Glossary

Definition

Add-On Symbol

A bar code symbol used to encode information supplementary to that in the main bar code symbol.

AIDC Data Validation

Verification of scanned/read data from bar codes or RFID tags to determine whether it meets the application rules for system logic and consistency and/or a particular user's requirements, prior to processing in applications.

alphanumeric (an)

Describes a character set that contains alphabetic characters (letters), numeric digits (numbers), and other characters, such as punctuation marks.

aperture

A physical opening that is part of the optical path in a device such as a scanner, photometer, or camera. Most apertures are circular, but they may be rectangular or elliptical.

Application Identifier

The field of two or more characters at the beginning of an Element String that uniquely defines its format and meaning.

ASC X12

Accredited Standards Committee X12. ASC X12 is responsible for developing American National Standards for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

Asset Type

A number assigned by the owner of an asset to uniquely identify a type of asset.

attribute

A piece of information reflecting a characteristic related to an identification number (e.g., Global Trade Item Number™ (GTIN™), SSCC).

autodiscrimination

The capability of a reader to automatically recognise and decode multiple bar code symbologies.

auxiliary guard patterns

Components of the EAN/UPC Symbology. The centre guard bar pattern, the left guard bar pattern, and the right bar patterns that are represented in some of the symbols are specific types of auxiliary guard pattern.

bar gain/loss

The increase/decrease in bar width due to effects of the reproduction and printing processes.

Bearer Bars

Bars surrounding a bar code symbol to prevent misreads or to improve print quality of the bar code symbol.

billing unit

An item that is priced and invoiced in trade between two parties at any point in the supply chain.

brand owner

The party that is responsible for allocating GS1 System numbering and bar code symbols on a given trade item. The administrator of a GS1 Company Prefix.

carrier

The party that provides freight transportation services or a physical or electronic mechanism that carries data.

Asset Type

A number assigned by the owner of an asset to uniquely identify a type of asset.

attribute

A piece of information reflecting a characteristic related to an identification number (e.g., Global Trade Item Number™ (GTIN™), SSCC).

autodiscrimination

The capability of a reader to automatically recognise and decode multiple bar code symbologies.

auxiliary guard patterns

Components of the EAN/UPC Symbology. The centre guard bar pattern, the left guard bar pattern, and the right bar patterns that are represented in some of the symbols are specific types of auxiliary guard pattern.

bar gain/loss

The increase/decrease in bar width due to effects of the reproduction and printing processes.

Bearer Bars

Bars surrounding a bar code symbol to prevent misreads or to improve print quality of the bar code symbol.

billing unit

An item that is priced and invoiced in trade between two parties at any point in the supply chain.

brand owner

The party that is responsible for allocating GS1 System numbering and bar code symbols on a given trade item. The administrator of a GS1 Company Prefix.

carrier

The party that provides freight transportation services or a physical or electronic mechanism that carries data.

Check Digit

A digit calculated from the other digits of an Element String, used to check that the data has been correctly composed. (See GS1 Check Digit Calculation.)

Company Number

A component of the GS1 Company Prefix. GS1 Member Organisations assign GS1 Company Prefixes to entities that administer the allocation of GS1 System identification numbers. These entities may be, for example, commercial companies, not for profit organisations, governmental agencies, and business units within organisations. Criteria to qualify for the assignment of a GS1 Company Prefix are set by the GS1 Member Organisations.

Composite Component^®

This term is used to refer to either a linear or 2D symbol component within a composite symbol.

Composite Symbology^®

A GS1 System composite symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the item's primary identification) associated with an adjacent 2D Composite Component™ (encoding supplementary data, such as a batch number or expiration date). The composite symbol always includes a linear component so that the primary identification is readable by all scanning technologies, and so that 2D imager scanners can use the linear component as a finder pattern for the adjacent 2D Composite Component™. The composite symbol always includes one of three multi-row 2D Composite Component™ versions (e.g., CC-A, CC-B, CC-C) for compatibility with linear- and area-CCD scanners and with linear and rastering laser scanners.

concatenation

The representation of several Element Strings in one bar code symbol.

coupon

A voucher that can be redeemed at the Point-of-Sale for a cash value or free item.

