GS1 US BarCode and eCom FAQs

GS1 US BarCodes and eCom FAQs

Q. What is GS1 US BarCodes and eCom and what does it do?
A. GS1 US BarCodes and eCom is the U.S. implementation organization for the GS1 System. The organization supports implementation of standardized identification numbers for use in barcodes and ecommerce messaging standards such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Business Message Standards using Extensible Markup Language (XML).
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Q. What products and services does the GS1 US BarCodes and eCom Group provide?
A. GS1 US BarCodes and eCom is involved in standards establishment, maintenance and implementation services, representation in industry-related projects, advancement of supply chain solutions, and industry education.
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Q. What is the history of GS1 US BarCodes and eCom and the GS1 System?
A. In 1974, the first U.P.C. barcode was scanned, changing the way the grocery industry conducted business. Since then, the standards behind the barcode have grown into the global GS1 System, used by more than one million companies doing business in over 140 countries across 23 industries.
GS1 US BarCodes and eCom is a line of business within GS1 US. GS1 US is a member organization of GS1, formerly EAN International.
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Q. What is a barcode? Does GS1 US BarCodes and eCom provide barcodes?
A. A barcode symbol, such as the U.P.C., consists of patterns of black vertical bars with white spaces and numbers at the bottom of the symbol. Together these bars make up the symbology of the code. The thickness of the bars and the distance between them define the numbers contained in the barcode. A set of two black bars appear at the beginning, middle and end of the symbology and are called guard patterns. These patterns provide start and stop signals to tell a scanner where it is reading within the code.

The GS1 Company Prefix is a globally unique, seven- to eleven-digit number licensed to a company/organization by GS1 US. Company Prefixes vary in length to meet the needs of our members. The GS1 Company Prefix is used as a foundation to create the identification numbers of the GS1 System. The GS1 Company Prefix is what makes the identification numbers of the GS1 System unique.

The Legal Entity GLN is automatically assigned to identify a company/organization by GS1 US. A Global Location Number (GLN) identifies legal entities (such as a company/organization, subsidiary, or division), functional entities (such as accounting departments or return departments), and physical locations (such as a store, hospital, or warehouse).

The U.P.C. Company Prefix is provided to support the creation of U.P.C. barcodes. A U.P.C. Company Prefix is a special representation of the assigned GS1 Company Prefix. The U.P.C. Company Prefix is created by removing the leading "0" digit from the GS1 Company Prefix. Only companies/organizations assigned GS1 Company Prefixes beginning with a "0" may create U.P.C.'s.

NOTE: The length of U.P.C. Company Prefixes can vary from six to ten digits in length. The prefix shown above is for example only.

U.S. organizations that need a barcode must join Partner Connections from GS1 US. Along with the Company Prefix, you will also receive access to the Data Driver™ tool for defining and managing bar codes. While each company is responsible for allocating a unique number to each product and printing their own barcodes, Data Driver automates the process and ensures barcode quality and accuracy.
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Q. What is a GTIN®?
A. GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number®. The GTIN is the globally unique GS1 identification number used to identify trade items (products and services) that are sold, delivered, warehoused, and invoiced.
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Q. What is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?
A. EDI is the exchange of business information between computers with little or no human intervention.
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Q. How are GS1 System standards developed?
A. GS1 created the Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) to support standards development activity for the GS1 System. The GSMP was developed to maintain standards-based solutions for global trade using GS1 System technologies. The GSMP uses a global consensus process to develop supply chain standards that are based on business needs and user-input.

The objective of the GSMP is to bring together users from all industries, from anywhere in the world, to allow for a uniform approach and methodology for global standards management. This includes but is not limited to standards development, standards maintenance, and implementation support.

The GSMP is built on these core activities:

  1. Identify and assess business needs
  2. Gather business requirements
  3. Document best practices
  4. Gain solution consensus
  5. Develop and implement standards
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Q. What is the cost of subscribing to the GS1 System?
A. The fee is determined by the number of unique products a company needs to identify and as well as gross sales revenue.
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Q. What is Partner Connections?
A. Companies that join GS1 US BarCodes and eCom become members of Partner Connections and gain access to tools and services to help drive efficiency in their supply chain. Benefits include Data Driver®, an online tool for creating,managing and instantly printing barcodes and Global Location Numbers, and sending product information to trading partners; access to the Solutions Center; free online education; essential business information; access to toll-free, priority assistance; and discounts on GS1 US events, products, and services.
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Q. How is the GS1 System related to data synchronization and the Electronic Product Code™?
A. The GS1 System provides the standards for globally unique physical identification (such as products, shipping containers/cartons, assets, and locations) and the electronic communication of that information (such as purchase orders and shipping notices). Data synchronization and Electronic Product Code (EPC) technology use these same standards to identify both the item, asset, or container and the physical locations as it moves through the supply chain.
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Q. What is the Rapid Recall Exchange?
A. The Rapid Recall Exchange is an easy-to-use online tool that facilitates and standardizes industry product recall notifications between trading partners. The tool’s features include:

