Simplify Warehouse Processes with GS1-128 Barcodes

GS1-128 barcodes are a valuable tool for optimizing warehouse operations and streamlining inventory management. Developed by GS1 US, these barcodes serve as a global standard for data exchange among companies. They can contain essential information such as Serial Shipment Container Codes (SSCC) and item details like company code, item number, lot number, and quantity. Manufacturers who implement GS1-128 barcodes can gain several advantages, including swift identification of fast-selling and slow-selling items, effective monitoring of merchandising changes, accurate prediction of seasonal fluctuations, and flexible pricing options.

What is a GS1-128 barcode?
 

The GS1-128 barcode, previously referred to as the UCC/EAN-128 barcode, is a universal barcode application standard based on the Code 128 format. It was specifically designed by the GS1 US standards organization to establish a global framework for seamless data exchange among companies. This standardized barcode format offers immense value to both batch and process manufacturers with warehouse operations. Within a GS1-128 barcode, manufacturers can incorporate a diverse range of essential information, including the Serial Shipment Container Code (SSCC), which serves as a unique identifier for logistic units. It also allows manufacturers to encode critical item details such as company codes, item numbers, lot numbers, serial numbers, quantities, weights, and more.

It also allows manufacturers to encode critical item details such as company codes, item numbers, lot numbers, serial numbers, quantities, weights, and more. The flexibility of the GS1-128 barcode empowers manufacturers to choose any combination of these data points and encapsulate them within a single barcode, streamlining their inventory management processes. By adhering to this global standard, batch and process manufacturers can enhance their operational efficiency and facilitate seamless data exchange with their business partners.

Why should manufacturers use GS1-128 barcodes to manage inventory?

Implementing barcode systems into your warehouse operations can offer several benefits, revolutionizing the way information is scanned and enhancing sales and the efficiency of your inventory management. Examples of these include:

• Swift Identification of Fast-Selling Items: Barcode systems enable quick identification of fast-selling items allowing for efficient reordering, ensuring optimal stock levels, and minimizing the risk of stockouts.
• Prevention of Inventory Build-up: By leveraging barcode systems, slow-selling items can be easily identified, preventing excess inventory build-up, reducing carrying costs, and avoiding potential obsolescence.
• Monitoring Effects of Merchandising Changes: Barcode systems facilitate monitoring of the effects of merchandising changes. This enables warehouse managers to strategically allocate prime shelf space to fast-moving, more profitable items, maximizing sales and revenue.
• Accurate Seasonal Fluctuation Predictions: Historical data captured through barcode systems provides valuable insights for accurately predicting seasonal fluctuations. This empowers warehouse operators to plan inventory levels and staffing requirements with precision, minimizing costs and optimizing customer satisfaction.
• Dynamic Repricing: Barcode systems allow for seamless repricing of items on the shelf. This flexibility enables efficient adjustments to reflect both sale prices and price increases, ensuring accurate pricing information and facilitating smooth transaction experiences for customers.

How is a GS1-128 barcode composed?

GS1-128 barcodes have a consistent structure. They begin with a character control code called Function Code 1 FNC1, followed by an application identifier (AI) that represents a specific data element. The AI is a smaller numerical code embedded within the barcode. While some application identifiers have a fixed character length, others can vary in length. To indicate the end of the data, an additional FNC1 is required for application identifiers with a variable length, unless it already occurs at the end of the barcode. The overall length of the barcode can reach up to 48 characters, depending on the application identifier used. It's important to include white space before and after the printed barcode. Here are two examples to illustrate this structure.

Scanning and printing GS1-128 barcodes with the Deacom WMS system

The Deacom Warehouse Management System (WMS) is essential for reading and processing GS1-128 barcodes and their associated data. These barcodes play a crucial role in various warehouse operations, including receiving, job issuing, job finishing, and sales reserving. When a scan is performed using Deacom, all the information collected is automatically populated into the relevant fields within the software. This seamless integration of data between the enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse management systems enables efficient item identification and processing throughout the warehouse.

Within the ERP software, there is a dedicated function for printing barcodes, including GS1-128 barcodes. These barcodes can be conveniently embedded on different forms and reports, facilitating quick access for WMS scanner users during specific transactions. The ability of GS1-128 barcodes to accommodate and populate multiple data element fields is advantageous. It ensures accurate data entry while saving operators' time by eliminating the need to fill out individual fields separately. This feature enhances data integrity and streamlines operations in a warehouse setting.

Recording the production process with just one barcode scan

The WMS system, leveraging GS1-128 barcodes, offers a convenient way to record job finish transactions. With a single scan of a barcode using the input production form, the WMS system captures all the necessary information. This feature proves especially useful when the user lot is automatically calculated by the system. The scanned barcode should include the GTIN/Part Number, Job Number, and optionally, a Serial Number for manufacturers utilizing serialized parts.

During the production line process, end users can easily scan these labels as they come off the line. This practice is commonly employed when palletizing, where multiple items are simultaneously directed to the appropriate pallet. In such cases, the system can efficiently assign all un-palletized user lots to the master lot being assembled, simplifying the tracking and management of inventory.