Coupon Extended Bar Code

A supplemental bar code, used only in North America, that can be printed on a coupon to provide additional information, such as Offer Codes, expiration dates, and household identification numbers.

Coupon-12

A twelve-digit Restricted Circulation Number for coupons structured according to the rules defined in the target market.

Coupon-13

The 13-digit GS1 System Restricted Circulation Number defined according to rules in a target market used for coupons.

customer

The party that receives, buys, or consumes an item or service.

data carrier

A means to represent data in a machine readable form; used to enable automatic reading of the Element Strings.

data character

A letter, digit, or other symbol represented in the data field(s) of an element string.

data field

The smallest part of the data part of an Element String that needs to be distinguished.

Data Matrix

A standalone, two-dimensional matrix symbology that is made up of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. Data Matrix ISO version ECC 200 is the only version that supports GS1 System identification numbers, including Function Code 1. Data Matrix Symbols are read by two-dimensional imaging scanners or vision systems.

data titles

A standard abbreviated description of a data field; used to denote the Human Readable Interpretation of encoded data.

Default Front

The side of a consumer trade item that is used to capture dimensional attributes for the purpose of data alignment.

Direct Part Marking

Direct part marking refers to the process of marking a symbol on an item using an intrusive or non-intrusive method.

direct print

A process in which the printing apparatus prints the symbol by making physical contact with a substrate (e.g., flexography, ink jet, dot peening).

Document Type

The part of the data structure allocated by the document issuer to identify a document for a given GS1 Company Prefix.

EAN/UPC Composite Symbology^® Family

A family of bar code symbols comprising the UPC-A Composite Symbology®, UPC-E Composite Symbology®, EAN-8 Composite Symbology®, and EAN-13 Composite Symbology®.

EAN/UPC Symbology

A family of bar code symbols including EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E Bar Code Symbols. Although UPC-E Bar Code Symbols do not have a separate Symbology Identifier, they act like a separate symbology through the scanning application software. See also EAN-8 Bar Code Symbol, EAN-13 Bar Code Symbol, UPC-A Bar Code Symbol, and UPC-E Bar Code Symbol.

EAN-13 Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes GTIN-13, Coupon-13, RCN-13, and VMN-13.

EAN-13 Composite Symbology^®

The Composite Symbology® that utilises an EAN-13 Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

EAN-8 Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes GTIN-8.

EAN-8 Composite Symbology^®

The Composite Symbology® that utilises an EAN-8 Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

EANCOM^®

The GS1 standard for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a detailed implementation guideline of the UN/EDIFACT standard messages using the GS1 Identification Keys.

Electronic Commerce

The conduct of business communications and management through electronic methods, such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and automated data collection systems.

Electronic Message

A composition of Element Strings from scanned data and transaction information assembled for data validation and unambiguous processing in a user application.

Electronic Product Code™

An identification scheme for universally identifying physical objects (e.g. trade items, assets, and locations) via RFID tags and other means. The standardised EPC data consists of an EPC (or EPC Identifier) that uniquely identifies an individual object, as well as an optional Filter Value when judged to be necessary to enable effective and efficient reading of the EPC tags.

Element String

A piece of data defined in structure and meaning, comprising an identification part (prefix or Application Identifier) and a data part, represented in a GS1 System endorsed data carrier.

EPC Manager Number

The number allocated to a company or a company entity.

EPC Middleware

EPC Middleware is the component of the EPCglobal Network that manages real-time read events and information, provides alerts, and manages the basic read information for communication to EPC Information Services and a company’s other existing information systems. EPCglobal is developing a software interface standard for services enabling data exchange between an EPC reader or network of readers and information systems.

EPC Object Naming Service

Business information systems need a way of matching the Electronic Product Code to information about the associated item. The ONS is an automated networking service that provides this service by pointing computers to sites on the World Wide Web.

EPC tag

RFID tag that complies with the EPCglobal standard and contains an Electronic Product Code.

