What Is a GS1-128 Label (GS1 Logistic Label)?
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Talk to our experts- GS1-128 label (GS1 Logistic Label)
- A GS1-128 label, called the GS1 Logistic Label in GS1 standards, is the label that identifies a logistic unit, such as a case, pallet or parcel, with a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) encoded in a GS1-128 barcode. The SSCC is its only mandatory element. Other data, such as purchase order or carrier details, is optional.
Also called: GS1 Logistic Label, SSCC label
How it works
A logistic unit is anything packed together for transport or storage. The label gives each one a unique number so it can be tracked and traced.
- The barcode. GS1 US says the GS1-128 barcode was previously called the UCC-128. It is a subset of Code 128 with a Function Code 1 (FNC1) character in its start pattern, and it can use Application Identifiers (AIs) to say what data comes next.
- The SSCC. An 18-digit identifier that acts as a license plate for a logistic unit. GS1 US notes the label is sometimes called an SSCC label.
- The match. Scanning the SSCC matches the physical unit with the electronic messages that refer to it, which supports cross docking and automated receiving.
A carton label that carries a GTIN in a GS1-128 barcode but no SSCC is not a GS1 Logistic Label.
How a GS1-128 label moves with the shipment
The company that builds the logistic unit should assign its SSCC, using its own GS1 Company Prefix.
The label carries the SSCC in a GS1-128 barcode. Pallets get the barcode 400 to 800 mm (16 to 32 in) from the base.
Sent upon staging or loading, the despatch advice or ASN should list each logistic unit's SSCC and contained trade items.
The receiver scans the SSCC, matches it to the ASN, and the received amount updates the stock level.
What it contains
GS1's guideline splits the label into building blocks. Only the bottom block, the barcodes with their human readable text, is mandatory. A middle block repeats the barcode data as plain text, and a top block can hold any text and graphics.
Up to three segments group data by when it is known:
- Supplier segment: known at packing. The SSCC, plus GTIN, dates, and lot, batch or serial numbers if used.
- Customer segment: known at order processing. Ship-to location, purchase order number, and routing and handling information.
- Carrier segment: known at shipment. Ship-to postal code, consignment number, and carrier routing. The carrier segment may be replaced during the journey, but an SSCC already on the label must never be replaced or changed.
For a pallet of one product that is not itself a trade item, AI (02) can give the GTIN of the highest packaging level inside, such as the case, and AI (37) must then give the count.
Example
A supplier ships 3 pallets on one purchase order. Each pallet holds 12 cases of 24 units: 3 x 12 x 24 = 864 units. Each pallet gets its own SSCC and a label with AI (00) for the SSCC, AI (02) for the case GTIN and AI (37) showing a count of 12. The ASN lists all 3 SSCCs, and the receiver scans each pallet against it.
On Shopify
Shopify lets you buy, print and manage shipping labels from Shopify supported carriers directly in the admin.
If a carrier label goes on a unit that already has a logistic label, GS1's guideline says additional transport data is best added on an extra label, adjacent to and preferably above the existing one, without obscuring it.
GS1's guideline says the SSCC should be assigned by the company that creates the logistic unit. If a unit arrives without one, the next party in the supply chain, such as a logistic service provider, may allocate it. That applies when stock ships from a Shopify fulfillment service, a third-party warehouse that prepares and ships orders on behalf of the store owner.
How Uncap helps
As Uncap's guide to EDI on Shopify for distributors puts it, the 856 advance ship notice describes the physical shipment, cartons, contents, and the GS1-128 labels on the boxes, and it must arrive before the truck does.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a GTIN and an SSCC?
A GTIN identifies a trade item, something priced, ordered or invoiced. An SSCC identifies a logistic unit, such as a case, pallet or parcel, and each logistic unit must carry its own unique serial number.
How to create an SSCC?
Start from a GS1 Company Prefix. The SSCC is built from an extension digit, the prefix, a serial reference the company assigns (sequentially is simplest) and a check digit calculated with GS1's algorithm.
How does SSCC work?
The SSCC is scanned from a GS1-128 barcode on the label. When the same number is shared electronically, for example in an ASN, companies can see the status of logistic units in transit and know when they will arrive.
