Defining standards

Our standards can be understood as universally accepted norms or guidelines that ensure consistency, interoperability and accuracy in processes, products and communication.

In simple terms, GS1 standards serve as a common language that enables different systems and parties to understand and work with each other efficiently.

Furthermore, once people and organisations are doing things the same way, it makes processes cheaper, faster and safer. 

Efficiency

In essence, GS1 standards streamline and simplify how businesses interact and share information. This fosters greater efficiency and collaboration.  

Our standards underpin a global framework that ensures systems can communicate seamlessly different suppliers and retailers all over the world.

By adhering to GS1 standards, companies can significantly:

  • Reduce errors
  • Enhance accuracy
  • Improve overall productivity

GS1 standards will help you build a strong foundation for innovation and growth in an interconnected world. 

identify

Identify

GS1 identifiers enable the unique identification of entities, including products, locations and assets.

capture

Capture

GS1 data carriers enable the automatic identification and capture of data through barcodes and RFID tags.

share

Share

GS1 standards enable the sharing of transactional data, master data and visibility data across systems and organisations.

 

How it works:

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GS1 standards are based on the following principles:

When sharing information, businesses need to agree on how the information is sent, how it’s formatted and and they need to agree on what the information means. GS1 standards help with this process, making sure the information flows smoothly across different networks.

Here’s how we do it:

  • Identification and Data Capture: Including barcodes and RFID tags, facilitating Automatic Identification and Capture (AIDC).
  • Master Data: Standards for maintaining consistent and accurate master data, such as product catalogues.
  • Information Exchange: Standards like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) enable smooth exchange of data between trading partners.
  • Visibility Event Data: Standards such as Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) enable tracking and tracing of products throughout the supply chain. 

GS1 standards are able to define interfaces between systems and system components that may be produced by different vendors or organisations. Our interface standards ensure interoperability between competing systems.  

This enables choice and leads to economies of scale that reduces costs for end uses.

GS1 standards define interfaces.  

Interface standards ensure interoperability between competing systems. By building value-added features or functions upon a standard foundation, implementers can have greater confidence in the eventual adoption of their products and systems and, as a result, have increased confidence to invest in innovation. 

Collaboration

GS1’s structure and processes enable us to engage a community of users who collaborate to develop standards and specifications based on business use cases and scenarios within open value networks. The developments are done in line with the GS1 Architecture Principles, which ensures consistency and integrity in the GS1 system of standards.  

As the community of GS1 users grows, the benefits to each user multiply.