Electronic Message

A composition of Element Strings from scanned data and transaction information assembled for data validation and unambiguous processing in a user application.

Electronic Product Code™

An identification scheme for universally identifying physical objects (e.g. trade items, assets, and locations) via RFID tags and other means. The standardised EPC data consists of an EPC (or EPC Identifier) that uniquely identifies an individual object, as well as an optional Filter Value when judged to be necessary to enable effective and efficient reading of the EPC tags.

Element String

A piece of data defined in structure and meaning, comprising an identification part (prefix or Application Identifier) and a data part, represented in a GS1 System endorsed data carrier.

EPC Manager Number

The number allocated to a company or a company entity.

EPC Middleware

EPC Middleware is the component of the EPCglobal Network that manages real-time read events and information, provides alerts, and manages the basic read information for communication to EPC Information Services and a company’s other existing information systems. EPCglobal is developing a software interface standard for services enabling data exchange between an EPC reader or network of readers and information systems.

EPC Object Naming Service

Business information systems need a way of matching the Electronic Product Code to information about the associated item. The ONS is an automated networking service that provides this service by pointing computers to sites on the World Wide Web.

EPC tag

RFID tag that complies with the EPCglobal standard and contains an Electronic Product Code.

EPCglobal Inc™

A not-for-profit organisation entrusted by industry to establish and support the Electronic Product Code and the global adoption of the EPCglobal Network as the global standards for immediate, automatic and accurate identification of any item in the supply chain of any company, in any industry, in any country in the world.

EPCglobal Network™

A set of technologies that enable immediate, automatic identification and sharing of information on items in the supply chain.

EPCglobal Tag Data Standard

A specification or set of guidelines that, after extensive consensus-building, has received the endorsement of EPCglobal members and the EPCglobal Board of Governors.

even parity

A characteristic of the encodation of a symbol character whereby the symbol character contains an even number of dark modules.

Extension digit

A digit, allocated by the user, used to increase the capacity of the Serial Reference within the SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code).

fixed length

Term used to describe a data field in an Element String with an established number of characters.

Fixed Measure Trade Item

An item always produced in the same pre-defined version (e.g., type, size, weight, contents, design) that may be sold at any point in the supply chain.

Full String

The data transmitted by the bar code reader from reading a data carrier, including Symbology Identifier and Element String(s).

Function Code 1 (FNC1)

A symbology element used to form the double start pattern of a GS1-128 Bar Code Symbol. It is also used to separate certain concatenated Element Strings, dependent on their positioning in the bar code symbol.

GDTI

The GS1 Identification Key comprising a GS1 Company Prefix, Document Type, and Check Digit used to identify documents.

General Distribution Scanning

Scanning environments that include bar coded trade items packaged for transport, logistic units, assets and location tags.

GIAI

The GS1 Identification Key comprising a GS1 Company Prefix and Individual Asset Reference used to identify assets.

GLN

The GS1 Identification Key comprising a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference, and Check Digit used to identify physical locations or legal entities.

Global Document Type Identifier

The GS1 Identification Key for a document type with an optional serial number.

Global Individual Asset Identifier

The GS1 Identification Key for an individual asset.

Global Location Number

The GS1 Identification Key to identify physical or legal entities.

Global Returnable Asset Identifier

The GS1 Identification Key for returnable assets.

Global Service Relation Number

The GS1 Identification Key used to identify the relationship between a service provider and service recipient.

Global Trade Item Number^®

The GS1 Identification Key for trade items.

GRAI

The GS1 Identification Key comprising a GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type, Check Digit, and optional serial number used to identify returnable assets.

GS1 Check Digit Calculation

A GS1 System algorithm for the calculation of a Check Digit to verify accuracy of data.

GS1 Common Currency Coupon Code

An identification number for coupons issued in a common currency area (e.g., the euro currency) that uses the Coupon Code-13 Data Structure.

GS1 Company Prefix

Part of the GS1 System identification number consisting of a GS1 Prefix and a Company Number, both of which are allocated by GS1 Member Organisations.

