How GTINs Work for Product Identification and Tracking

For some consumers, Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) are nothing but a string of digits on product packaging. However, they are so much more for manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers, and suppliers. They promote efficient product identification and tracking, streamlining inventory and supply chain management.

These numbers are invaluable regardless of whether you sell cereal, clothing, jewelry, or electronics in physical stores or online. They're like a universal language, spoken coherently by businesses across the globe, ensuring clarity at every interaction across the supply chain.

In this post, we take an in-depth look at GTINs, exploring the different types of universal product codes used and providing some examples of how you can incorporate them into your business.

In this article:

What is a GTIN?

Why GTINs matter for product identification and tracking

The different types of GTINs

Examples of how to use GTINs in your business

What is a GTIN?

A Global Trade Item Number is a unique code used to identify products across the supply chain. It's typically embedded in GS1 barcodes such as Unique Product Codes (UPCs) and European Article Numbers (EANs) and is assigned by the Global Standards 1 (GS1), the organization responsible for global standardization in supply chains.

The code can also be embedded in connected packaging solutions like Quick Response (QR) Codes and GS1 Digital Links, along with other identifiers such as serial numbers, batch numbers, and production and expiration dates to help create comprehensive digital product passports.

A GTIN is a vital tool for brand owners as it enables consistency in product identification. It also makes it easier for businesses to track products accurately across locations and systems, facilitating efficient supply chain and inventory management.

Why GTINs matter for product identification and tracking

GTINs are critical across industries because they promote universal access to product information. They're globally standardized and, as such, allow products to be recognized in any part of the world. This makes international commerce more seamless, enabling brands to expand beyond their home countries.

Beyond standardizing product identification, these universal product codes offer other benefits, such as:

• Streamline supply chain management: They allow key players in the supply chain to track products from the moment they leave their warehouses to when they reach final consumers. Greater visibility in the supply chain reduces delays, helping processes run smoothly.
• Simplify restocking: When integrated with inventory management systems, they help businesses track product quantities in real time, making it easier to identify items that need restocking.
• Minimize errors: GTINs eliminate the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of human error across the supply chain.
• Facilitate data alignment: They promote consistency across multiple sales channels and trading partners, improving data quality.

The different types of GTINs

While GTINs may appear somewhat similar, they aren't all the same. These numbers vary by length and functionality, so not all will be suitable for your product.

To implement the right one, you first need to know your options and their applications, which is something we help with here:

GTIN-12 (UPC)

GTIN-12, also known as UPC-A, is a string of 12 digits commonly used in North America (the US and Canada). The 12 digits fall into three components: the UPC Company Prefix (six to ten digits), the Item Reference Number (number of digits varies depending on the Company Prefix), and the Check Digit (one digit). Usually, the UPC Company Prefix is issued by the GS1, brand owners decide on the Item Reference Number, and the Check Digit is calculated based on the modulo algorithm. Alternatively, you can calculate it using GS1 US's check digit calculator.

This type of trade item number is primarily used on retail consumer products such as clothing and groceries because it is intended to be scanned at point-of-sale (POS) systems. It's also a good fit for such products because it helps retailers categorize items and facilitates seamless inventory tracking in high-volume environments.

GTIN-13 (EAN)

GTIN-13 is a 13-digit number that corresponds to the EAN-13 barcode. It's used internationally, outside North America, in areas like Japan and Europe.

Like GTIN-12, it comprises the GS1 Company Prefix, the Item Reference, and the Check Digit. The difference is that GTIN-13's GS1 Company Prefix and the Item Reference Number add up to 12 digits, while GTIN-12's are 11.

Their functionality also differs. GTIN-13 is compatible with global retail standards and, as such, can be valuable in international retail management. This makes it beneficial for brands with products in multiple countries.

GTIN-8

As you can probably tell, GTIN-8, typically used in EAN-8 barcodes, is a more compact product identifier than other GTINs. Its first seven digits represent the GS1-8 Prefix and the Item Reference, while its last digit, as with all GTINs, represents the Check Digit.

GTIN-8 is a top choice for small items with limited space for barcodes (such as cosmetics, foods, and beverages) because of its compact nature—it fits seamlessly on product packaging without affecting visual appeal.

As with other GTINs, it facilitates the efficient tracking of products across the supply chain despite its relatively small size.

