What is GS1?

Overview

GS1 is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains globally and across sectors. The GS1 system of standards is the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world.

GS1 offers a range of standards, services and solutions.

GS1's service area ranges from GS1 Bar Codes to GS1 eCom(electronic commerce tools) to next generation technologies and solutions such as GS1 GDSN(Data Synchronization), EPCglobal(using RFID technologies) and traceability. GS1 standards ensure effective exchanges between companies, and act as basic guidelines that facilitate interoperability and provide structure to many industries.

GS1 standards are used in multiple sectors and industries.

Originally created by manufacturers and retailers to improve the efficiency of the distribution of food and consumer goods to supermarkets, GS1 standards today are used by millions of companies in dozens of sectors including healthcare, transportation and logistics, aeronautics, defense, chemicals, high tech, and still, of course, the retail supply chain.

GS1 has Member Organizations(MOs) in over 100 countries around the globe.

GS1 is truly global, with local Member Organizations in over 100 countries, and with the Global Office in Brussels, Belgium. Member Organizations are usually national associations which provide tools that enable their own member companies to manage their supply chains and trade processes far more efficiently. Our MOs handle all inquiries related to GS1 products, solutions and services.

GS1 in the World

Major Activities

GS1's main activity is the development of the GS1 System, a series of standards designed to improve supply chain management. GS1 offers a full range of services and solutions, all built upon the foundation of the GS1 system of standards.

Major activities of GS1 include:

Allocation of unique numbers - the basis for the complete range of standards
Providing training and support for
Barcodes: Numbering and bar coding
eCom-EDI(Electronic Data Interchange)
Global Data Synchronization Network(GDSN) - data synchronization
EPCglobal-RFID(Radio Frequency IDentification)
Supplying information on the standards and the continuing evolution of the GS1 System through the Global Standards Management Process(GSMP)