In today’s global marketplace, accurate and efficient product identification is crucial. Barcodes play an indispensable role in making this possible by encoding the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) of the object. GTIN is a unique identifier provided to every object traded, whether domestically or internationally. In India, genuine and authentic barcodes (allotted by GS1 India) encode GTINs beginning with ‘890’ – the country code allotted by GS1 Global to GS1 India. GS1 India is a member organisation of GS1 Global and helps Indian industries adopt GS1 standards to achieve supply chain efficiency. It provides its product barcode generator, DataKart, and the national product data repository to generate product GTINs. In this post, we’ll explore the significance of GTINs and how GS1 India’s product barcode generator can streamline operations.
What is a GTIN?
A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identifier assigned to objects to uniquely identify them as they move across the global supply chain. Unlike other identification numbers, GTINs are globally standardised and provide a consistent format recognised across borders. They help ensure that each product has a distinct identity, reducing confusion in order fulfilment, tracking, inventory management and more.
There are several types of GTINs:
- GTIN-13: The EAN-13 code is used globally and consists of 13 digits.
- GTIN-8: This 8-digit code is only assigned to small retail items like chocolates, battery cells, etc.
- GTIN-12: Often referred to as UPC (Universal Product Code), this 12-digit code is common in North America.
- GTIN-14: Used for identifying trade items at a carton or case level and contains 14 digits.
The Importance of GTINs in Product Identification
GTINs play a vital role in ensuring that products are uniquely identified worldwide. This uniqueness is essential for enhancing brand trust and streamlining operations. In India, GTINs beginning with ‘890’ can only be generated from GS1 India’s product barcode generator – DataKart. ‘890’ barcodes are the only barcodes that are interoperable, standardised, and structured, making it easier for businesses to track items at various stages of the supply chain; whether it’s for inventory management or shipping, they help reduce errors and improve operational efficiency.
How GS1 India’s Product Barcode Generator Works
GS1 India’s product barcode generator – DataKart, is used by thousands of business owners to generate GTINs and create barcodes. Organisations can use it to download artwork of scannable barcodes and send them for bulk printing. This process ensures that products are properly labelled, facilitating efficient supply chain operations.
The Process of Generating a Product Barcode
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to generate a barcode using GS1 India’s product barcode generator:
- Register for Barcodes: Register with GS1 India for barcodes.
- Use the Barcode Generator: Obtain GCP (Global Company Prefix) to use DataKart and generate GTINs.
- Download and Print: Once GTINs are generated, businesses can download & print their barcode image for their products.
Conclusion
GTIN is essential for businesses in today’s interconnected world. GS1 India’s DataKart service offers a simpler way to create and manage product barcodes, ensuring that your products are correctly identified and compliant with global standards. By leveraging it, businesses can enhance traceability, streamline supply chain operations, and foster trust with consumers. In the end, adopting barcode technology can significantly improve both operational efficiency and the consumer experience.