GTIN is designed to be globally unique and follows a specific format to ensure its accuracy and compatibility with global standards.
Components of a Barcode Number Series (GTIN)
A GTIN/barcode number series consists of four key components:
- Country Prefix: This identifies the country of origin of the product. India has ‘890’ as its country prefix that is provided by GS1 Global.
- Company Prefix: This identifies the organisation or manufacturer.
- Product Code: A unique code assigned to the individual product or product SKU (Stock Keeping Unit). This helps distinguish products within a specific organisation’s catalogue.
- Check Digit: The final digit in a GTIN is used to validate the composition of the GTIN, ensuring that the barcode is scanned correctly and accurately.
Benefits of Using a Barcode Number Series (GTIN)
Simplifies Inventory Management
A barcode number series (GTIN) allows businesses to streamline their inventory processes. By assigning unique barcode numbers to each product, companies can easily track stock levels, monitor product movement, and manage reorder cycles.
Enhances Supply Chain Efficiency
Barcodes facilitate faster and more accurate data collection, which helps improve overall supply chain efficiency. With a GS1 barcode, businesses can quickly scan products as they move through the supply chain, reducing delays and minimising errors during shipments.
Reduces Human Errors in Tracking Products
Manual data entry is prone to errors. Barcodes reduce the risk of mistakes by automating the product identification and data capture process, ensuring that businesses can avoid costly inventory and order discrepancies.
Facilitates Product Differentiation and Categorisation
A structured barcode number series (GTIN) allows businesses to easily categorise products by type, category, or location. This helps with product differentiation, enabling companies to easily manage a diverse range of products and efficiently organise their inventory.
Conclusion
Managing and implementing a barcode number series (GTIN) is crucial for businesses that want to optimise their operations, improve inventory management, and enhance supply chain efficiency. By adopting best practices such as using standard barcode formats, ensuring scalability, and leveraging automation, businesses can ensure that their barcode numbering systems remain effective and sustainable in the long run.
GS1 India offers valuable resources and consultation services to help businesses implement and optimise barcode systems. For those looking to improve their barcode number series management, it is recommended to consult with experts and adopt GS1 standards to stay ahead in the competitive business environment.
