A case is an outer package containing a number of consumer items. The case is often the item level that can be ordered from supplier or wholesaler. When the outer packaging is numbered with a GS1 item number, it cannot be confused with an case for another product.
The process of marking the outer packaging takes place in three steps: Create item numbers for the case, select a barcode type and mark the case.
1. Create item number for the case
Before you mark your case with a barcode, the packaging must be numbered with a GS1 item number – a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). There are two types of item numbers that you can choose: GTIN-13 or GTIN-14.
- If your case is to be read at a checkout point in a store create GTIN-13.
- If your case is not going to be read at a checkout point in a store create GTIN-14.
2. Select barcode type
The most common barcode types in the GS1 system are EAN-13, GS1-128 and ITF-14. What barcode type you use depends on, for example, the type of packaging and where in the flow of goods the barcode will be read, for example at a checkout point or in a warehouse. Read more about the barcode types to find out which one fits your case.
- The EAN-13 is used for consumer and outer packaging that will be read at a checkout point.
- ITF-14 is used to label outer packaging. ITF-14 is a durable barcode that can be printed directly on, for example, corrugated board.
- GS1-128 is used to label outer packaging and pallets. GS1-128 can carry additional information other then item number, for example date or batch number.
3. Label the case
When you know which barcode you want to use, you will finally label the outer packaging.