GS1-128
Application Identifiers turn GS1-128 into a structured data carrier rather than a plain character string. A two- to four-digit AI prefixes each data element and declares its meaning and format, so one symbol can hold a GTIN under (01), a production date under (11), an expiry date under (17), a batch under (10), and a serial number under (21). An FNC1 character in the first position signals the GS1 interpretation to the reader and separates variable-length elements. The underlying encoding is Code 128, but GS1 caps a symbol at 48 data characters and specifies a minimum X-dimension of 0.25 mm with a 31.75 mm bar height for logistics labels. GS1 published the format in 1989, and it is required on shipping labels across most global distribution networks.
Eine spezialisierte Anwendung von Code 128, die GS1-Datenbezeichner verwendet, um strukturierte Lieferkettendaten – Chargennummern, Verfallsdaten, Seriennummern und Gewichte – zusammen mit der GTIN des Produkts auf einem einzigen scanbaren Etikett zu codieren. Er ist auf Versandetiketten in den meisten globalen Logistiknetzwerken vorgeschrieben.
GS1-128
1D LinearRelated Tools
Check Digit Calculator
Calculate and verify check digits for EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN-13, ISSN, ITF-14, and SSCC barcodes. Step-by-step Modulo 10 calculation with visual …
GS1 Prefix Lookup
Look up the country of registration for any GS1 barcode prefix. Enter a barcode number or 3-digit prefix to find …
Barcode Validator
Validate barcode data integrity across multiple symbologies. Checks format compliance, character set validity, check digit correctness, and data length requirements …
Barcode Print Size Calculator
Calculate the correct print dimensions for any barcode symbology at a given magnification factor. Shows minimum X dimension, height, quiet …
Symbology Recommender
Answer a series of questions about your data type, scanning environment, label space, and industry to get a personalized barcode …
Related Guides
Barcode vs RFID: When to Use Each Technology
A practical comparison of barcode and RFID identification technologies — cost, read range, speed, and hybrid deployment strategies.
GS1 Barcodes Explained: The Global Language of Commerce
An introduction to the GS1 system — company prefixes, GTINs, application identifiers, and how 2 million+ companies use GS1 barcodes.
Code 128: The Swiss Army Knife of 1D Barcodes
Everything about Code 128: three code sets (A/B/C), automatic subset switching, FNC1 for GS1-128, and why it dominates shipping and …
GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128): The Supply Chain Workhorse
Technical guide to GS1-128: FNC1 prefix, application identifier structure, date formats, serial numbers, and SSCC pallet labeling.
ITF-14: The Outer Case Barcode for Logistics
ITF-14 explained: interleaved 2-of-5 encoding for GTIN-14, bearer bar requirements, corrugated board printing, and case-level identification.
Composite Barcodes: Linking 1D and 2D in One Symbol
How GS1 Composite Component barcodes pair a linear symbology with a 2D component to carry supplementary data on a single …
GS1 Application Identifiers: The Barcode Data Dictionary
A practical reference for GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) — the numeric prefixes that define batch numbers, expiry dates, serial numbers, …
SSCC & Pallet Labels: Case-Level Supply Chain Tracking
How Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC) enable pallet-level tracking — GS1-128 label layout, ASN integration, and warehouse receiving workflows.
EDI & Barcodes: Automating Purchase Orders with ASN
How barcoded shipping labels connect to EDI transactions — ASN (856), purchase orders (850), and the scan-to-receive workflow.
Serialization & Track-and-Trace with Barcodes
How item-level serialization enables track-and-trace — SGTIN, AI(21) serial numbers, event-based traceability, and anti-counterfeiting.
GLN & Location Barcodes: Identifying Places in the Supply Chain
Global Location Numbers (GLN) for identifying warehouses, stores, and delivery docks — structure, allocation, and supply chain use cases.
Barcode Master Data: GDSN & Product Data Synchronization
How the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) ensures barcode master data is consistent across trading partners worldwide.
