The GS1 system consists of a recurring set of globally unique identification (ID) keys that are encoded by barcodes (or radio frequency identification [RFID] tags). The company prefix forms the basis of the ID keys that a company can use. To obtain a company prefix, an organization must become a member of GS1.

The GS1 ID keys that can be encoded by barcodes are as follows:

• Global Trade Item Number (GTIN): Identifies products, inner packs, cases, and pallets at the point of sale or in a distribution or warehouse environment.

• Global Location Number (GLN): Identifies locations (such as place of delivery, point of storage, or store location) and can be used as a reference to retrieve information from databases.

• Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC): Identifies logistics units, such as cases, cartons, pallets, or air cargo containers of trade items, and enables these units to be tracked individually.

• Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI): Identifies documents and is commonly used when a master copy of a document must be maintained.

• Global Service Relation Number (GSRN): Identifies the relationships of service organizations to service providers (such as doctors who work for a hospital) and to service recipients (such as members of frequent flyer or retailer loyalty programs).

• Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI): Identifies a company’s fixed assets and property, such as office equipment, furniture, computers, and manufacturing equipment.

• Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI): Identifies reusable packaging or transport equipment (such as pallets and beer kegs) that are considered assets.

• Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN): Identifies a shipment that is composed of several logistics units that are delivered together.

• Global Identification Number for Consignment (GINC): Identifies a consignment shipment that is composed of several logistics units that are transported together.

• Global Coupon Number (GCN): Identifies digital coupons that are processed at the point of sale.

• Component/Part Identifier (CPID): Identifies components and parts that are used to assemble a final product (such as a jet engine).

• Restricted Circulation Number (RCN): Identifies numbers that are restricted to internal use by companies based on their business needs.

In addition to its regulation of the EAN/UPC family of barcodes, GS1 has developed its own versions of several existing barcode symbologies for use with their ID keys. GS1 barcode data carriers are as follows:

• EAN/UPC: Includes EAN/JAN-8, EAN/JAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E. The EAN/UPC barcodes are used at retail point of sale and general distribution and logistics environments. Their applications are limited to GTINs, RCNs, coupons, and in-store codes.

• GS1-128 : A variant of Code 128 that carries any of the GS1 ID keys in addition to supplemental information such as serial numbers and expiration dates. Its applications are limited to general distribution and logistics environments. It is not applied at the retail point of sale.

• GS1 DataBar: A variant of Data Bar. The GS1 DataBar family consists of seven types of barcodes that have various applications. Depending on the type, they can be used at retail point of sale or general distribution and logistics environments, and they can carry supplemental information such as serial number, lot number, or expiration date. GS1 DataBar can carry GTINs and GCNs.

• GS1 DataMatrix: A variant of Data Matrix that can carry all GS1 ID keys and supplemental information. It is the only two-dimensional barcode that is allowed for use on regulated health care trade items.

• GS1 QR Code : A variant of QR Code that can carry all GS1 ID keys and supplemental information.

• ITF-14: A variant of Interleaved 2 of 5 that can carry only the GTIN. Its applications are limited to general distribution and logistics environments, and it is suitable for printing directly on corrugated materials, such as cardboard. It is not applied at the retail point of sale.