GS1: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters for Traceability

Accurate product identification is essential for ensuring efficiency, control, and traceability throughout the production and distribution chain. GS1 standards enable companies to use shared systems to identify products, manage information, and facilitate data exchange between manufacturers, distributors, and logistics operators. To make the most of these standards, businesses need to combine effective data management with reliable industrial marking and coding solutions.

What Is GS1 and What Is It Used For?

GS1 is an international organization that develops standards for identifying, capturing, and sharing information about products, locations, and other entities throughout the supply chain. Its goal is to promote interoperability between IT systems and business processes, making information easier to recognize and use.

The main elements of the GS1 system include:

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): an identification number used to distinguish trade items.
• EAN/UPC barcodes: graphical representations that enable automatic reading of product identifiers.
• GS1-128: a linear barcode format that represents identifiers and additional information through specific Application Identifiers.
• GS1 DataMatrix: a two-dimensional barcode suitable for encoding identifiers and additional data, also used in applications requiring product serialization and traceability.
• GS1 Digital Link: a standard that connects GS1 identifiers to information accessible online, including through compatible QR codes.

It is important to distinguish between an identifier, such as a GTIN, the standard governing its use, and the format used to represent the data. The appropriate choice depends on the industry, application, and supply chain requirements.

What Is the Connection Between GS1 and Barcodes?

GS1 standards define shared methods for representing and interpreting product-related information. Barcodes make this data automatically readable by scanners and data capture systems.

Depending on the format and application, a barcode can encode or represent information such as:

• Product identification through a GTIN.
• Batch or lot number to identify a production batch.
• Expiry date, where applicable.
• Serial number to identify an individual item.
• Other data useful for logistics management and traceability.

Not all barcodes contain the same information. For example, a GTIN identifies a trade item, while a batch number or serial number provides a different level of identification. Correct configuration helps connect printed data to business systems and improves information management throughout the supply chain.

Printing GS1 Codes in Industrial Environments

Effective traceability requires more than defining the correct code. The printed result must be suitable for the substrate and readable by the intended scanning systems.

Industrial printing of GS1 codes may involve different surfaces, including packaging, labels, plastic films, cardboard boxes, and containers. Choosing the right technology requires consideration of the material, code dimensions, contrast, production line speed, and the amount of variable data to be printed.

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technologies can address different industrial marking requirements:

• CIJ: a technology used in a range of industrial applications to print variable information during production, depending on the material and operating conditions.
• TIJ: a technology suitable for numerous coding applications on compatible packaging and surfaces, including applications requiring clearly defined characters and high-density codes.

Compatibility must be assessed according to the required GS1 format and the characteristics of the substrate. In addition, printing a code and verifying its quality are separate activities. Dedicated inspection processes may be necessary to confirm readability and compliance with applicable requirements.

How to Choose a Printing Solution for GS1 Codes

Selecting an industrial inkjet printer should begin with an analysis of the specific application. Companies need to determine which information must be printed, which code format is required, which surface will be marked, and what production speed must be achieved.

Other important factors include code positioning, achievable contrast, print consistency, and integration with the production line. When necessary, print tests help verify ink compatibility and code readability under actual operating conditions.

A preliminary assessment helps identify the most suitable solution and reduce potential issues related to packaging coding and variable data management.

Why Choose Fam Favata for Industrial Marking?

Fam Favata supports companies in selecting industrial marking and coding solutions, with a particular focus on CIJ and TIJ inkjet technologies.

Depending on the application, technical support may include application analysis, advice on selecting the most appropriate technology, print testing, system installation and configuration, operator training, and after-sales technical assistance.

This approach makes it possible to assess the specific requirements of each production process, taking into account materials, information to be printed, operating conditions, and traceability requirements.

GS1 and Traceability: The Importance of Accurate Coding

GS1 standards provide an important framework for product identification and information sharing throughout the supply chain. To implement them effectively, companies must select the appropriate code format and adopt a printing solution compatible with the product and production process.

Fam Favata supports companies in assessing their industrial marking and coding requirements, helping them identify the inkjet technology best suited to their applications.

Contact Fam Favata to explore solutions for printing identification codes and variable information directly on your products and packaging.