Best practice logistics label guideline
November 2014
Contributors
Name
Company
Shaun Bamforth
ASDA
Gill Byers
ASDA
Frank McNeil
Heineken
Craig McIntyre
Heinz
Mike Thomas
Heinz
Daniel Muir
Highland Spring
Gavin Leake
Highland Spring
Philip Bach
Mondelēz International
Jemma Hall
Marks & Spencer
Paul Sorrell
Morrisons
Andrew Sanderson
Nestle
Graham Terry
Nestle
Navin Lutchmun
Pepsico
Mark Matakitoga
Pepsico
Andy Corney
Sainsbury’s
Barry Simcock
Sainsbury's
James Cooper
Samworth Distribution
Rachael Cox
Samworth Distribution
David Burne
Solstor
Andy Hitchings
Solstor
Jim Dickson
Tesco
Dave Ellis
Tesco
Denise Pieri
Tesco
Alison Copeland
Transalis
Peter Cornell
Unilever
Ian Kemp
Waitrose
Simon Tompsett
Waitrose
Shan Welch
GS1 UK
Log of changes
Version no
Date of change
Summary of change
VO.1
23 August 2012
Draft set up
18 September 2012
Update
VO.2
VO.3
Update
VO.4
30 November 2012
Update
VO.5
26 February 2013
Update
V1.0
25 March 2013
Final version
V.1.1
21 November 2014
Update to section 6 pallet label positioning
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the guidelines to use the GS1 standards contained in the document are correct, GS1 and any other party involved in the creation of the
document HEREBY STATE that the document is provided without warranty, either expressed or implied, of accuracy or fitness for purpose, AND HEREBY DISCLAIM any liability, direct
or indirect, for damages or loss relating to the use of the document. The document may be modified, subject to developments in technology, changes to the standards, or new legal
requirements.
2
Contents
1. Introduction and acknowledgements
4
1.1 About this document
4
1.2 Compliance
4
1.3 Document change management
4
1.4 Introduction
4
2. Benefits
6
3.Scope
7
3.1 In scope
7
3.2 Out of scope
7
4. Pallet label format and content
9
5. Pallet labelling – Positioning
14
6. Pallet labelling – Technical considerations to maintain the quality of labels
16
Appendix A: Logistics Labels Organisation Roles
17
Appendix B: Trade and Logistics AI details
18
Appendix C: Glossary of terms
21
Appendix D: References
24
3
1. Introduction and acknowledgements
1.1 About this document
1.4 Introduction
The purpose of this document is to create a best
practice industry guideline for the use of logistics
labels. It has been created by the GS1 EDI Standards
Implementation Group (ESIG) logistics label subgroup,
whose members represent both demand and supply
side.
This document sets out best practice recommendations
for identifying and labelling logistic units. Logistics
labels (often known as pallet labels) are increasingly
used to track pallets and other logistics units through
the supply chain, as recording and monitoring the
movement of goods is an essential part of supply
chain management. The serial shipping container code
(SSCC) is a unique serial number that is used to identify
each individual pallet, and this is a GS1 standard.
The mission of this group is to promote the correct and
consistent use of EDI through the use of GS1 eCom
standards throughout the UK supply chain for the
benefit of all GS1 UK.
1.2 Compliance
Compliance to this guideline means that users will not
add attributes that are not available in the standard, or
use attributes for other than their intended purpose.
1.3 Document change management
Any requests for changes to this document will be
handled through the ESIG change request process.
The GS1 System also provides a standard for the
way in which logistics labels incorporate a company’s
own information as well as the SSCC and any other
barcoded information.
The GS1 logistics label enables companies to present
information in a standard format that allows for easier
handling and interpretation. It uses GS1-128 barcodes
to represent the SSCC for a pallet as well as certain
types of information about the logistics unit’s contents.
While it will very often appear on pallets of goods,
the label is designed for use on any units that are
transported between companies. These could be drums
of chemicals, rolls of fabric or paper, pallets of raw
materials, as well as pallets, part pallets, or individual
traded unit.
This guideline has been created mainly by retail
members but can apply to other sectors. It is not a full
technical guide. For more details the reader should
refer to the GS1 Global (STILL) and European (HELL)
guidelines and to the GS1 General Specifications.
Assumptions
It is best practice:
• That companies associate the pallet identifier on
the logistics label with the ASN (Advanced Shipping
Notice), therefore companies should have the ability
to communicate electronically
• That each warehouse should have scanners to read
the barcode(s) printed on the labels
• That they have a warehouse management system to
support this
• Labels must be of sufficient quality for barcodes to
be readable by scanner or text to be read by eye.
