Second only to the current president of the United States, GS1 is a master of self-promotion and branding. Pretty everything involving standardized barcoding is preceded with GS1 (GS1 Company Prefix, GS1 QR Code, GS1 Digital Link, GS1-128, etc.). In case you are on a desert island, GS1 is a global standards organization whose identification and […]
Archive | Standards
GS1 US Case Study on Product Data Problems.
September 14, 2026 in Standards
Today, most blogs and LinkedIn posts are focusing on the GS1 Digital Link and Sunrise 2027. The benefits from this initiative are amazing and overwhelming. Companies exploring GS1 Digital Link often begin with the same questions: Which QR code should we use? Which solution provider should we choose? Where should the code direct consumers? Who […]
The Impact on GTINs When Changing Country of Origin
August 5, 2025 in Standards
Since April 1, 2025, businesses are strategizing on shifting manufacturing to the US or to countries with lower tariffs to avoid steep costs. But amid this scramble, a pressing question looms: If a product’s production is moved to a new country, does it require a new Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)? This isn’t a minor […]
GS1 Connect 2025 Recap: GS1 Digital Link Took Center Stage
June 16, 2025 in Standards
At this year’s GS1 Connect 2025 conference, the adaptation and implementation of GS1 Digital Link took center stage as industry leaders shared real-world insights from their pilot programs. The key message was clear: by 2027, traditional barcodes will be joined by QR codes that can hold much more information. This shift, called “Sunrise 2027,” represents […]
GTIN Assignments: Decoding the Tariff Impact
April 7, 2025 in Standards
As the consequences of the April 2025 U.S. tariffs are being digested, businesses are strategizing on shifting manufacturing to the US or to countries with lower tariffs to avoid steep costs. But amid this scramble, a pressing question looms: When does moving production to a new country require a new Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)? […]
Updated GS1 General Specifications and GS1 AI Agent
January 31, 2025 in Standards
GS1 global standards define how items are identified and marked. Although GS1 confusingly markets itself as the source to apply for a barcode, it is their standards that provide the framework for the identification of many industries. The master document is referred to as the GS1 General Specifications Version 24. Companies rely on their licensing […]
New for 2025: AI Powered GS1 Support Help Desk
January 2, 2025 in Standards
GS1 Support Help Desk With AI Agent Assistant We are excited to start the new year with the launching of a new and innovative GS1 Support Help Desk, powered by our GS1 AI Agent Assistant, to leverage the power of artificial intelligence for members to assign/manage their GTINs. Our barcode consultants have been training our […]
Music Industry Identifiers: UPC vs ISRC
February 22, 2024 in Standards
UPC vs. ISRC: What’s The Difference? In the last twenty years, there has been a notable shift in the music industry. The days of buying CDs and vinyl have mostly given way to the use of internet streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. This change had many benefits but also presented difficulties, […]
GS1 General Specifications Updated
February 1, 2024 in Standards
GS1 global standards define how items are identified and marked. Although GS1 confusingly markets itself as the source to apply for a barcode, it is their standards that provide the framework for the identification of many industries. The master document is referred to as the GS1 General Specifications Version 24. Companies rely on their licensing […]
GS1 Connect 2023: Denver, CO June 5-7
March 8, 2023 in Standards
Rise to the Challenges of the Digital Supply Chain GS1 is the global identification standards organization and has local offices around the globe. Every year, GS1 Global offers a very comprehensive conference, GS1 Connect, for their local offices and members. For companies who wish to learn about the details of the identification standards, there are […]