Retail and supply-chain standards
Standards let two companies, and two systems, mean the same thing by a code or a message. GS1 maintains the best known: the GTIN identifies a product, the GLN a company or location, the SSCC a logistics unit such as a pallet, and the GS1-128 barcode carries those numbers, together with lot and expiry date, in a form every scanner can read.
Messages between trading partners follow their own standard: EDIFACT defines the format, and DESADV is the message that announces a shipment. Healthcare adds its own identification rules for medical products (UDI and HIBC).
Terms in this topic
DESADV — Despatch Advice
DESADV explained simply: the message a supplier sends ahead of a delivery listing what is on the truck, so the receiver can check goods against it.
EDIFACT — Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport
EDIFACT explained simply: the international format for business messages such as orders, despatch advice and invoices that computers exchange directly.
GLN — Global Location Number
GLN explained simply: the 13-digit number that identifies a place or a company, such as a warehouse, store or dock door, in orders and shipping messages.
GS1-128
GS1-128 explained simply: one barcode on a carton or pallet that carries product number, batch, expiry date and more, so one scan records them all.
GTIN — Global Trade Item Number
GTIN explained simply: the number under a product's barcode that identifies it worldwide, why marketplaces ask for it and how it differs from a SKU.
HIBC — Health Industry Bar Code
HIBC explained simply: a barcode format used on medical supplies to carry the maker, product, lot and expiry date. What it is and where you meet it.
SSCC — Serial Shipping Container Code
SSCC explained simply: the unique 18-digit number on a pallet or carton label that lets the receiver scan it and know what is on it.
UDI — Unique Device Identification
UDI explained simply: the code on a medical device that identifies exactly which device it is and which lot it came from, so it can be traced and recalled.
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Other topics
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- Inbound: receiving and putawayFrom dock to shelf: receiving, putaway, slotting and cross-docking.6 terms
- Outbound: picking, packing and shippingFrom order to carrier: picking methods, packing, cut-off times, despatch.17 terms
- Warehouse automation (MHE)Machines that store, move and sort goods, and the technologies that guide the work.19 terms
- Systems and integrationWMS, OMS, WCS, WES, EDI and how warehouse software connects.10 terms
- Metrics and KPIsThe numbers that show how stock and warehouse work are performing.5 terms
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