  • user authentication
  • standardized form and process for communicating recalls 
  • online web access from anywhere, anytime 
  • ability to embed product images and product information to easily identify recalled products 
  • database of retail, wholesale, and distributor company coordinators who can receive product recall notifications

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Additional Company Prefix FAQs

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Q. What is a GS1 Company Prefix?
A. The GS1 Company Prefix is a globally unique number assigned to companies by GS1 Member Organizations to create the identification numbers of the GS1 System.
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Q. How much does an additional GS1 Company Prefix cost?
A. The cost of an additional GS1 Company Prefix is based upon the total annual gross revenue of the company in combination with the number of unique products needed to be bar coded. The minimum initial fee is $760 with an annual renewal fee of $158.
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Q. How long does it take to get a new GS1 Company Prefix?
A. Once we have received the completed application and the appropriate fee, the average processing time is 1-2 business days. After your application is processed, you will receive an email notification containing your licensed GS1 Company Prefix and your unique User ID and Password that you may use to access valuable online resources to create your U.P.C. bar codes.
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Q. Do I need a separate GTIN for each product? size? color?
A. Yes, you need a separate GTIN for each product and variation (color, size, weight, count, formula, flavor, etc.).
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Q. When can I begin to use my GS1 Company Prefix?
A. You can begin to assign U.P.C.'s with the new GS1 Company Prefix as soon as you receive the notification of its assignment.
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Q. How do I notify my retailer(s) of my new company prefix?
A. A copy of the certificate showing the assignment of the new GS1 Company Prefix is the best way to notify retailers of the assignment of an additional Prefix.
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Partner Connections FAQs

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Q. What is Partner Connections and what are the benefits of this program?
A. Partner Connections is the GS1 US BarCodes and eCom membership program. When you join Partner Connections, you receive access to essential tools and exclusive resources that can help you improve your company’s efficiency and build better customer relationships. These include a unique GS1 Company Prefix that is used as a foundation to create the identification numbers of the GS1 System and a U.P.C. Company Prefix that is used to create Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) barcodes for your products. Additional benefits include: Data Driver®, a quick, easy-to-use online tool that creates, prints and manages your U.P.C. product barcodes and location numbers, and enables you to send your product information to your customers electronically, via data synchronization; access to the latest barcoding and ecommerce standards and guidelines, along with “how-to” information in the Solutions Center; priority toll-free customer service for your barcode and ecommerce questions, and free online education.
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Q. My company needs to bar code products. What do I need to do?
A. Your first step is to complete an application for the GS1 US Partner Connections membership program. Your membership provides you with essential supply chain tools and exclusive resources, including a unique GS1 Company Prefix and a U.P.C. Company Prefix that can be used to create Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) bar codes.
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Q. What is the Partner Connections membership fee?
A. For new members (membership August 28, 2002 or later): The number of unique products you need to identify and your company’s gross annual sales revenue determines the fee. We suggest you complete the membership application to obtain your company's annual membership fee.

For Charter Members (companies assigned a GS1 Company Prefix – formerly an EAN.UCC Company Prefix – prior to August 28, 2002): The annual Partner Connections upgrade fee is calculated based on the number of GS1 Company Prefixes assigned prior to August 28, 2002 and the company’s gross sales revenue. Fees range from $158 to $2,100 per GS1 Company Prefix.
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Q. How long does it take to process my Partner Connections application?
A. Once we have received the completed application and the appropriate fee, the average processing time is two business days. After your application is processed and approved, you will receive an email notification containing your licensed GS1 Company Prefix and your unique User ID and Password that you may use to access valuable online resources to create your U.P.C. bar codes. Your GS1 US Partner Connections Member Kit will follow by mail. Your Member Kit will contain your GS1 Company Prefix Certificate and License and a link to literature about your valuable membership benefits and the identification numbers of the GS1 System.
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Q. How do I obtain bar codes for my products?
A. Your Partner Connections benefits include tools and resources that can help you obtain bar codes in three easy steps. First, create your identification numbers using the exclusive Data Driver online tool that defines and manages bar codes, including U.P.C.’s. Second, using Data Driver, you can automatically create a Product Identification Detail Sheet for your label vendor. Third, use the online Certified Products and Services Directory of standards-certified products and consulting services to find a vendor who can assist you in printing quality bar codes.
Take the Quick Tour.
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Q. Do I need to register my products with GS1 US?
A. No, you do not register your products with GS1 US. You will need to communicate your product information to your trading partners.
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Q. What important information should a Publisher in the Magazine Industry review before completing an application?
A. Not all Magazine Distributors/Wholesalers are compliant with GS1 Standards. If you plan to use a Distributor/Wholesaler to enter your publication into the retail supply chain, GS1 US asks that you contact your Distributor/Wholesaler to confirm if they can accept a U.P.C. created with your U.P.C. Company Prefix. If they are unable to accept a U.P.C. using your own U.P.C Company Prefix, you will not need to apply to GS1 US and should consult with your Distributor/Wholesaler for advice on next steps.
If your Distributor/Wholesaler indicates they are capable of accepting your U.P.C. using your own U.P.C. Company Prefix, you should proceed with this application. If you have questions, please contact a GS1 US Customer Service Representative and they will be happy to assist you.
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Data Driver FAQs