4
Principles for use of logistics labels
• The rationale behind using logistics labels is to
reduce the number of pallet labels throughout the
process from Manufacturer to Customer
• When using a consolidator service, it is best practice
for the consolidator to use the supplier ASN and that
the pallet is not relabelled or the contents changed
• Remove old labels where possible. This is dependent
on system capability to record information for
traceability purposes, but best practice would link
the old data with the new in the system rather than
on the pallet
• Where a pallet is reconfigured it should be relabelled
with a new SSCC and the old pallet label removed
• There should be a minimum amount of information
on the label
• Associated ASN’s should be used wherever possible
thereby reducing the amount of information needed
on a label
• When using ‘slave’ pallets, MUs etc. each one should
have its own label
• The items contained on a pallet should not be
changed without the pallet label being changed
(including the SSCC number) to reflect those
changes
The diagram below shows where the best practice guideline sits within the GS1 Labelling hierarchy
GS1 Specification document contains guidance on
design and content of Logistics Labels
Specific Trading partner requirements using
permitted elements within the guideline
Standard International Logistics Label guideline
Standard International Logistic Label
- STILL/HELL
Harmonised guideline aligning Logistics Label
requirements across the supply chain
Best Practice Logistics Label Guideline
Specific Trading partner requirements using
permitted elements within the guideline
Trading partner guideline
Figure 1: Label structure hierarchy
5
2. Benefits
Some of the benefits of a best practice industry guideline are shown below:
• Reduces complexity, time and cost for suppliers
• Improves the goods receipt process
- Increases efficiency of receiving process through selective checking
- Provides accurate and timely information of expected goods before delivery through early notification of any delivery shortfalls
• Gives the ability to unlock savings elsewhere e.g. the
use of ASN’s and SSCC’s is a major enabler for future
development e.g. automated put away, voice pick,
WHS controls
• Ensures the same standards/versions are used for all
retailers – minimising cost in the industry
• Ensures conformance to the appropriate industry
standards
• One label design for use by suppliers, distributors
and customers throughout the supply chain
6
• Improved control procedures throughout the supply
chain
• Unique identification for standard and non-standard
pallets
• A consistent link with electronic data interchange
(EDI) business messages
• Automation and efficient handling of transport units
and their contents
• Increased speed of processing deliveries
• Improved matching of deliveries against invoice
• Aligns requirements across the supply chain
• Provides traceability and visibility at pallet level
3.Scope
The scope of this project is to create a best practice industry guideline for the use of logistics
labels. This document is for general use but is based mainly on retail industry input
3.1 In scope
3.2 Out of scope
• Create a best practice guideline for the use of
logistics labels
This document does not include:
• Include scenarios where logistics labels may be used
• Provide guidance on the various units to which
logistics labels can be applied
• Provide guidance on the orientation of labels for lorry
loading, break packs, multi- layered SSCC’s
• non-palletised loads, shipping containers, RFID, 2D
labels, data matrix
• Systems requirements and hardware
• Individual company guidelines
• Full technical specifications
• IncIude supplier to buyer, supplier to supplier,
grocery, fresh supplier and consolidator processes
• Examples will also be included
Figure 2: Points in the process flow where pallets may need to be reconfigured
7
Best practice process used by each role, outlined below
Role
Best practice processes
Raw Materials Supplier
Provides a pallet label on pallets of raw materials when shipping to a
supplier.
Manufacturer/Supplier
Receives raw materials by scanning pallet labels and stores raw materials
using these labels to identify the raw materials and to provide traceability.
When producing finished goods will produce a new pallet label and use this
as the identifier for internal storage.
The pallet label’s SSCC will also be used to identify stock when loaded
onto outbound transport for transfer between distribution centres and for
customers.
If building a new pallet for a business customer they will affix a new pallet
label.
Consolidator
Scans the pallet label to record the stock received.
If storing stock will use the pallet label’s SSCC as the identifier.
If sending out the received pallets they will scan the pallet labels again
when loading outbound transport.
If breaking down and rebuilding pallets they will remove the old pallet
labels and replace them with new pallet labels.
Distribution Centre
(of customer retailer)
Scans the pallet label to record the stock received.
If storing stock will use the pallet label’s SSCC as the identifier.
If building a new pallet for a business customer they will affix a new pallet
label.
Customer (typically a business
customer)
Scans the pallet label to record the stock received.
