Understanding how to use and implement GS1 Standards

Discover all you need to know to use GS1 Standards for your business.

Mastering the Basics Guides:

  • Barcodes for retail
  • How to manage your GTINs
  • Barcodes for cases
  • How to create GLN (Global Location Number)
  • Measure and Package
  • 10 step to barcode your products

Welcome to GS1 Learning Zone

Need to know more about bar coding, EDI, data sharing or traceability? Want to understand the basics of GS1 standards used across the supply chain? If you don’t have time to attend a classroom course, why not consider taking some of the GS1 online education modules?

GS1 UAE catalogue of courses provided:

Course 1: An introduction to GS1 and supply chain standards

This introductory course will introduce you to the world of GS1 standards and covering the basic steps involved in creating product identification codes and retail barcode symbols. During this course you will become familiar with the GS1 GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) the number that is included in a barcode symbol) and the allocation rules to be observed when allocating new barcode numbers.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone who has no previous knowledge of GS1 standards and wishes to understand the process of allocating barcode numbers for products.

Modules in this course includes:

  1. Introduction to GS1: This first module provides a comprehensive introduction to the three groups of GS1 standards. The structure and role of the GS1 organisation is described.
  2. Identification Numbers (GTIN): This module introduces the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN); the most widely used GS1 Identification Key. A GTIN is used to identify products and services globally across all industries. The basic rules and principles for allocating new product identification numbers are also covered.
  3. Barcode Symbols (EAN/UPC): This module introduces the EAN and UPC barcode symbols – the most widely used barcodes in retail stores. Where and why each symbol is used in the supply chain is covered, along with details of their structure and size. The course addresses the importance of barcode print quality, the best colour combinations and permissible symbol sizes.
  4. NumberBank: This final module will provide you with information and training resources for using GS1 UAE’s Barcode Manager Tool. Barcode Manager is an easy to use, online tool that automatically allocates a barcode number (GTIN) for you, including the check digit and records basic product data including the name, brand, description, weights and dimensions.
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Course 2: Identifying and Barcoding Products and Trade Items

This course is designed for those already familiar with basic product identification and barcoding (such as the GTIN and EAN 13 symbols) and wish to familiarise themselves with the application of other GS1 identification numbers and barcode types used throughout the supply chain.

Completing this course will provide you with an understanding of:

  • pallet labelling
  • the GS1 128 barcode symbology
  • asset identification and 
  • an introduction to RFID technology

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at intermediate users of GS1 standards, who want to understand the more complex AI’s and barcodes used in the broader distribution environment.

It would benefit the learner to have a previous knowledge of GS1 standards and to at least complete the Introduction to GS1 module in the Getting Started with GS1course prior to taking this course.

Modules in this course includes:

  1. Application Identifiers (AIs): This module explains what AIs are, where they are used and key aspects of their application.
  2. GS1-128 symbology: learn about this versatile barcode that is extensively used on logistics labels for outer cases and pallets to encode a wide variety of information such as product codes, batch numbers, expiry dates and SSCCs.
  3. GS1 DataMatrix barcode: an overview of the role and structure of this 2D barcode symbol.
  4. Global Location Number (GLN): become familiar with the GS1 identifier for physical locations and legal entities that is widely used in electronic transactions (EDI) as well as in barcoding applications.
  5. Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC): discover the GS1 identification key for logistics units (e.g. outer cases and pallets) that provides the vital link between physical goods and electronic data exchanged in EDI messages such as orders and invoices.
  6. Asset Identification Numbers: an overview of the Individual and Returnable Asset Identifiers, their structure and use in supply chain and traceability solutions.
  7. GS1 Databar: a relatively new family of barcode symbols specifically designed for fresh foods and small consumer goods that deliver benefits not achievable with traditional EAN/UPC barcodes.

Electronic Product Codes (EPC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): this module provides an initial introduction to the concept of Electronic Product Codes and their use in RFID tags to enable a wide variety of supply chain solutions.

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Course 3: Standards and Solutions Course

The Standards and Solutions Course introduces the learner to the wide range of supply chain and data management solutions made possible through the application of GS1 standards.

Who is this course for?

This course is specifically for advanced users of GS1 standards and experienced solution implementers. It is advised that the learner successfully completes the introductory courses on GS1, which covers item identification, data capture methodologies and data sharing processes, prior to commencing this course.

Modules in this course includes:

  1. An Introduction to Traceability: a high-level introduction to traceability and how GS1 standards can help, particularly in the area of meeting legal regulations and requirements.
  2. Global Standards Management Process (GSMP): this module explains the entrance criteria and functioning of the global standards management process.
  3. Barcode Verification: learn about the numerous tests and checks that are conducted to analyse and grade the print quality of a barcode image, to ensure it scans first time, every time.
  4. GS1 SmartSearch: this module outlines the benefits and technical features of GS1 SmartSearch, a standard that enables businesses to increase sales through the use of product web pages with structured data.
Download the course catalog