GS1 aims to improve efficiency and traceability through the supply chain
by providing a global system of identification and communication
standards. It is the most implemented supply chain standards system in
the world.

GS1 approved standards provides a global system of standards for the accurate identification
and communication of information regarding products, assets, services and locations.

GS1 approved Codebar

The GS1 Identification Keys are numbering schemes for products, locations, patients, caregivers and assets. They are the basis for the four key technology areas covered by the GS1 systems:

• GS1 Barcodes – Global data and application standards for bar codes that use the globally recognised GS1 Identification Keys to automatically identify things such as trade items, locations, logistic units, and assets
• GS1 eCom - Global standards for electronic business messaging that allow rapid, efficient and accurate automatic electronic transmission of agreed business data between trading partners. Based on two components: GS1 EANCOM and GS1 XML
• GS1 GDSN – The Global Data Synchronisation Network” (GDSN”) is an automated, standards-based, global environment that enables secure and continuous data synchronisation , allowing all partners to have consistent item data in their systems at the same time. Global Product Classification (GPC) is a key component of GDSN , enabling effective category management
• GS1 EPCglobal – A new global standards system that combines RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, existing communications network infrastructure and the Electronic Product Code (a number for uniquely identifying an item) to enable immediate and automatic identification and tracking of an item through the whole supply chain globally, resulting in improved efficiency and visibility of the supply chain

GS1 standards cover identification standards across all industry sectors but the standards below related to healthcare;

• GTIN Allocation Rules for Healthcare
• EPCglobal Pedigree Messaging Standard

Any company supplying products to the healthcare sector needs to be aware of these standards and work towards implementing them in order to future proof their auto id systems.

Why are GS1 approved standards important?

Traceability and efficient handling of products within the healthcare sector relies on the operation of effective auto id systems by manufacturers and distributors. This can only be achieved with consistent standards for identification regardless of technology utilised. GS1 provides an open, collaborative, technology independent system of standards that help achieve this goal.

Many global healthcare businesses are already implementing the GS1 healthcare standards for example Merck, Novartis Pharma, Baxter, Smiths Medical, Johnson & Johnson and many more.

How will it affect my labelling system?

GS1 standards will impact the structure of the barcodes and RFID messages your system uses. Current labelling / rfid systems will need to be adapted to create GS1 compliant barcodes and RFID messages.

If you are looking to upgrade your auto id system ensure that your supplier is up to date with GS1 standards in healthcare and that the product is able to produce compliant barcodes and RFID messages. The software should also be able to verify GS1 barcodes and RFID messages and automatically flag up any non compliant items.

To find more about GS1 approved standards, visit www.gs1uk.org for more information. You may also, search through the worldwide web pages to find your nearest GS1 group.

There are regular industry related newsletters to subscribe to which will keep you up to date with the latest developments and useful events and publications.

What is PRISYM^ID doing about GS1 approved Codebar?

PRISYM^ID are members of AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) and are involved with the Global GS1 Global Healthcare Group as part of work teams looking into different aspects of GS1 adoption.

Our software products incorporate GS1 standards allowing users to create, print and verify GS1 approved barcodes and RFID messages to GS1 standards. We are dedicated to a continuous programme of development ensuring our software complies with changes to the GS1 approved standards in addition to industry regulations such as FDA 21 CFR part 11 and MHRA standards.
Our commitment to the “Good Manufacturing Practice” (GMP) process underpins our development approach and life cycle documentation is available for all our healthcare and life sciences products.

For information on PRISYM^ID GS1 healthcare labeling systems please contact the PRISYM^ID Life Sciences team or leave a comment on this post… we love to hear from you ……

Tags: Barcode Standards, GS1, Labeling Regulations

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 9:25 AM and is filed under GS1, Knowledge Base, Labeling Regulations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.