Key Concepts

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

An Electronic Product Code (EPC) is an universal identifier for any physical object. It is used in information systems that need to track or refer to physical objects. There are two kinds of EPCs, class-level EPCs and instance-level EPCs.

Class-level EPC

Class-level EPCs track groups or categories of products. It represents a class or category of items rather than individual instances. Class-level EPCs are used when specific item level tracking is not necessary. It lets you track product categories based on common attributes or characteristics. For example, a class level EPC can be assigned to a specific product line, product category, or a group of similar items. This level of EPC provides a more generalized view of the supply chain rather than individual instances. The Lot Global Trade Item Number (LGTIN) is one example of a class-level EPC. An LGTIN consists of a GTIN number and a batch or lot number.

Instance-level EPC

Instance-level EPCs enable the identification and tracking of individual items or units within a supply chain. Each individual item is assigned a unique identifier called an Electronic Product Code (EPC). Instance-level EPCs capture the flow of events and activities related to a specific item as it moves through the supply chain. It includes information such as the item's serial number, batch or lot number, production date, and other relevant details. Serialized GTINs (SGTIN) and Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC) are two examples of instance level EPCs.

SGTIN

Serialized Global Trade Item Number (SGTIN) is an identifier used in the GS1 system to track individual trade items as they move through the supply chain. The SGTIN is composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, an item reference, a serial number, and a check digit. This unique identification number helps ensure accurate inventory management, product authentication, and efficient supply chain operations.

General SGTIN Syntax

The SGTIN syntax is:

urn:epc🆔sgtin:CompanyPrefix.IndicatorDigitAndItemRef.SerialNumber

Each component is defined below:

CompanyPrefix is equal to the CompanyPrefix derived from a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-14).
CompanyPrefix.IndicatorDigitAndItemRef should have 13 digits (without counting dots).
IndicatorDigitAndItemRef is formed by concatenating the first (indicator) digit from a GTIN-14 with the ItemRef digits from the GTIN-14.
The last (check) digit of a GTIN-14 is dropped.

GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 should be converted to GTIN-14 by adding leading zeroes before conversion. See the following two examples to familiarize yourself with the conversion process.

In these examples, spaces have been added to the GTIN strings for clarity. Do not add spaces when converting between different GTIN formats.

Converting GTIN-12 to GTIN-14

Start with the following GTIN-12: 614141 12345 2
Add two leading zeroes to obtain the 14-digit number: 0 0614141 12345 2
Drop the check digit to obtain the following: 0 0614141 12345
Add the GS1 prefix and serial number to complete the SGTIN-EPC: urn:epc:id:sgtin:0614141.012345.Serial

Converting GTIN-13 to GTIN-14

Start with the following GTIN-13: 0614141 12345 2
Add a leading zero to obtain the 14-digit number: 0 0614141 12345 2
Drop the check digit to obtain the following: 0 0614141 12345
Add the GS1 prefix and serial number to complete the SGTIN-EPC: urn:epc:id:sgtin:0614141.012345.Serial

LGTIN

The Lot Global Trade Item Number (LGTIN) is used to denote a class of objects that belong to a batch or lot for a GTIN. LGTIN is a class level EPC which means that it provides a generalized view of the supply chain, and focuses on the common attributes and characteristics of products rather than individual instances.

General LGTIN Syntax

The LGTIN syntax is:

urn:epc:class:lgtin:CompanyPrefix.ItemRefAndIndicator.Lot

Each component is defined below:

CompanyPrefix is the GS1 Company Prefix of the GTIN (including leading zeros)
ItemRefAndIndicator consists of the indicator digit of the GTIN followed by the digits of the item reference of a GTIN
Lot is the batch or lot number of the specific batch or lot

Example:

urn:epc:class:lgtin:4012345.012345.998877

Glossary

This section defines the general terms used in EPCIS Events API.

Term	Definition
Bill of Lading	A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document that provides details about a shipment of goods. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It includes information about the origin of the shipment, destination of the shipment, the type and quantity of goods being shipped, and any special instructions or requirements. GS1 provides standards for the use of barcodes on BOLs, allowing for efficient tracking and identification of shipments. These standards ensure that BOLs are accurate, consistent, and can be easily processed by various parties involved in the supply chain.
Fixed Transport Logistics Identifier	A Fixed Transport Logistics Identifier (FTLI) is a unique identification number used to identify fixed transport logistics units such as containers, trailers, or railcars. The FTLI is typically encoded in a barcode or RFID tag attached to the transport unit. The FTLI provides essential information about the transport unit, including its type, owner, and other relevant details. It allows for improved visibility and traceability of transport units throughout the supply chain. With the FTLI, businesses can track the movement and status of transport units, optimize logistics operations, and improve overall efficiency.
Global Location Number	A Global Location Number (GLN) is a unique identification number used to identify physical locations, such as company headquarters, branches, warehouses, or retail stores. GLNs are used to facilitate accurate supply chain management, logistics, and inventory control.
Global Trade Item Number	A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a 14-digit number that is used to uniquely identify products, variations of products, or trade items. In some cases, the GTIN can also be 8, 12, or 13 digits. The GTIN helps ensure accurate inventory management, traceability, and efficient product identification throughout the supply chain.
Serial Global Location Number	A Serial Global Location Number (SGLN) is a GLN that includes serial number information in addition to the location information provided by a GLN. This means that a SGLN can uniquely identify individual items within a location, while a GLN only identifies the location itself.
Serialized Global Trade Item Number	A Serialized Global Trade Item Number (SGTIN) is an identifier used to track individual trade items as they move through the supply chain. The SGTIN is composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, an item reference, a serial number, and a check digit. This unique identification number helps ensure accurate inventory management, product authentication, and efficient supply chain operations.
Serial Shipping Container Code	A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is an identifier for pallets or logistics units.
Transaction ID	A Transaction ID is a unique identifier assigned to a business transaction between trading partners. It is used to track the movement of goods or services throughout the supply chain. A transaction ID helps to identify and link various documents and events related to a particular transaction, such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices. It enables trading partners to efficiently manage and reconcile their business transactions.