Co-packer
Receive the stock using the inbound pallet label.
Add value to the stock then build stock onto new pallets and affix a new
pallet label. Retain a record of the relationship between the stock in the old
consignment and stock in the new consignment.
Cross-docking between DCs
If dispatching or transferring the pallets between distribution centres,
sending DC will scan the pallet labels when loading internal and outbound
transport and scan them again to acknowledge receipt.
Figure 3: Roles: best practice process
8
4. Pallet label format and content
The GS1 Logistic Label consists of three sections. The top section of the label contains free format information, that
is at the discretion of the labeller; the middle section contains the human readable interpretation of the GS1 data
shown in the barcodes and other text information; and the bottom section contains the barcodes. This is explained
in further detail below (taken from GS1 technical guides). For more details about Application Identifiers (AI’s) see
table below.
Top section
The top section of the label contains free format information that is at the discretion of the labeller. This may include
company-specific codes or any other type of information, but should be kept to a minimum for clarity when reading
the label. Companies usually put their company name and logo in this section.
If there is a need to include other information (such as the GTIN of the consumer unit or internal number), it should
be introduced in the human readable format, not in barcode form (such information, with no barcode equivalent,
can be put in the top or middle section).
Middle section
The middle section contains a human readable interpretation of all the barcode symbol(s) and other text
information. The text is designed to support manual operations and to facilitate key entry in menu driven systems.
It is the equivalent of data elements represented in barcode symbols and comprises data titles and data content.
Data content
• The entire barcoded data must be given in Human Readable Interpretation
• The data content should be at least 7 mm in height
• Application Identifiers (AIs) are not included here and are replaced by the data titles
• Frames are not recommended as it limits space for other data
Data titles
• Data titles are the standard abbreviated descriptions of data fields used to denote the Human Readable
Interpretation of encoded data
• The data tag for dates should be followed by the chosen format for the human readable representation of the
date. e.g. BEST BEFORE (dd.mm.yyyy): 24.12.2012. This is not to be confused with the format to be used within
the AI data field that is always YYMMDD.
Barcoded section
(lowest section)
The bottom section contains the GS1-128 barcode(s) that represent the data shown in the
middle section, as agreed between trading partners. A verification process should be in place in order to maintain
symbol quality
9
Concatenation
• Concatenation is an effective means for encoding several AIs in a single barcode and should be used to save label
space and optimize scanning operations.
• The best practice is to put data of fixed length before any variable data
• The order in which the element strings appear in GS1-128 barcodes is free. Good software contains optimization
procedures, which improves scanning, and printing
• The SSCC, defined by the AI (00), should always appear in the lowest barcode on the label. The SSCC can be
alone or concatenated with other data in the same barcode.
Concatenation should not be used with SSCC on cartons and outer cases and on standard A6 labels.
Application Identifiers
In the GS1 System the intention is that the minimum data is carried in the GS1 barcodes attached to the entity being
identified. And further information is found in a database through the GS1 identifier.
In some situations there is value in supplementary data being physically attached to the item itself. GS1 standard
supplementary data can be expressed through the use of Application Identifiers (AI). These identifiers are
internationally agreed prefixes used within the GS1-128 barcode to identify the meaning and format of the data
following each AI. This data can be alpha and/or numeric up to 30 characters.
The following table shows the list of AIs selected as part of the Best Practice guideline. The only mandatory AI is
the SSCC but it is recognised that most companies currently need more information on the label, and would need to
work on a staged approach to reduce these requirements.
Application
Identifier
(AI)
00
AI data title
Definition
M=mandatory
Format
O=optional
SSCC
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
M
n2 + n18
O
n2 + n14
O
n2 + n14
The SSCC is the only compulsory data on the
logistic label, and it will be created by the
company that is constructing the pallets. The
best practice is that the creator of logistic unit
should use its own company prefix.
