GS1 UPC Barcode Services
To correctly identify products with UPCs (Universal Product Codes), companies must license a Company Prefix from GS1. GS1 is the global identification standards body and is, by definition, a necessary monopoly. Online marketplaces (i.e. Amazon) and stores around the globe need unique product identifiers, and a single global numbering authority provides the foundation for that. It is important to understand that obtaining a unique prefix is only the first step in this process. When working with an organization that is mandatory, companies need to consider the level of support that can expect, the tasks GS1 expects companies to do on their own, and the risks of making mistakes. Working with GS1 can be overwhelming when you need a simple answer, and underwhelming when you need personalized support.
THE STAKES
Product UPCs and GTINs are a complex but critical part of your product and how you do business. Companies that do this incorrectly either never get past the starting line, or stumble in their first few steps. Companies that rely only on GS1 for implementation quickly find that they are inundated with information and have to invest significant time to finding answers.
The stakes are even higher now. In January 2019 GS1 made changes that UPCs and other GTIN assignments can no longer be reused. This means that assignment mistakes cannot be undone and will require new UPCs or even additional prefixes to correct.
GS1 BARCODE SERVICE
Ever since the first product needed a barcode, Bar Code Graphics has been assisting companies with all aspects of their creation and implementation. As the authority on barcode creation and print quality, we have directly or indirectly touched most suppliers in the major retail stores. The GS1 Barcode Service bundles several of our services for companies new to the process or looking to have support from an expert.
Implementing UPCs without assistance would be like learning to drive with only a Handbook of Traffic Laws to guide you. Could you do it? Well given enough time – and extensive comprehensive insurance – maybe you could eventually figure it out. However with UPCs most companies need to start assigning them right away and don’t want to devote a person or group to understanding, applying, and staying current with GS1 standards. Please note that printed labels may be substituted for digital files for 10 & 100 barcode packages.
| Number of Items | GS1 License | GS1 UPC Service | Total Fee | Included Barcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 -10 | $250 | $150 | $400 | 10 files | SELECT |
| 1 – 100 | $750 | $250 | $1,000 | 100 files | SELECT |
| 1 – 1,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $3,500 | $1,000 credit | SELECT |
| 1 – 10,000 | $6,500 | $2,000 | $8,500 | $1,500 credit | SELECT |
| 1 – 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,500 | $13,000 | $2,000 credit | SELECT |
If you would like to proceed with the GS1 UPC Barcode Service, please click on the appropriate SELECT link. To speak with a Bar Code Graphics UPC support representative please call 800-662-0701 x250.
CONTENT AND CLASSES
GS1 standards are compressed in a 500-page document called the GS1 General Specifications. This comprehensive standard is updated yearly and available online. For new members who wish to learn the requirements, GS1 does provide an array of educational classes that enable companies to implement GS1 standards themselves.
- “Assign GTINs Like a Pro” (1.5 hour online webinar) – Cost: $79“
- “GS1 Foundations” (online course). 6 learning modules (5 hours) Cost: $450.00
- “GS1 Fundamentals” – 1 day certification class. Cost: $525
At a minimum, a company should initially budget 6 1/2 hours of training and $529 to adequately learn how to comply with UPC barcode and GS1 standards. Due to the commitment of both time and money, companies rely on Bar Code Graphics as their GS1 standards resource.
GTIN.cloud® – Global UPC Bar Code Management Portal
Although GS1 offers a basic tool for members called DataHub, it’s functionality is limited with a basic membership. DataHub does not actually provide .eps print ready files nor is not meant for sharing product data with retailers. Lastly, DataHub will verify UPCs are structured to the standards, but there is no human review to determine the accuracy of those assignments.
Every GS1 Barcode Service order includes access to the GTIN.cloud® management portal. The GTIN management function enables companies to assign and activate their GS1 GTINs, associate product data attributes, upload image links, and create digital .eps (printer-ready) barcode files. All entered UPC product data is personally validated by an assigned GS1 barcode consultant before a UPC is published. Since GS1 prohibits the reuse of GTINs, it is imperative that UPC identification and product information are done correctly the first time.
STRICT STANDARD – LIMITED SUPPORT
The GS1 system by design adheres strictly to GS1 standards. But this is not often how retailers work. Companies like WalMart and Amazon have processes and formats that don’t fit neatly with GS1 Standards. You will not get the necessary data formats from GS1. For this, you need someone who understands the global standards but is also flexible to modify those practices for real-world applications.
EPS is a file in vector format that has been designed to produce high-resolution graphics exclusively for print. These files are the print industry’s standard format and can be imported or inserted with most graphic applications. The GS1 DataHub tool only provides FPO (for position only) barcode images in .png format. Bar Code Graphics .eps barcode generation software received UCC software certification in 2004, and has provided digital barcodes for millions of products and coupons.
GS1 UPC Barcode Services
GS1 Barcode Service helps companies with every step. The companies we work with recognize that getting it wrong can be expensive and damaging to their brand and trading partner relationships. Since the beginnings of UPCs in the 1970’s, Bar Code Graphics has assisted hundreds of thousands of companies with UPC identification with personalized assistance.