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Q. How does Data Driver work?
A. Data Driver uses your GS1 Company Prefix (the number that uniquely identifies your company) to create a barcode number or Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN) to uniquely identify your product. When you enter information about your products, Data Driver assigns accurate barcode numbers in a sequential manner. Data Driver chooses the correct barcode, adhering to the current GS1 System standards represented in the GS1 General Specifications. Using Data Driver, you can instantly print or download your barcode labels, using an easy 1-click feature, or you can provide specifications to a label vendor. You may also provide quality specifications for size and placement to your product label designer. You can also use Data Driver to electronically send product information to your customers.
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Q. Why should I use Data Driver?
A. Data Driver is a quick, easy-to-use online tool that takes the work out of creating and printing globally unique identification numbers and associated U.P.C. barcode numbers for your products. It also provides an easy way to meet your trading partners' data synchronization requirements.

Data Driver:

  • Provides a simple way to build the GTINs (Global Trade Identification Numbers) needed to identify your products Allows users to download a barcode image
  • Includes a 1-click feature for quick printing of barcode labels
  • Stores all your product and location information in one central location that is maintained by GS1 US
  • Maintains your product and location information according to GS1 System standards. The barcode and item information for data synchronization that is generated by Data Driver is always automatically in compliance with up-to-date GS1 System standards
  • Offers your company a method to easily synchronize your product information with your trading partners
  • Supplies specifications for your label vendor or product label designer to follow to create high quality barcodes. It is important to have high quality barcodes on your products to avoid expensive charge backs from retailers.
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Q. Does Data Driver create barcodes for me?
A. Yes! You can create and manage your barcodes in Data Driver. Also, Data Driver includes printing and downloading capabilities. You can print your barcodes right in your office using the easy 1-click print button allowing you to print your barcode labels.
Note: If you wish, using Data Driver, you can find an online list of GS1 US-certified companies who specialize in label orders and in-house printing software/hardware to assist you with your barcoding needs.
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Q. How can I print out my product information?
A. There are several printing options available from the Products Menu.

  1. To print a summary of the information you’ve entered on a single product, inner pack, case, pallet, mixed cases, or mixed pallets, click on the "Products" button on the "Main Menu." From the "All Products" screen, choose the specific entry from the list and click the "Summary" button.
  2. To print a spreadsheet of all of the product information you have entered into Data Driver to date, go to "File" at the top of your window and select "Export My Data" from the drop down menu. You may now save a copy of all of your product information to your personal computer. Choose the MS Excel (.xls) format for printing.
  3. To print your Product Identification Detail Sheet, which contains the information needed to print your barcode labels, click on the "Products" button on the "Main Menu." From the "All Products" screen, choose the specific product from the list and click the "Product Identification Detail Sheet" button. If you choose to include your barcode as part of your product label, this sheet is especially useful and important for your designer.
  4. New! To print your Product Sales/Marketing Sheet, which contains all of your product information with photos of your product, go to the “All Products” screen, select your product, and click “Product Sales Sheet”. Upload your product photos, and click “Generate Sales Sheet”.
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Q. What is the difference between a Product Summary and a Product Identification Detail Sheet?
A. Your Product Summary will be a listing of all of the information you enter into Data Driver about your product, such as the height and weight.