GS1 EANCOM

A component of GS1 eCom. The GS1 standard for Electronic Data Interchange providing users with a global business messaging language of e-business to conduct efficient Internet-based electronic commerce.

GS1 General Specifications

Defines the GS1 System data and application standards related to the marking and automatic identification of trade items, locations, logistic units, assets, and more using bar code, RFID, and GS1 Identification Keys.

GS1 Global Data Dictionary

A repository tool used to record GS1 member standards agreements on business terms and definitions used by all business units.

GS1 Global Office

Based in Brussels, Belgium, and Princeton, USA, is an organisation of GS1 Member Organisations that manages the GS1 System.

GS1 Global Product Classification

A component of GS1 GDSN. It provides the required global framework for trade item categorisation supporting global data synchronisation.

GS1 Global Registry

A component of GS1 GDSN. It acts as a pointer (directory for the registration) to source data pools where catalogue item and party master data is housed. It also fulfils the role of matching subscriptions to registrations to facilitate the synchronisation process.

GS1 Global Standards Management Process

A component of GS1 Services. It is offered as an integral part of GS1’s standards development and maintenance process. It allows for user members’ active involvement.

GS1 Identification Key

A numeric or alphanumeric field managed by GS1 to ensure the global, unambiguous uniqueness of the identifier in the open demand or supply chain.

GS1 Identification Keys

A globally managed system of numbering used by all GS1 Business Units to identify trade items, logistic units, locations, legal entities, assets, service relationships, and more. The Keys are built by combining GS1 member company identifiers (GS1 Company Prefix) with standards based rules for allocating reference numbers.

GS1 Member Organisation

A member of GS1 that is responsible for administering the GS1 System in its country (or assigned area). This task includes, but is not restricted to, ensuring user companies make correct use of the GS1 System, have access to education, training, promotion and implementation support and have access to play an active role in GSMP.

GS1 Prefix

A number with two or more digits, administered by the GS1global Office that is allocated to GS1 Member Organisations or for Restricted Circulation Numbers.

GS1 System

The specifications, standards, and guidelines administered by GS1.

GS1 XML

A component of GS1 eCom. It represents the GS1 standard for Extensible Markup Language schemas providing users with a global business messaging language of e-business to conduct efficient Internet-based electronic commerce.

GS1-128 Bar Code Symbol

A subset of the Code 128 that is utilised exclusively for GS1 System data structures.

GS1-128 Composite Symbology^®

A Composite Symbology® that utilises a GS1-128 Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

GS1-8 Prefix

A one-, two-, or three-digit index number, administered by GS1, denoting the area of distribution of trade items identified by a GTIN-8 or a number used in internal application (see RCN-8).

GSRN

The GS1 Identification Key comprising a GS1 Company Prefix, Service Reference, and Check Digit used to identify the relationship between a service provider and service recipient.

GTIN^® Format

The format in which Global Trade Item Numbers® (GTINs®) must be represented in a 14-digit reference field (key) in computer files to ensure uniqueness of the identification numbers.

GTIN-12

The 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.

GTIN-13

The 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.

GTIN-14

The 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9), GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.

GTIN-8

The 8-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.

Guard Bar Pattern

An auxiliary pattern of bars/spaces corresponding to start or stop patterns in bar code symbologies, and serving to separate the two halves of EAN-8, EAN-13, and UPC-A Symbols.

Hanging Item

Any consumer trade item that is normally presented in the store in a hanging position.

Header

Identifies the length, type, structure, version and generation of Electronic Product Code.

House Way Bill Number

A freight forwarder’s document used mainly as a control for the goods within the freight forwarder’s own service system.

Human Readable Interpretation

Characters that can be read by persons, such as letters and numbers, as opposed to symbol characters within bar code symbols, which are read by machines.

human translation

Text designed to support manual operations and to facilitate key entry in menu driven systems. Data titles and data content are included.

Identification number

A numeric or alphanumeric field intended to enable the recognition of one entity versus another.

Indicator

A digit from 1 to 9 in the leftmost position of the GTIN-14.

Individual Asset

An entity that is part of the inventory of a given company. (See also Returnable Asset.)