01
CONTENT
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
In cases when the logistic unit is a trade
item (e.g., it appears on the manufacturer’s
product list as a single item that is ordered,
priced or invoiced in its own right), it can also
be identified with its own global trade item
number (GTIN) that will be defined
by the Application Identifier (01)
02
10
CONTENT
(must be used
with AI 37
COUNT)
GTIN of Contained Trade Items
If the logistic unit contains more than one trade
item having the same GTIN and the logistic
unit is not a trade item it is possible to describe
the contents of the pallet using the AI (02) to
provide the GTIN of the highest packaging level
and the AI (37) to provide the count
Application
Identifier
(AI)
10
17
AI data title
M=mandatory
Format
O=optional
BATCH/LOT
(Must be used
with AI 01 or
02)
Batch or Lot Number
(USE BY OR
EXPIRY
(Must be used
with AI 01 or
02)
20
Definition
VARIANT (Must
be used with AI
01 or 02)
O
n2 + an..20
If the logistic unit contains more than one trade
item having the same GTIN and the logistic
unit is not a trade item it is possible to describe
the contents of the pallet using the AI (02) to
provide the GTIN of the highest packaging level
and the AI (37) to provide the count
O
n2 + n6
Variant Number
O
Only one batch number can be put on a
logistic label. If a pallet contains product of
different batch numbers (at the highest level
of packaging), these batch numbers cannot be
shown on the label
Product variant used to manage minor changes
that do not require new GTIN
The pallet must contain the same variants
240
ADDITIONAL ID
Only one batch number can be put on a
logistic label. If a pallet contains product of
different batch numbers (at the highest level
of packaging), these batch numbers cannot be
shown on the label
O
310n*
NET WEIGHT
(kg)
Best Before Date (YYMMDD)
O
n4 + n6
311n* to
329n*
Trade Measures
Best Before Date is a statement about quality
(e.g. a bottle of drinking
O
n4 + n6
330n*
GROSS
WEIGHT (kg)
water past its best before date may have
diminished quality but it should not be harmful)
The pallet must contain products with the same
best before date
O
n4 + n6
331n* to
369n*
Logistic
Measures
O
COUNT
O
n2 + n..8
400
ORDER
NUMBER
O
n3 + an..30
410
SHIP TO LOC
O
n3 + n13
37
* ‘n’ indicates the implied decimal point position.
Human readable numbers need to be included for all AIs enclosed within the barcode
Figure 4: AI table: best practice selection
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Purpose of the SSCC
Each logistics unit must be identified with a Serial
Shipping Container Code (SSCC). The SSCC contains
no information about the logistics unit but provides a
link to systems where the information is held e.g. taken
from the ASN.
The serial shipping container code is an 18-digit
number formed using the GS1 Company prefix number
assigned to a company by GS1 UK or another GS1
member organisation. The company assigning the
SSCC is responsible for ensuring its uniqueness. When
assigning an SSCC, the rule is that an individual SSCC
number must not be reallocated within one year of the
shipment date from the SSCC assignor to a trading
partner. However, prevailing regulatory or industry
organization specific requirements may extend this
period.
Extension digit: This can take any value between 0 and
9 and allows users to create more SSCCs.
• GS1 Company Prefix number: This prefix is allocated
to the company when they join GS1 UK. The length
of the company prefix is between five and eleven
digits depending on the member’s needs.
• Serial number: This number is between eleven and
five digits in length depending on the length of the
company prefix number, and is allocated by the
company identifying the pallet.
• Check digit: A calculation over the previous 17 digits.
The calculation is the same as that used for other
GS1 identifiers, such as GTINs and GLNs.
Please note that the SSCC should be used as an
18-digit number within companies’ computer systems.
Examples of the 18-digit number structure follows:
Extension digit
GS1 Company Prefix
number
Serial number
Check digit
O
5012345
123456789
3
O
50563456
12345678
8
O
506134567
1234567
1
O
5066345678
123456
7
Using SSCCs
In barcodes
The SSCC can only be shown in GS1-128 barcodes and
the application identifier (AI) 00 always denotes the
SSCC. AIs are two, three or four digit numbers that
specify the data that follows them in a GS1 barcode
and they are agreed internationally.
Details of the contents of the logistics unit such as the
GTINs of the products on the pallet; their quantity,
batch number, and expiry date can also be shown in
extra GS1-128 barcodes. Like the SSCC these different
types of information are defined using AIs.
12
Wherever possible different sets of information will be
joined together (concatenated) in one symbol to ensure
the most effective use of the space available.
The size of GS1-128 barcodes will vary according to
the amount of information shown in each barcode and
the width of the bars and spaces. The width of the
narrowest bars and spaces, known as the x-dimension,
can vary from 0.495 mm to 1.016 mm, while the height
of the bars must be at least 32 mm. The maximum
width of the symbol is 165 mm.
In business messaging e.g. ASNs
Providing extra information
Companies using SSCCs to identify their logistics units
can send details of each logistics unit to their trading
partners before the logistics units arrive. These EDI
business messages can be processed automatically, so
that when the logistics units arrive, the barcodes on the
labels can be scanned and the SSCC for each pallet can
be matched to the information sent in advance.
