GTIN in barcodes

Barcodes scanned at a checkout

EAN is the most common barcode type used in retail both in Sweden and in most of the world. It contains GS1’s globally unique code for identifying products, GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). The most widely used EAN code is called EAN-13 and, as the name suggests, it contains a 13-digit GTIN (GTIN-13). There is also a barcode that should only be used on small packages where there is no space for an EAN-13. It is EAN-8 and contains a GTIN-8.

In the US and Canada, the UPC barcode is the most commonly used on consumer packaging and contains a GTIN-12.

2D barcodes

With increasing demands for information and traceability, there is a growing need to encode more information than just an item number in a barcode. Two-dimensional barcodes can fit data beyond the GTIN, such as expiration dates, batch and serial numbers, into a small space. The three 2D codes promoted by GS1 are GS1 DataMatrix, QR with Digital Link and Datamatrix with Digital Link. In addition to being able to carry more information, these codes will also be able to be scanned at a checkout just like EAN-13 can today.

What all 2D codes have in common is that they require a camera-based scanner.

GS1 DataMatrix is a two-dimensional barcode (2D code) that holds large amounts of data in a small space. Data Matrix symbols can contain identifiers such as GTINs as well as additional data such as expiration dates and batch numbers. GS1 DataMatrix is already used today on prescription drugs to verify their authenticity.

QR or Datamatrix with GS1 Digital Link is used to provide a link to product information, for example to a website that directs the consumer to further information about the product, such as promotions, table of contents and recipes. In the near future, these will also be scanned at the checkout to get the price of the product, which is what the traditional barcode is used for at the checkout today.

Barcodes for outer packaging

ITF-14 and GS1-128 are used to uniquely identify packaging and logistic units that never pass through a checkout. If marking with a GTIN-13 or GTIN-14 is sufficient, ITF-14 works well, as it is an easy-to-use and durable barcode that works well for printing on corrugated cardboard. If information in addition to the GTIN is needed on the package, such as date or batch number, it is recommended to use GS1-128 instead. GS1-128 is also used on pallet labels.

RFID

GS1/EPC radio frequency identification (RFID) tags contain the EPC (Electronic Product Code), an electronic version of GS1 identifiers such as the GTIN. An RFID tag contains the GTIN along with the serial number. The advantage of using RFID tags is that they can be read quickly, several can be read at the same time and there does not need to be a clear line of sight between the scanner and the item being read. EPC/RFID tags are scanned throughout the supply chain to capture and share information about the movement of an item. Many industries such as apparel, healthcare and aerospace use systems to track items using RFID tags precisely for the benefits they provide in terms of efficiency and visibility.