Healthcare GS1 Standards: GTIN, AIDC & UDI Compliance
GS1 standards for healthcare: GTIN on medical products, AIDC in clinical settings, and how GS1 barcodes meet FDA and EU …
Omnichannel Barcodes: BOPIS, Ship-from-Store & Returns
How barcodes enable buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS), ship-from-store fulfillment, and cross-channel return processing.
Medication Barcode Scanning: Reducing Errors at Bedside
How bedside barcode scanning prevents medication errors — the five rights of medication administration and BCMA system design.
FDA UDI Requirements: A Barcode Compliance Guide
Everything medical device manufacturers need to know about FDA Unique Device Identification — GUDID registration, label requirements, and compliance dates.
DSCSA Drug Serialization: Barcode Requirements for Pharma
Drug Supply Chain Security Act compliance through barcodes — NDC in GS1 format, unit-level serialization, and verification requirements.
EU MDR & IVDR: European Medical Device Barcode Regulations
European Union Medical Device Regulation and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation barcode requirements — UDI-DI, EUDAMED, and compliance timelines.
Pharmacy Dispensing Barcodes: NDC & Unit-of-Use Packaging
How pharmacies use barcodes for dispensing verification — NDC lookup, unit-dose packaging, automated dispensing cabinets, and error prevention.
Warehouse Barcode Systems: WMS Integration Guide
How barcodes integrate with warehouse management systems — receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping workflows.
Shipping Label Barcodes: GS1-128 & Carrier Standards
Creating compliant shipping labels — GS1-128 content, carrier-specific barcode requirements (FedEx, UPS, DHL), and label layout standards.
Pick-Pack-Ship: Barcode Workflows for Order Fulfillment
End-to-end barcode workflows for order fulfillment — wave picking, batch picking, scan-to-verify packing, and shipping label generation.
Cross-Docking with Barcodes: Zero-Inventory Logistics
How barcodes enable cross-docking operations — inbound scanning, sortation, outbound routing, and hub-and-spoke distribution models.
Pallet & Case Labeling: ITF-14 vs GS1-128
When to use ITF-14 for case identification vs GS1-128 for detailed logistics data — label placement, printing, and retailer compliance.
Cold Chain Logistics Barcodes: Frozen & Refrigerated Goods
Barcode labeling for cold chain environments — freezer-grade adhesives, condensation-resistant printing, and temperature-sensitive data encoding.
Returns & Reverse Logistics Barcodes
Barcode-driven reverse logistics: return authorization labels, inspection scanning, grading, restocking, and refurbishment tracking.
Automated Sortation with Barcode Scanning
How high-speed barcode scanners power sortation systems — tunnel scanners, conveyor integration, 6-sided reading, and throughput optimization.
3PL Barcode Standards: Meeting Client Requirements
Barcode compliance for third-party logistics providers — supporting multiple client labeling standards, multi-tenant WMS, and relabeling workflows.
Hazmat & Dangerous Goods Barcode Labels
Barcode labeling for hazardous materials — UN number encoding, GHS integration, DOT compliance, and dual-purpose identification labels.
Thermal Printing for Barcodes: Direct vs Transfer
Choosing between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing — print durability, media costs, resolution, and application suitability.
Printing Barcodes on Corrugated Board: Challenges & Solutions
Technical challenges of printing barcodes on corrugated cardboard — flute washboarding, ink spread, flexographic techniques, and verification tips.
GS1 General Specifications for Symbol Production
The GS1 General Specifications for barcode symbol production — target sizes, placement rules, human-readable text, and packaging artwork guidelines.
Barcode System Architecture: From Scanner to Database
Designing a barcode system end-to-end — scanner input, middleware processing, database storage, and integration with ERP/WMS/POS systems.
GS1-128 Label Generation: A Developer's Guide
Programmatically generating GS1-128 shipping labels — AI encoding, FNC1 handling, ZPL templates, and label printer integration.
ERP Barcode Integration: SAP, Oracle & Microsoft Dynamics
Integrating barcode scanning with major ERP systems — SAP WM/EWM, Oracle WMS Cloud, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 warehouse management.
RFID & Barcodes: Competition, Coexistence & Convergence
The evolving relationship between barcodes and RFID — from Walmart's 2003 mandate to today's hybrid identification strategies.