If a logistics unit contains identical products,
extra information about them, such as their GTIN,
quantity, batch number, and best before date, can
be provided using AIs. The AIs define data fields
that are recognised and used in the same way by all
companies within the global supply chain. The GS1
system provides over 200 application identifiers; some
for very specialised applications, see previous table for
ones most commonly used. The full list of AIs can be
found in the GS1 General Specifications which can be
downloaded from the resource library section of the
GS1 UK website.
The EDI standards published and promoted by GS1
UK – EANCOM and GS1 XML (Extensible Markup
Language) schemas – make full use of SSCCs, GTINs
and GLNs to simplify the automation of business
messaging.
The despatch advice message (ASN) is used to provide
details of each delivery and uses SSCCs to identify
each logistics unit. This electronic message will also
include information about the contents of each unit,
using GTINs to identify each product line, and GLNs
to identify the trading partners and the relevant
addresses.
It is not possible to provide extra information about
mixed or pick pallets by using AIs with GS1-128
barcodes because an AI can only be used once on any
label. Only AI 00 (for the SSCC) can be used for these
pallets.
If extra information about the contents is being
provided, then either the GTIN for the contents of the
pallet or the GTIN for the pallet itself will generally
be required. There are rules about how application
identifiers can be used together and these are also
provided in the GS1 General Specifications.
Some application identifiers must only ever be used
with other AIs see above table.
Free Format
Text information
Barcode symbols plus
Human Readable version
Figure 5: Example of logistics label layout
13
5. Pallet labelling – Positioning
Label size
Most companies will use an A5 label (148mm x 210mm)
as shown above, so that extra information may be
included. Any size label may be used as required,
and the GS1 General Specifications do not specify a
standard size.
Label location
This guideline recommends that the label should be
applied on the right hand side of the permitted area for
best use of scanning.
Label placement on smaller
logistic units (including parcels)
For cartons and outer cases, symbol placement will
vary slightly in practice, however the target placement
for the bottom of the barcode is 32 millimetres (1.25
inches) from the natural base of the item.
The symbol including its quiet zones, should be at least
19 millimetres (0.75 inch) from any vertical edge to
avoid damage.
Each logistic unit should at the minimum have one
label.
Although the logistics label can be used on any unit, it
will very often be used on a pallet. Two labels should
be attached to adjacent sides; one a short side and the
other on the long right hand side.
• For units taller than 1,000mm, place the label so
that the barcodes are no higher than 800mm and no
lower than 400mm above the floor on which the unit
stands.
• For units lower than 1,000mm, place the label as high
as possible but make sure that the barcodes are no
higher than 800mm and no lower than 32mm from
the base of the unit.
• The edge of a barcode (including its light margins)
should also be no closer than 50mm to a vertical
edge of the logistics unit.
14
Carton / outer case labels:
For carton / outer case labels the same guidelines
apply. In situations where both a carton / outer case
label as well as a logistics label need to be applied
on the case, the recommendation is to place the GS1
Logistics Label to the left of the carton / outer case
label, and to ensure that the information on the carton
/ outer case label remains visible.
Pallet wrapping
Labels should be applied on the outside of any
wrapping. Where this is not possible, ensure that the
label can be scanned.
Position on vehicle
When loading pallets onto the vehicle for delivery, the
best practice is to position them so that the label is
visible in the direction it will be off-loaded.
See below for examples of label positioning:
Label placement on stacked
pallets
Stacked pallets, also referred to as sandwich pallets, are
groups of pallets that are stacked for shipment.
When pallets are stacked they should be considered
independent logistic unit), each pallet should be
identified with a unique SSCC.
If the group will be shipped as a unit and is physically
joined using shrink-wrap, straps, or similar means, the
group should be considered as a single logistic unit as
well and an additional SSCC should be assigned to the
stacked pallet group.
Note: In cases where the stacked pallets are shipped as
one single unit, the original labels should not be visible.
A master label with the SSCC for the pallet group
should be applied to the outside of the wrapping. The
wrap and master label may be removed upon receipt
and the labels for each stacked pallet will be used to
identify each pallet for subsequent processing.
Pallet 1
Pallet 2
Pallet 3
Figure 6: Logistics label locations
15
6. Pallet labelling – Technical considerations to maintain the
quality of labels
Label verification
Visual check
• Label is the correct size
• Top, Middle and Bottom sections are on the label and
in the correct place
• Are there any lines through the barcodes or
speckles?
