How to Get Started
The most important thing you need to determine is the type of location(s) you need to identify:
- A physical location like a store, warehouse, or port
- An operational location such as mailboxes or department locations
- An organization or corporate entity
- A legal or functional entity such as a buyer, seller, or carrier (e.g., purchasing, accounting, transportation groups, parties in electronic transactions).
If you are looking to identify an entity and have a GS1 US GTIN or a GS1 Company Prefix, you already have an entity GLN. To access it, visit myGS1US.org.
The Global Location Number (GLN) provides flexibility for every level of location identification. As a result, you will be able to track anything moving throughout the supply chain and uniquely identify the locations involved in its business transactions.
How Many Global Location Numbers Do You Need?
Once you’ve determined the types of locations you’re looking to identify, decide how many GLNs you need. Some companies choose to allocate one GLN for their whole business, while others allocate individual GLNs for every location they need to identify. This could be a warehouse receiving dock or a hospital bed location in a ward.
Start Small with a Global Location Number (GLN)
If you only need to identify a few locations, you can purchase individual GLNs as you need them.
An individual GLN license is best for those looking to keep track of a few locations along the supply chain.
License a Global Location Number for $30 and get a free subscription for one user to GS1 US Data Hub® | Location, an online tool you can use to identify, manage, and share your locations.
Think Bigger with a GS1 Company Prefix
Need to identify multiple locations?
Need to also identify products or cases/pallets? It might be best for you to license a GS1 Company Prefix. A GS1 Company Prefix can be used to identify more than just locations.
You can license a GS1 Company Prefix with the capacity to accommodate the number of locations (or products) that you need to identify.
What to Expect
Our check out process has 3 simple steps:
- Select a Global Location Number or GS1 Company Prefix and add them to your cart
- Provide your company and contact information
- Pay (here is our W-9 form)
After you complete the checkout process, you will receive a welcome email from GS1 US. It will include all the information you need to get started, including access to myGS1 US—your online member center.