Your Product Identification Detail Sheet will contain all of the details your label vendor needs to fulfill an order for barcode labels, such as your GTIN, X-dimension, the type of surface the barcode will be applied to, and the minimum size of the barcode label. It will also include a general illustration to show you the recommended placement of the barcode label on your product.
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Q. How do I identify the different locations of my business?
A. When entering your company locations into Data Driver, choose the location for receiving label orders. This information will be included in the Product Identification Detail Sheet that is created for your label vendor.
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Q. Why should I identify the different locations of my business?
A. This tool allows you to synchronize item and product information with your trading partners. This information may often be location specific. The need to provide information in regards to various locations drives the need to identify your multiple locations.
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Q. What types of barcodes does Data Driver support? What if I want to use a different barcode?
A. Data Driver supports:

  • U.P.C.-A (most commonly used barcode for retail products)
  • U.P.C.-E (smaller barcode used in some situations)
  • ITF-14 (non-retail levels of packaging)
  • GS1-128

To learn more about these barcodes, please visit the Solutions Center.
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Produce/Healthcare
The GS1 Databar (formerly RSS) is a barcode that is used on very small healthcare items, produce, or fresh meat products. Data Driver does assign GTINS and permanently store your product information; however Data Driver currently does not print GS1 Databar barcodes.
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Q. What does "Clone Product" mean?
A. Cloning a product allows you to copy and edit a similar product, which takes less time than entering all the details yourself. The item is assigned a new, unique barcode number (GTIN).
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Examples for when cloning a product may be a time-saver for you are: Coffee mugs in different colors or different types of cheese that are packaged similarly.
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Q. Can I use Data Driver if we already have products with barcode numbers (GTINs) on the market?
A. Yes. To use Data Driver correctly you must first enter the barcode numbers (GTINs) from all of the individual retail items, inner packs, cases, pallets, mixed cases and mixed pallets, you already have on the market. If you proceed without entering the numbers you are already using, the products you identify will not have unique numbers and retailers will not be able to sell them.
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Q. How do I enter a barcode number (GTIN) for a product already on the market?
A. The first time you use Data Driver, your GS1 Company Prefix will appear along with the question, "Have you created barcodes with the number above?" When you click on "yes," you will be taken to a special section of Data Driver, "Load Barcode Numbers (GTINs) Already In Use." If your company has more than one GS1 Company Prefix, you will be prompted to answer that question each time you use Data Driver.

Click on the "Products" button on the Main Menu, and then click on the "Load Barcode Numbers (GTINs) Already In Use" tab on the "Products Menu" screen to reach the section where the numbers already in use must be entered.

If you want to load your product and location data, as opposed to just loading the GTIN numbers, choose "Admin Tools" from the top menu and click on "Import". This option will walk you through the steps you need to take to load all data associated with your product and location numbers.
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Q. What is a "variable measure" product?
A. Products that can vary in weight, quantity, or dimensions are "variable measure." Examples: spool of cable, wheel of cheese, side of beef, roll of newsprint.
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Q. Why should I enter my variable measure product into Data Driver?
A. By entering your variable measure product into Data Driver, you are building and tracking the foundation for the barcode that will be created at the point-of-sale. Retailers will need the information entered into Data Driver, which you can provide them in a Product Summary Sheet created by Data Driver. When you participate in electronic commerce transactions (which is the way many retailers communicate with their suppliers), your product information will be formatted correctly.
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Q. How can I create a barcode for my variable measure product?
A. Barcodes for variable measure products are usually created by retailers since the information (such as weight) varies from item to item. For example, a chicken is weighed at the retailer and a barcode with the price is then printed).

For more information, visit the Solutions Center and choose "Barcode and ID Numbers" from the top menu.
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Q. Will Data Driver create a Product Identification Detail Sheet for my variable measure product?
A. No. When you enter a variable measure product, Data Driver will only create a Product Summary of your information that you may wish to provide to retailers. For variable measure products the retailer typically prints the barcode labels.
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Q. How do I barcode additional information such as Batch/Lot, and Expiration Date on my pharmaceutical products?
A. Although not currently required by the FDA barcoding rules, batch/lot and expiration date are recommended for NDC/NHRIC products. To find out more about implementing Batch, Lot, and Expiration Date within your barcode number, visit the Solutions Center. Look in the Document Library for the GS1 General Specifications document.
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Q. How do I barcode my product with a GS1-128 barcode to show lot #, expiry, best-before dates, etc?
A. In addition to using Data Driver to track your GTIN and product information, please visit the Solutions Center for additional information regarding the GS1-128 barcode, which is used to identify individual non-retail trade items. You will need to discuss this information with your label vendor.
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Q. What is data synchronization?
A. Data synchronization is the electronic transfer of standardized product and location information between trading partners and the continuous synchronization of that data over time.

To be effective, data synchronization must be an ongoing business process, requiring continuous exchange of data between trading partners.
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Q. What are the benefits of data synchronization?
A.