Printer
You should consider the sort of printer you require to
ensure quality, print speed and durability. For instance:
it is more difficult to create high quality barcodes with
general-purpose printers than it is with direct thermal
transfer label printers.
• Does the barcode measure at least 32mm high?
Attention should also be paid to the environment e.g.
the impact of dust or temperature extremes can impact
printer performance.
• Is there sufficient space on either side of the
barcode?
A standard maintenance process should be in place to
ensure quality of label printing
Data content check
See: Barcoding – getting it right and the GS1 general
Specifications for more details on printing.
• Is the SSCC on the label?
For further details about different label printing
options, including advice on label adhesives
appropriate to your business requirements see the
Partner Finder available on the GS1 UK website at
www.gs1uk.org/finder
• Are the relevant AIs included?
Basic scan to check that the label can be read
Check orientation of label when printing
Check barcode is a GS1 -128 barcode
16
Appendix A:
Logistics labels organisation roles
Role
Definition
Buyer
An organisation that orders and pays for the product
Supplier
An organisation that makes the product available for sale to a Buyer
Haulier
An organisation that transports the product fromthe suppllier/ consolidator
to the Buyer or Consumer. The haulier may work on behalf of the Supplier or
the Buyer
Consolidation Centre
A location set up on behalf of a purchaser to combine stock coming from
a number of suppliers into a fewer number of consolidated deliveries to
the buyer. The suppliers retain the responsibility to supply stock via the
consolidation centre.
3PL
Partly providing logistic services such as warehousing, re-packing products,
distribution and assembly.
Freight Forwarder
An organisation that manages the import processes ensuring the
transportation, customs duties etc. are paud. They usually work on behalf of
the Supplier or Buyer. The Agent may also act as a buyer.
Agent
An organisation who acts as an intermediary between the Buyer and a
Supplier who usually adds some value on behalf of the Supplier or Buyer.
The Agent may also act as a buyer.
Distribution Centre
An establishment (consisting of one or more warehouses and loading and
unloading facilities) where the receipt, storage and distribution of goods
take place. (Distribution centre = Warehouse + Forwarding services).
Customer
An organisation or individual to which or to whom goods and/or services are
supplied
17
Appendix B: Trade and logistics
Application Identifier (AI) details
Trade Measures: AIs (31nn, 32nn, 35nn, 36nn)
The Application Identifiers (digits A1 to A3 – see figure
below) indicate that the GS1 Application Identifier
data field contains the quantity or dimension of a
Variable Measure Trade Item. It also denotes the unit of
measure. These Element Strings are used to complete
the identification of a Variable Measure Trade Item.
They contain information such as the weight, size,
volume, or dimension of a Variable Measure Trade Item
and, therefore, should never be applied alone. Several
Element Strings are possible if the variables required
are dimensions or weights expressed in kilograms and
pounds.
The Application Identifier digit A4 indicates the implied
decimal point position, where, for example, the digit
0 means that there is no decimal point, and the digit
1 means that the decimal point is between N5 and
N6. The Applicable Value field contains the variable
measure that applies to the respective trade item.
Figure 3.6.2 - 1
Format of the element string
Application Identifier
Applicable value
A1 A2 A3 A4
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6
The Application Identifiers used with this Element
String are shown in the Figure below.
18
A1
A2
A3
3
1
3
Note: Other values of AI (3nnn) specify gross measures
and logistic measures.
Trade measure
Unit of measure
0
Net weight
Kilograms
1
1
Length of first dimension
Metre
3
1
2
Width, diameter or second dimension
Metre
3
1
3
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Metre
3
1
4
Area
Square metres
3
1
5
Net volume
Litres
3
1
6
Net volume
Cubic metres
3
2
0
Net weight
Pounds
3
2
1
Length or first dimension
Inches
3
2
2
Length or first dimension
Feet
3
2
3
Length or first dimension
Yards
3
2
4
Width, diameter or second dimension
Inches
A1
A2
A3
Trade measure
Unit of measure
3
2
5
Width, diameter or second dimension
Feet
3
2
6
Width, diameter or second dimension
Yards
3
2
7
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Inches
3
2
8
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Feet
3
2
9
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Yards
3
5
0
Area
Square inches
3
5
1
Area
Square feet
3
5
2
Area
Square yards
3
5
6
Net weight
Troy ounces
3
5
7
Net weight (or volume)
Ounces
3
5
0
Net volume
Quarts
3
6
1
Net volume
Gallons (U.S.)
