GS1 Educational Classes & Tools
To companies who are new to barcodes, the process and complexity of proper UPC barcode implementation can be overwhelming. Aside from a laundry list of acronyms, there are particular rules and guidelines required to barcode individual items and cartons. The following list is just a few of the common questions we receive from new companies:
- What is a GLN and do I need one?
- What is a GTIN-14?
- What happens when I use all GTINs from a Prefix?
- When I scan the barcode at a store, will the product information show?
- Which barcode do I use for cartons and shipping labels?
The global standards agency, GS1, administers the issuance of UPC company prefixes from which members can identify products and locations. Although they do not provide actual barcode artwork or UPC/GTIN support, they do offer paid education and training concerning standards and implementation. Consequently, beyond the prefix assignment from GS1, companies bear the responsibility of correctly assigning UPCs, creating barcodes and making sure that the relevant GS1 standards are followed.
Implementation Options
Product UPCs/GTINs are a critical part of your product and how you do business. Companies that do this incorrectly either never get past the starting line, or stumble in their first few steps. Companies can either work with assigned GS1 barcode consultants to manage/create their UPC/GTIN barcodes, or invest time in learning to implement the GS1 numbering and barcode standards.
The stakes are even higher now because changes made by GS1 in 2020 mean that UPCs and other GTIN assignments can no longer be reused. This means that assignment mistakes cannot be undone and will require new UPCs or even additional prefixes to correct.
Content and Classes
GS1 standards are compressed in a 500-page document called the GS1 General Specifications. This comprehensive standard is updated yearly and available online. For new companies who wish to implement UPCs on their own, GS1 does provide an array of educational classes which enable companies to learn GS1 standards themselves. Digital .eps barcode files can be purchased separately at www.createbarcodes.com.
| GS1 CLASS | DURATION | COST |
|---|---|---|
| “Assign GTINs Like A Pro“ | 1.5 hours | $79 |
| “Which GS1 Barcode is Right For You?“ | 1.5 hours | $79 |
| “Introduction to GLN“ | 20 min. | $59 |
GS1 offers a comprehensive 6 hour online course ($450)
- Correctly assign/manage unique products
- Carton barcode marking
- Properly measure package dimensions
GS1 UPC Barcode Services
Ever since the first UPC was scanned on a Wrigley’s pack of gum, Bar Code Graphics has been the authority on barcode creation and implementation. We have directly or indirectly touched most suppliers in the major retail stores. The GS1 Barcode Service bundles several of our services for companies new to the process or looking to have support from certified standards experts.
Most companies need to start assigning them right away and don’t want to devote a person or group to go through educational training and keep abreast of ongoing changes with GS1 standards.
Please watch this 3 minute video.
GS1 UPC Barcode Service helps companies with every step. In addition to application processing, personal assistance with GTIN assignments and product data uploads, high resolution digital barcodes (.eps) are included. Please note that printed labels may be substituted for digital files for 10 & 100 barcode packages.
| Number of Items | GS1 License | GS1 UPC Service | Total Fee | Incl. Barcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 -10 | $250 | $150 | $400 | 10 files | SELECT |
| 1 – 100 | $750 | $250 | $1,000 | 100 files | SELECT |
| 1 – 1,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $3,500 | $1,000 credit | SELECT |
| 1 – 10,000 | $6,500 | $2,000 | $8,500 | $1,500 credit | SELECT |
| 1 – 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,500 | $13,000 | $2,000 credit | SELECT |
To proceed, please click on the appropriate SELECT link.
For assistance determining how many UPCs you need, please visit https://www.barcode.graphics/how-many-upcs-do-i-need/ . To speak with a UPC support representative please call 800-662-0701 x250 or click on the Chat button below.