Inverse Exponent

The Application Identifier digit that denotes the implied decimal point position in an Element String.

Item Reference

The part of the data structure allocated by the user to identify a trade item for a given GS1 Company Prefix.

ITF Symbology

The Interleaved 2 of 5 Symbology.

ITF-14 Bar Code Symbol

An ITF Symbol used by the GS1 System to carry GTINs.

Local Assigned Code

A particular use of the UPC-E Bar Code Symbol for restricted distribution.

Location Reference

A number within a Global Location Number (GLN) assigned by various parties to identify a different entity.

logistic measures

Measures indicating the outside dimensions, total weight, or volume inclusive of packing material of a logistic unit. Also known as gross-measures.

logistic unit

An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs to be managed through the supply chain. It is identified with SSCC.

magnification

Different sizes of bar code symbols based on a nominal size and a fixed aspect ratio; stated as a percent or decimal equivalent of a nominal size.

measure check-digit

A digit calculated from the measure field of an Element String encoded using the EAN/UPC Symbology. Used to check that the data has been correctly composed.

module

The narrowest nominal width unit of measure in a bar code symbol. In certain symbologies, element widths may be specified as multiples of one module. Equivalent to X-dimension.

modulo

An arithmetic scheme in which the result is the remainder after division.

Modulo 10

Modulo 10 creates a Check Digit according to the Modulo 10 algorithm specified in the GS1 General Specifications.

Modulo 103 GS1-128 Symbol Check Character

A number that results from a modulo calculation that is encoded in the GS1-128 Bar Code Symbol as a self-checking symbol character. It is created automatically by software as a symbol overhead character and is not expressed in the Human Readable Interpretation.

Natural Base

The side of a non-consumer trade item package that is used as a reference point for capturing dimensional attributes for the purpose of data alignment.

Non-GTIN^® Packs

A packaging level for trade items where there is no trading partner requirement for GTIN identification. If a GTIN is required, then this item becomes a retail consumer trade item or standard trade item grouping.

Object Class

Similar to a stock keeping unit SKU or trade item level.

odd parity

A characteristic of the encodation of a symbol character whereby the symbol character contains an odd number of dark modules.

payment slip

The end customer’s notification of a demand for payment for a billable service (e.g., utility bill) comprising an amount payable and payment conditions.

Point-of-Sale (POS)

Refers to the retail type checkout where bar code symbols are normally scanned.

price check-digit

A digit calculated from the price field of an Element String encoded using the EAN/UPC Symbology. Used to check that the data has been correctly composed.

Primary bar code

The bar code containing the identification number of the item (e.g. GTIN®, SSCC, etc.). Used to determine the placement of any additional bar code information.

Print Gain Gauge

A printed test pattern used to determine the print gain mean and the range of print gain (press variance) as it relates to bar widths. It may also be used throughout the print run to indicate whether the anticipated range of print gain is experienced.

Quiet Zone

A clear space containing no machine-readable marks, which precedes the Start Character of a bar code symbol and follows the Stop Character. Formerly referred to as “Clear Area” or “Light Margin.”

Quiet Zone Indicator

A greater than (>) or less than (<) character, printed in the human readable field of the bar code symbol, with the tip aligned with the outer edge of the Quiet Zone.

radio frequency

Any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When a radio frequency current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space. Many wireless technologies are based on radio frequency field propagation.

Radio Frequency Identification

A data carrier technology that transmits information via signals in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. A Radio Frequency Identification system consists of an antenna and a transceiver, which read the radio frequency and transfer the information to a processing device, and a transponder, or tag, which is an integrated circuit containing the radio frequency circuitry and information to be transmitted.

RCN-12

A 12-digit Restricted Circulation Number (see Restricted Circulation Number).

RCN-13

A 13-digit Restricted Circulation Number (see Restricted Circulation Number).

RCN-8

An 8-digit Restricted Circulation Number (see Restricted Circulation Number) beginning with GS1-8 Prefix 8.