3
6
4
Net volume
Cubic inches
3
6
5
Net volume
Cubic feet
3
6
6
Net volume
Cubic yards
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means
that the Element String denoting a quantity, which can
be considered part of the identification of a Variable
Measure Trade Item, has been captured. This Element
String must be processed together with the GTIN of the
trade item to which it relates (see Section 3.3.3).
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the Data Title in Section 3.2
should be used.
Logistic Measures: AIs (33nn, 34nn, 35nn, 36nn)
The Application Identifiers (A1 to A3 see Figure below)
indicate that the GS1 Application Identifier data field
contains the logistic quantity or dimension of a logistic
unit or a Variable Measure Trade Item. They also denote
the unit of measure.
Note: The GS1 System provides standards for logistic
weights and measures in metric and other units of
measure. In principle, a particular logistic measure
should be applied in only one unit of measure on a
given logistic unit. However, application of the same
attribute in several units of measure does not impede
the correct processing of the transmitted data.
The Application Identifier digit in field A4 indicates the
implied decimal point position, where, for example, the
digit 0 means that there is no decimal point, and the
digit 1 means that the decimal point is between N5 and
N6.
The Applicable Value field represents the measures of
the respective unit.
Figure 3.6.3 - 1
Format of the element string
Application Identifier
Applicable value
A1 A2 A3 A4
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6
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A1
A2
A3
Definition of logistic measures
Unit of measure
3
3
0
Logistic weight
Kilograms
3
3
1
Length of first dimension
Metre
3
3
2
Width, diameter or second dimension
Metre
3
3
3
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Metre
3
3
4
Area
Square metres
3
3
5
Logistic volume
Litres
3
3
6
Logistic volume
Cubic metres
3
4
0
Logistic weight
Pounds
3
4
1
Length or first dimension
Inches
3
4
2
Length or first dimension
Feet
3
4
3
Length or first dimension
Yards
3
4
4
Width, diameter or second dimension
Inches
3
4
5
Width, diameter or second dimension
Feet
3
4
6
Width, diameter or second dimension
Yards
3
4
7
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
inches
3
4
8
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Feet
3
4
9
Depth, thickness, height or third dimension
Yards
3
5
3
Area
Square inches
3
5
4
Area
Square feet
3
5
5
Area
Square yards
3
6
2
Logistic volume
Quarts
3
6
3
Logistic volume
Gallons (U.S.)
3
6
7
Logistic volume
Cubic inches
3
6
8
Logistic volume
Cubic feet
3
6
9
Logistic volume
Cubic yards
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means
that the Element String denoting a logistic measure has
been captured. This Element String must be processed
with the SSCC of the logistic unit or the GTIN of the
Variable Measure Trade Item to which it relates.
20
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the Data Title in Section 3.2
should be used.
Appendix C: Glossary of terms
Name
Definition
3PL
Party providing logistic services such as warehousing, repacking products,
distribution and assembly. (see LSP)
Application Identifiers (AI)
The field of two or more characters at the beginning of an Element String that
uniquely defines its’ format and meaning.
ASN
Advanced Shipping Notice used to specify details for goods despatched or
ready for despatch under agreed conditions. (See DESADV)
Break-Bulk
Break-Bulk is the process that deals with splitting up(deconsolidating) a
consolidated shipment into multiple different parts.
In general the resulting parts (within forwarding andtransportation scenarios)
will be the shipments that were originally incorporated into the consolidated
shipment. In some break-bulk scenarios however even the original shipments
will be split up (usually based on SKU).
In all cases the resulting parts from break-bulk may be consolidated again into
shipments for the next destination from the Consolidation Centre.
Business Unit
Organizational unit that serves a defined external market and is responsible
for strategic planning and commercial operations. Large companies are often
composed of a number of business units.
Buyer
Party to which goods or services are sold.
Carrier
Party undertaking the transportation of goods from one point to another.
Consignee
The party who is the recipient of the goods, cargo or containers. The actual
physical receipt can take place by another party.
Consolidation
The grouping together of individual consignments of goods into a combined
consignment for transport.
Consolidation Centre
The site (location) where the consolidation process is supported and executed
by the Logistics Service Provider.
Co-packing
Packaging operation, often executed by the logistic service provider in a
warehouse zone which consists of assembling either different products or the
same products under the same packaging, (consumer batches, sample of a
new product added to the normal one,).