  • Faster introduction of new products to the market
  • Cost savings through efficiencies in logistics, accounting, and inventory
  • Synchronization with a broad number of retailers through a single source of data
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Q. What trading partners can I send data to through Data Driver?
A. The following trading partners for data synchronization are supported by Data Driver:

  • Associated Food Stores, Inc.
  • Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)
  • Family Dollar
  • McLane Company
  • Sears Holding Corporation (includes Sears and Kmart)
  • SUPERVALU (all locations)
  • Wakefern
  • Wal-Mart United States
  • Wegmans Food Markets
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Q. How do I begin synchronizing data with my trading partner?
A. To begin synchronizing data with a trading partner, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Talk to your trading partner about exchanging data electronically. They need to send a subscription request from their systems to initiate the exchange of product data.
  2. Choose "Data Synchronization" from the Main Menu. 
  3. Select the customer with whom you want to synchronize your item data and follow the steps provided. 
  4. Check the "Message Center" and "Data Synchronization Customer Status Summary" for feedback from your customer over time.

Note: The data synchronization feature in Data Driver is only available to small suppliers who have less than 100 Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and $5 Million or less in annual revenue.
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Q. What is the Message Center and how do I use it?
A. The "Message Center" contains important notifications. Some messages are required for you to take immediate action on, and others are informational notification messages - for example responses or universal messages about the Data Driver application.
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Q. What type of messages are in the "Message Center"?
A. Messages regarding action required for data synchronization steps can be found within the "Message Center". Available messages are: CIP = Publication, ISR = Synchronization Error, CIC = Customer Response, and Customer Alert = a universal customer notification, and messages regarding announcements of scheduled maintenance downtime for the tool, as well as any other useful community Data Driver announcements.
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Q. What is an ISR (Synchronization Error)?
A. The presence of an ISR message indicates that your data has errors in it which has prevented it from being sent to your trading partner. Review the detailed message within the ISR and modify your item data to comply with that message. Continue to check your "Message Center" and "Data Synchronization Customer Status Summary" until you receive a CIC (Customer Response) message from your customer. If you receive another ISR, repeat the above process until your data is compliant with all valid data synchronization rules.
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Q. What is the "Data Synchronization Customer Status Summary" and how do I print it?
A. This report provides you with the product information that has been made available to your customer(s) as well as the customer responses you have received. Possible responses from the customer include: ACCEPT, SYNCHRONIZED, REVIEW - requires additional edits, REJECT - customer not interested in this product or does not carry this product.
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Q. How will I know if my data has reached my trading partner successfully?
A. The presence of a CIC (Customer Response) with ACCEPT or SYNCHRONIZED status indicates that the trading partner has successfully received the data.
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Q. What is my next action if I receive a CIC (Customer Response) REVIEW status?
A. The presence of a CIC REVIEW message indicates that you must take further action on the item before your trading partner will take your data through the data synchronization process. Read the detailed message returned from your customer and modify the data according to the instructions. Your modified product data will be resent to your trading partner automatically. Check back with your "Data Synchronization Customer Status Summary" for further feedback on your item. Repeat the process (if necessary) until you receive a CIC ACCEPT or CIC SYNCHRONIZED response.
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Q. What is my next action if I receive a CIC (Customer Response) REJECT status?
A. The presence of a CIC REJECT message indicates that your trading partner received your product data but does not wish to carry that product or has experienced a duplicate data issue within their system. If you believe this response is in error, please contact your trading partner and reference the CIC REJECT message for the GTIN it is in response to.
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Q. How will I know if my trading partner received the item information I sent via Data Driver?
A. The response from your customer will show in the "Data Synchronization Customer Status Summary" page. The following responses can be received: ACCEPT, SYNCHRONIZED, REVIEW that requires additional edits, REJECT indicates your customer is not interested in this product or does not carry this product.
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Q. What if my trading partner is not on the list provided in the "Customer Selection"?
A. If a trading partner who you wish to synchronize data to is not provided in the "Customer Selection" window, this customer is not available for publication through Data Driver. To reach additional customers who are active in data synchronization but are not available in the "Customer Selection" list, you should explore the advanced data synchronization services provided by the 1SYNC Item Management Application. For more information on 1SYNC Item Management Data Synchronization capabilities, please contact customer support.
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Q. What is the difference between "basic attributes" and "customer attributes"?
A. Basic attributes are core identifiers for your product and these are characteristics that every customer who participates in data synchronization is interested in receiving. The "customer attributes" are specific characteristics about your product that only certain customers are interested in receiving. The set of "customer attributes" are different per customer.
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