12.  Other information

12.1. Identification of bar codes in EU Member States
12.2. Identification of Global Location Numbers (GLN)

12.1.   IDENTIFICATION OF BAR CODES IN EU MEMBER STATES

‘Which standards are to be respected for the creation of bar codes?’
‘Which organisation does our company need to contact for getting the permission to work out bar codes for putting on its products and packaging?

For an answer to this question, look into the website presented below.

Before using GS1 identifiers and bar codes, it is important to understand the underlying basics of the technology. This website provides a starting point. It introduces key concepts and provides key questions that should be considered during implementation.  GS1 Member Organizations in over 100 countries provide implementation tools and services in their area.
GS1 Global Office offers bar code and identification tools for global use, but it is important to note that GS1 Member Organisations are highly engaged in bar code and identification implementation in their local area. The Member Organisations provide a broad range of services from helpdesk support, training, standards publication/translation, guidelines, and data management systems. The services are customized for local needs so members should contact their local GS1 Member Organisation for ongoing support tools.
Click here to find the GS1 Member Organisation nearest you.

To find info on the structure and registration of bar codes follow the steps.

Step 1:   login to the GS1 website (click on the link above)

Step 2:   select ‘GS1 Products & Solutions - BarCodes & Identification’

Step  3:  select ‘Overview’ for a brief introduction

Step 4:   select ‘Technical’ for a presentation about

• GS1 DataBar
• GS1 Company Prefix
• GS1 Identifiers (Keys and attributes)
• GS1 Identification Key Types
• Bar Code Types
• Bar Code Scanner Environments
• Bar Code Printing Methods
• GS1 Prefix List
• GS1 General Specifications
• GS1 and ISO collaboration

The table below shows different bar code types.

Step 5:   select ‘Implementation’ to consult a practical list with

 Ten Steps to Bar Code Implementation

• Step 1: Get a GS1 Company Prefix
• Step 2: Assign Numbers
• Step 3: Select a Bar Code printing Method
• Step 4: Select a "Primary" Scanning Environment
• Step 5: Select a Bar Code
• Step 6: Pick a Bar Code Size
• Step 7: Format the Bar Code Text
• Step 8: Pick a Bar Code Color
• Step 9: Pick the Bar Code Placement
• Step 10: Build a Bar Code Quality Plan

12.2.   IDENTIFICATION OF GLOBAL LOCATION NUMBERS (GLN)
How can my company receive a Global Location Number (GLN) for its premises?
For an answer to this question, look into the website presented below.

GLN (Global Location Number)

As the name implies, the GLN is the GS1 Identification Key for Locations. The GLN can be used to identify physical locations and legal entities where is a need to retrieve pre-defined information to improve the efficiency of communication with the supply-chain. Global Location Numbers are a prerequiste for GS1 eCom message or to access information from the Global Data Synchronisation Network.
For help implementing GLNs, visit our GLN Allocation Rules.
The GLN is constructed as follows:

GLN Extensions

Global Location Numbers may also use an optional extension component using the Application Identifier (254) to support is restricted for internal purposes. Although optional, when used AI (254) must be in conjunction with AI (414) Identification of a physical location and can be encoded using an EPC tag, a GS1-128 symbol or a GS1 DataBar symbol.

The GLN Extension will not be communicated with trading partners except by mutual agreement and has been developed in expectation that it will be an important business requirement with the EPC Network. Locations that currently have a GLN may also use an optional GLN Extension component to distinguish unique locations (storage slots, door locations, bin storage, shelves, peg holes, rack, cabinet, computer/communication bays, etc.). However, a company may choose to assign a unique GLN, without an Extension component, as a way to identify these locations.
For a more detailed overview on the benefits of GLN see GLN Executive Summary.