Glossary Term
GS1-128
A high-density logistics barcode used to track shipping data, including batch numbers and expiration dates.
The Ultimate Shipping Barcode
GS1-128 (formerly UCC-128) is the gold standard for global logistics. It isn't just a simple ID; it’s a data carrier. It can hold much more information than a regular UPC, such as weights, dimensions, best-before dates, and even specific warehouse locations.
How It Works: Application Identifiers
The magic of GS1-128 lies in 'Application Identifiers' or AIs. These are little prefix codes in the barcode that tell the scanner what kind of data is coming next. For example, '(01)' means a product code follows, and '(17)' means an expiration date follows. This makes the barcode universally readable by any warehouse software.
- Variable length barcode that grows with your data.
- Mandatory for many big-box retailers like Walmart.
- Can combine multiple types of data into one scan.
Supply Chain Visibility
Using GS1-128 allows for incredible tracking. If there is a product recall, a company can use the data in these barcodes to find exactly which pallets were affected and where they were shipped. It’s the backbone of modern food and pharmaceutical safety.
Printing Best Practices
Because GS1-128 barcodes can get quite long, you need a high-quality thermal printer to ensure they remain scannable. They are usually printed on large 4x6 labels alongside human-readable text, so warehouse workers can still see the info if a scanner breaks.