Cross-docking
The concept of packing products on the incoming shipments so they can be
easily sorted at intermediate warehouses or for outgoing shipments based on
final destination. The items are carried from the incoming vehicle docking point
to the outgoing vehicle docking point without being stored in inventory at the
warehouse. Cross-docking reduces inventory investment and storage space
requirements. Synonym: direct loading.
Customer
An organization or individual to which or to whom goods and/or services are
supplied.
Delivery date
The date on which the delivery of goods takes place (actual) or is scheduled to
take place (planned) or is requested to take place (due).
Delivery Note
The delivery note is the commercial paper document, .which integrates
the information about the goods and which can be returned signed to the
consignor.
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DESADV
A message specifying details for goods despatched or ready for despatch
under agreed conditions. (see ASN)
Depatch Advice
The Despatch Advice enables a shipper to provide information about the
content of a shipment to the recipients of the goods
Direct Delivery
The conveyance of goods directly from the vendor to the buyer without
intermediate storage or unnecessary delay in the distribution activities.
Frequently used if a third party acts as intermediary agent between the
supplier and buyer.
Distribution Centre
An establishment (consisting of one or more warehouses and loading and
unloading facilities) where the receipt, storage and distribution of goods take
place. (Distribution centre = Warehouse + Forwarding services).
Forwarder
A forwarder is an individual or company that despatches shipments via asset
based carriers and books or otherwise arranges space for those shipments.
Common carrier types could include waterborne vessels, airplanes, trucks or
railroads.
Forwarding
The action of taking care of the despatch or receipt of shipments and the
organization of all transport related issues (e.g. route, mode and means of
transport, etc.), taking care of the consolidation of information related to
these shipments and their transport, and, in the case of international transport,
fulfilling the documentary requirements stipulated by the national body for
control of exports/imports and acting as customs clearance agent.
Forwarding instruction
Instructions from either the seller/consignor or the buyer/consignee to a
freight forwarder, carrier or his agent, or other provider of a service, enabling
the movement of goods and associated activities. The following functions can
be covered:
Freight Consolidation
The grouping of shipments to obtain reduced costs or improved utilization of
the transportation function. Consolidation can occur by market area grouping,
grouping according to scheduled deliveries, or using thirdparty pooling
services such as public warehouses and freight forwarders
Global Location Number (GLN)
Abbreviation for the EAN.UCC Global Location Number. A 13- digit non
significant reference number used to identify Legal entities (e.g. registered
companies), functional entities (e.g. specific department within a legal entity),
or physical entities (e.g. a door of a warehouse).
Global trade item number
(GTIN)
Identification of a trade item, which is defined as any item (product or service)
upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information and that may be
priced or ordered or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.
GS1 Logistics Label
Standardized format of the label, which has been defined by GS1. This label is
appropriate for all logistics units and namely shows information that has been
symbolized in the UCC/EAN –128 barcodes (in particular the SSCC).
Logistic service provider (LSP)
Party providing logistic services such as warehousing, repacking products,
distribution and assembly.
Synonym: Third-party logistics provider (3PL)
Logistic unit
An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage, which
needs to be managed through the supply chain.
Material Supplier
Party that produces materials and sells them to manufacturers.
Means of transport
The particular vehicle used for the transport of goods or persons.
22
Mode of transport
The method of transport used for the conveyance of goods or persons, e.g. by
rail, by road, by sea.
Multi-modal transport
The carriage of goods and or equipment utilizing at least two different modes
of transport.
Order
Document/message by means of which a buyer initiates a transaction with
a seller involving the supply of goods or services as specified, according to
conditions set out in an offer, or otherwise known to the buyer.
Package
The final product of the packing operation consisting of the packing and the
contents, e.g. a box, carton, crate, barrel, pallet, etc.
Packaging
Materials and components used in any packaging operation to wrap, contain
and protect articles or substances during transport.
Packing list
Document specifying the distribution of goods in individual packages.
Pallet
a portable platform for storing or moving goods that are stacked on it
Proof of delivery
Document signed by a party receiving goods acknowledging the receipt of
goods specified under conditions stated or referred to in the document
[note] This document is nearly always issued by the carrier and he uses it as
proof of completion of execution of his commitments to his LSC. Document
should show at least date and time delivery was made as well as the name and
signature of the person who signed for receipt.
(see DESADV for electronic message format)
RM/PM
Raw Materials/ Produced Materials.
Seller
Party selling goods or services.
23
Appendix D: References
More support and reference documents are available at
www.gs1uk.org/support
24
25
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www.gs1uk.org.uk
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in England and Wales under company number 1256140.
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