Reduced Space Symbology^® (RSS)

A family of bar code symbols, including RSS-14®, RSS Limited®, RSS Expanded®, and RSS-14® Stacked. Any member of the RSS family can be printed as a stand-alone linear symbol or as a composite symbol with an accompanying 2D Composite Component® printed directly above the RSS linear component.

Refund Receipt

A voucher produced by equipment handling empty containers (bottles and crates).

Restricted Circulation Numbers

Signifies a GS1 identification number used for special applications in restricted environments, defined by the local GS1 Member Organisation (e.g., restricted within a country, company, industry). They are allocated by GS1 for either internal use by companies or to GS1 Member Organisations for assignment based on business needs in their country (e.g., variable measure product identification, couponing).

retail consumer trade item

The trade item intended to be sold to the end consumer at retail Point-of-Sale. They are identified with a GTIN-13, GTIN-12, or GTIN-8 using an EAN/UPC Symbol.

Retailer Zero-Suppression Code

A group of 4,500 ID numbers (separate from Local Assigned Codes), that enable the use of UPC-E Bar Codes in a closed system environment (not for open supply chain applications).

Returnable Asset

A reusable entity owned by a company that is used for transport and storage of goods.

RFID reader

Also known as an Interrogator or a reader, a Radio Frequency Identification reader communicates via radio waves with RFID tags and delivers the information in a digital format to a computer system.

RFID tag

A microchip attached to an antenna that sends data to an RFID reader. The RFID tag contains a unique serial number, and can also contain additional data. RFID tags can be active, passive or semi-passive tags.

RSS Composite Symbology^® Family

A family of symbols comprised of the RSS-14® Composite Symbology®, RSS-14® Stacked Composite Symbology®, RSS Limited® Composite Symbology®, and RSS Expanded® Composite Symbology®.

RSS Expanded^® Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol that encodes any GTIN plus supplementary AI Element Strings, such as weight and “best before” date, in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed Point-of-Sale scanners.

RSS Expanded^® Composite Symbology^®

The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilises an RSS Expanded® Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

RSS Expanded^® Stacked Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol that is a variation of the RSS Expanded® Bar Code Symbol that is stacked in multiple rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application.

RSS Expanded^® Stacked Composite Bar Code Symbol

The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilises an RSS Expanded® Stacked Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

RSS Limited^® Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol that encodes any GTIN with a leading digit zero or Indicator digit one in a linear symbol; for use on small items that will not be scanned at the Point-of-Sale.

RSS Limited^® Composite Symbology^®

The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilises an RSS Limited® Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

RSS Omnidirectional

The members of the Reduced Space Symbology family designed to be read in segments by Omnidirectional Scanners at retail POS: RSS-14; RSS-14 Stacked Omnidirectional; RSS Expanded; RSS Expanded Stacked.

RSS-14^® Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol that encodes any of the GTIN data structures in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed Point-of-Sale scanners.

RSS-14^® Composite Symbology^®

The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilises an RSS-14® Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

RSS-14^® Stacked Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol that is a variation of the RSS-14® Symbology that is stacked in two rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application. It comes in two versions: a truncated version used for small item marking applications and a taller omnidirectional version that is designed to be read by omnidirectional scanners. RSS Expanded® can also be printed in multiple rows as a stacked symbol.

RSS-14^® Stacked Composite Symbology^®

The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilises an RSS-14® Stacked Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

scanner

An electronic device to read bar code symbols and convert them into electrical signals understandable by a computer device.

Separator Character

Function Code 1 used to separate certain concatenated Element Strings, dependent on their positioning in the GS1 Bar Code Symbols.

Serial Number

(1) A code, numeric or alphanumeric, assigned to an individual instance of an entity for its lifetime. Example: Microscope model AC-2 with serial number 1234568 and microscope model AC-2 with serial number 1234569. A unique individual item may be identified with the combined Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and serial number.

(2) Specific instance of the Object Class being tagged.

Serial Reference

The part of the data structure allocated by the user that, in conjunction with the Extension digit, establishes a unique SSCC for a given GS1 Company Prefix.

