Step 5: Manage/Validate UPC Product Data
Barcode symbols, such as a UPC barcode, simply encode the numeric digits of the UPC (GTIN-12). The actual corresponding UPC product data and price reside in the databases of their respective retailer trading partners. Amazon, Wal-Mart, and other retailers create portals or use data templates to obtain UPC product data from their suppliers.
The final step for UPC implementation involves recording UPC product data so the information can be shared with other industry tools and retailers. All GS1 Barcode Service automatically includes access to GTIN.Cloud®which is the global brand-managed portal for UPC product data. Since the GS1 standards and web tools do not allow GTINs to be reused or re-assigned, it is prudent to have UPC product data validated for accuracy before publishing to global registries.
Aside from access to GTIN.Cloud® repository, another benefit of correctly licensing a UPC Company Prefix or GTIN is a limited subscription to an optional online tool called the Data Hub. The Data Hub is not used by retailers to actually research and discover suppliers’ products but rather to make sure a UPC is licensed to the actual brand supplier. GS1 has a future initiative, Verified by GS1, which will provide retailers with validation services once broadly adopted. The limited access DOES NOT allow companies to export out their GTINs (GTIN-12/GTIN-14), so it is not recommended to use it as your company’s sole repository. The GTIN.Cloud® repository allows clients to export their data to GS1, Amazon, Google, and others.
As part of GS1 Barcode Service/Support packages, our GS1Barcode Consultants personally assist members in managing AND validating the information before published on GTIN.Cloud®.
Click the linked arrow below to initiate the GS1 UPC Barcode process. Whereas Bar Code Graphics is the US authority that provides the actual .eps barcodes and implementation support, GS1 is the standards organization that primarily licenses Company Prefixes and GTINs.
