Uutiset
10.11.2010Who does this code belong to after all...?
Have you already tested the GS1 website's GEPIR service? It can be used to determine which company is responsible for the code numbers being correct. On the basis of this application new consumer-oriented services are emerging in the world in which a smart phone scans the barcode and steers toward the origin of the product.
In order that this solution always provides reliable information, GS1 has started to explore the correctness of origin of the codes through international cooperation. The aim is to ensure that the correct and appropriate supplier is identifiable behind the numbers in circulation. GS1 Finland is also involved in this review and we have begun to examine the origin of the codes, as well. GTIN identification numbers have been compared to the existing identification codes in GS1 Finland's data base. The first GTIN-coded product samples for sale in the market revealed that we have reason to further increase the accuracy of the numbers in use.
The review revealed both unauthorized numbers using fraudulent identification numbers as well as the further use of numbers already reported as discontinued. Additionally there are surprisingly many codes where the company identification part is the same as that of completely different companies. Each company should ensure that all of their products on the market are numbered with their own valid GS1 identification numbers. The GEPIR service reveals incorrectly constructed numbers, because it only accepts the right form of GTIN code and returns company information only for the correctly constructed codes.
The situations that are the trickiest to clarify are those in which the numbered product is not managed by the supplier indicated by the identification number. Some of these can be explained by any previous corporate restructurings, where the numbering responsibility has not properly attended to. Part of the business arrangements should, therefore, always agree on the fact that each product's GTIN-code continue to connect the product to the responsible supplier. If only part of the company's product lines change owners, the so-called solution of the smallest change should be found, in which a transition period for the necessary renumbering can be implemented. It is recommended that the transition is done when the normal (printed) packaging changes are implemented and even then informing those next in the supply chain about it. Instructions for such situations can be found at section 3.4 of the GS1 Global User Manual. The GS1 staff will be happy to help in the consideration of the practices in which the smallest possible recoding is resolved.