Serial Shipping Container Code

The GS1 Identification Key for logistic units.

Service Reference

The Service Reference is assigned by the service provider. The structure and content of the Service Reference is at the discretion of the particular service provider.

special characters

Special characters are designated by the symbology specification. For GS1-128 Symbology the special characters are the last 7 characters of codes sets A and B or the last 3 characters for code set C.

SSCC

The 18-digit GS1 System Identification Key comprising an Extension digit, GS1 Company Prefix, Serial Reference, and Check Digit used to identify a logistic unit.

standard trade item grouping

A standard composition for a trade item(s) that is not intended for Point-of-Sale scanning. They are identified with a unique GTIN-14, GTIN-13, or GTIN-12.

substrate

The material on which a bar code symbol is printed.

supplier

The party that produces, provides, or furnishes an item or service.

symbol

The combination of symbol characters and features required by a particular symbology, including Quiet Zone, Start and Stop Characters, data characters, and other auxiliary patterns, which together form a complete scannable entity; an instance of a symbology and a data structure.

symbol character

A group of bars and spaces in a symbol that is decoded as a single unit. It may represent an individual digit, letter, punctuation mark, control indicator, or multiple data characters.

Symbol Check Character

A symbol character or set of bar/space patterns included within a GS1-128 or RSS Symbol, the value of which is used by the bar code reader for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of the scanned data. It is not shown in Human Readable Interpretation. It is not input to the bar code printer and is not transmitted by the bar code reader.

Symbol Contrast

An ISO 15416 parameter that measures the difference between the largest and smallest reflectance values in a Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP).

symbology

A defined method of representing numeric or alphabetic characters in a bar code; a type of bar code.

symbology element

A character or characters in a bar code symbol used to define the integrity and processing of the symbol itself (e.g., start and stop patterns). These elements are symbology overhead and are not part of the data conveyed by the bar code symbol.

Symbology identifier

A sequence of characters transmitted with the decoded data that identifies the data carrier from which the data has been decoded.

tag

See RFID tag.

trade item

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.

trade measures

Net measures of Variable Measure Trade Items as used for invoicing (billing) the trade item.

transaction type

Information (not part of the GS1 System) denoting the particular operation in connection with which the scanned data has been captured.

transponder

A radio transmitter-receiver that is activated by a predetermined signal. RFID tags are sometimes referred to as transponders.

truncation

Printing a symbol shorter than the symbology specification’s minimum height recommendations. Truncation can make the symbol difficult for an operator to scan.

U.P.C. Company Prefix

A special representation of a GS1 Company Prefix constructed from a U.P.C. Prefix and a Company Number. The U.P.C. Company Prefix is only used to create GTIN-12, Coupon-12, RCN-12, and VMC-12, which are encoded in a U.P.C. Bar Code Symbol.

U.P.C. Prefix

A special representation of the GS1 Prefixes ’00 – 09’ with the leading zero removed.

unrestricted distribution

Signifies that such system data may be applied on goods to be processed anywhere in the world without restraint as to such things as country, company, and industry.

UPC-A Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes GTIN-12, Coupon-12, RCN-12, and VMN-12.

UPC-A Composite Symbology^®

The GS1 Composite Symbology® that utilises a UPC-A Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

UPC-E Bar Code Symbol

A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology representing a GTIN-12 in six explicitly encoded digits using zero-suppression techniques.

UPC-E Composite Symbology^®

The GS1 Composite Symbology® that utilises a UPC-E Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.

Variable Measure Number (VMN)

A Restricted Circulation Number to identify variable measure products for scanning at Point of Sale. It is defined per GS1 Member Organisation rules in their country (see VMN-12 and VMN-13).

variable measure trade item

An item always produced in the same pre-defined version (e.g., type, design, packaging) that may be sold at any point in the supply chain, which either may vary in weight/size by its nature or which may be traded without a pre-defined weight/size/length.

VMN-12

The 12-digit Restricted Circulation Number encoded in UPC-A Symbols to allow scanning of variable measure products at Point of Sale. It is defined per target market specific rules that are associated with GS1 US Prefix 2.