Plastics Barcode tracking : Keeping track of goods - The GS1 standard -

GS1 stands for "Global Standards One". It's an international organization that creates and maintains global standards for business communication, especially for supply chains and product identification. 

The "1" represents that it's a single, unified global standard system used worldwide.
It's basically a universal "language" that helps businesses track and identify products using standardized barcodes and identification numbers.

GS1 Basics:

GS1 is a global system for standardizing business communications. It it as a universal "language" for product identification and tracking

Key Components:

Product Identification (GTIN):

• Every product gets a unique barcode number
• Different levels of packaging (sinlge items, cases, boxes, pallets) get different numbers

Location Identification (GLN):

• Unique numbers for business locations
• Helps track where products are coming from and where they are going to

Types of Barcodes:

• UPC/EAN: Regular retail barcodes
• GS1-128: More detailed barcodes for shipping
• DataMatrix: Square barcodes for small items
• QR Codes: For consumer information

Data Elements:

• Expiration dates
• Batch numbers
• Serial numbers
• Weight
• Price
• Production date

Information Sharing:

• GDSN: is a  global network for sharing product data
• Companies can exchange accurate product information
• makes sure that everyone is using the same data

Key Applications:

• Supply chain tracking
• Inventory management
• Help with product recalls
• Used for order processing
• Used for shipping and receiving goods

Barcode Structure:

• Company prefix (assigned by GS1)
• Product reference (chosen by company)
• Check digit (used for more accuracy)

Benefits:

• Reduces errors
• Speeds up operations
• Improves tracking
• Makes recalls easier
• Helps fight counterfeiting

Implementation Steps:

• Get a GS1 company prefix
• Assign numbers to products
• Create correct barcodes
• Train staff to use the barcodes
• Update systems to be able to use barcodes

Best Practices:

• Keep numbers unique
• Update product data regularly
• Check barcode quality
• Follow placement guidelines
• Share changes with partners

Explanation of GS1 compatibility issues with plastics in logistics:

Basic Product Identification:

We give every plastic product a unique GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)number which is a unique number used worldwide to identify trade items, products, or services ( typically displayed as a barcode). 

It's the standard system used for retail products and inventory tracking.

Each packaging level needs its own number:

• Individual items get one number
• The boxes get another number
• The pallets get a different number
• This prevents confusion when scanning and tracking

Proper Labeling:

Make sure barcodes are:

• Clear and not distorted on curved plastic surfaces
• Right size for scanners to read
• Placed where they won't get damaged
• Properly printed (not smeared or faded)

Data Management:

• Keep product information accurate and updated:
• Weight and measurements
• Type of plastic (PET, HDPE, etc.)
• Recycling codes
• Package contents
• Share this data with trading partners

Handling Special Cases:

Mixed products on one pallet:

• Create special serial shipping container codes
• Label each different product clearly

Variable weights:

• Use special barcodes that can show different weights
• Update systems to handle changing numbers
• Document everything regarding the changes

Proper storage of records:

• Which numbers belong to which products
• How products are packed
• Where barcodes should be placed
• What information goes on labels
• Common Problems and Solutions

Dealing with Barcodes that won't scan:

• Check print quality
• Make sure size is correct
• Verify placement of barcode

Checking wrong product information:

• Update master data
• Inform all partners of changes
• Double-check all numbers
• System Updates

Make sure your systems can do the following:

• Read all barcode types
• Handle different package levels
• Track products accurately
• Share data with partners

Training Staff to be able to:

• Properly scan items
• Check for label problems
• Know when to report issues
• Understand basic GS1 rules

Quality Checks:

Regularly check for:

• Barcode scan quality
• Label placement
• Information accuracy
• Barcode system performance