GTIN-14

GTIN-14 is a 14-digit code primarily used to identify bulky products or multiple units of a single product, such as boxes and pallets. It's particularly helpful in storage and logistics management because it simplifies identifying case and carton packaging.

It also helps improve organization in warehouses and retail storage by facilitating seamless data capture—warehouse staff can identify similar products, promoting efficient inventory categorization.

This code can also help brands save time and space, as it eliminates the need to scan or store products individually.

It's worth noting that, unlike other GTINs, it's not intended for point-of-sale use.

GS1-128

GSI-128 is a data-rich version of GTINs that brands use to convey information that standard item numbers don't, such as expiration dates, serial numbers, and weights. This facilitates more advanced tracking and inventory management, which is helpful in warehousing, logistics, and transportation.

Unlike standard GTINs, which carry a maximum of 14 characters (depending on the type), the GS1-128 can carry up to 48 characters, making it a more comprehensive solution. However, as with GTIN-14, it can't be scanned at POS systems since traditional scanners can't read its information.

Examples of how to use GTINs in your business

Wondering how to leverage GTINs in your business? Here are some great use cases to give you some ideas:

Improving supply chain efficiency

GTINs can improve supply chain operations by facilitating seamless product data access and real-time tracking. This helps reduce shipping errors and offers better stock visibility across channels, allowing businesses to fulfill orders efficiently. It also helps them restock before they run low on products to limit the risk of stockouts.

To implement GTINs for supply chain efficiency, simply get your Company Prefix from a GS1 Member Organization, create and assign GTINs to each product, and embed the digits in barcodes, QR Codes, or 2D Barcodes. If you want real-time visibility into your stock levels, integrate the solutions with your inventory management system. This way, your system automatically updates stock levels when products enter or leave your warehouse.

Remember to use GTIN-8, 12, or 13 if you intend to use the numbers at POS systems and GTIN-14 if you handle bulky items or product groupings.

Enhancing product traceability and recall management

GTINs help track products from manufacturer to final consumer. They can make locating and isolating specific items easier, allowing for precise, faster, and more efficient recalls. This is a great use case for GTINs, regardless of your industry, as it helps you protect consumer safety and your brand's reputation.

Consider linking your GTINs to dynamic solutions like the GS1 Digital Link and QR Codes to enhance product traceability and recall. With these tools, you can update linked content to display pertinent information, improving the likelihood of retailers and customers learning about recalls—all it takes is a scan.

Also, use GTINs alongside other identifiers like production dates and batch codes to make it easier to trace specific products.

Standardizing data across systems

As mentioned, GTINs are like a universal language spoken by all supply chain stakeholders and platforms. As such, it'd be a great idea to use them to standardize data across inventory management, sales, and supply chain systems.

Using a consistent identifier reduces the risk of data mismatches and makes it easier to combine information from different sources. This provides more comprehensive insights into your inventory and supply chain, allowing for better decisions.

Integrating with POS and ecommerce platforms

GTINs enable product integrations with POS systems, facilitating real-time inventory synchronization and accurate sales reporting. They also promote seamless integrations with ecommerce marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify, enabling faster product searches and improving order fulfillment processes. This can result in enhanced customer satisfaction.

For POS integrations, only use GTIN-8, GTIN-12, or GTIN-13, as they are the only GTIN versions compatible with these systems.

Facilitating seamless online and in-store sales tracking

When integrated with online and in-store sales systems, GTINs promote consistency in product identification across channels. This makes it easier to track sales, analyze trends, and prepare sales reports.

These numbers also unify cross-channel inventory, limiting the risk of stockouts on either front. They can also create a seamless customer experience by facilitating uniformity in product details across both channels.

Unlock streamlined product tracking with GTINs today

Global Trade Item Numbers help promote efficient product tracking, data standardization, and inventory management, making them valuable tools for any business in any industry. As you've seen, there are various types of GTINs, each with unique ideal use cases—pick one based on your needs. For example, if you want to improve the tracking of bulky products, GTIN-14 would be a great option.

With Bitly, you can seamlessly enhance your GTINs' functionality and efficiency. We not only provide QR Code and 2D Barcode technology to promote seamless access to GTINs but also offer real-time scan data to help you gauge engagement throughout the supply chain.

Sign up for Bitly today to elevate product identification and management with GTINs, QR Codes, and 2D Barcodes!

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