What is a Global Shipment Identification Number?
The Global Shipment Identification Number
(GSIN) is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify a logical grouping of
logistic units for the purpose of a transport shipment from the seller to the
buyer. The unique identifier is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, a Shipper
Reference, and a Check Digit.
What is a Global Shipment Identification Number Used For?
It identifies the logical grouping of one
or several logistic units each identified with an separate SSCC and containing
trade items as being part of a specific seller / buyer relationship and that
travels under one dispatch advice and/or Bill of Lading.
TYPICAL TRANSPORT GROUP HIERARCHY
Key Attributes of the Global Shipment
Identification Number
The GSIN will identify any shipment
grouping of logistic units uniquely, ensuring that it is always identified correctly
anywhere in the world.
The shipper reference component of the
GSIN provides virtually unlimited number capacity, simplifying number allocation
and guaranteeing unique identification. A GSIN can be assigned by a GS1 Company
Prefix licensee anywhere in the world and can be used throughout the world.
Business Benefits of Using GSINs
There are
a number of benefits to using the GSIN for building a business-to-business
tracking system, whether for finished goods or for raw materials. The structure
of the GSIN and its assignment rules are administered by GS1®, a not-for-profit
standards organization that is supported by implementation guidance, business
examples, and maintenance. In addition, the GSIN:
· Uniquely identifies groupings of logistics
units for tracking and identification
· Provides virtually unlimited numbering
capacity based on the length of your GS1 Company Prefix
· Integrates with all GS1 supply chain processes
· Links barcoded information to electronic
communications (i.e., a Bill of Lading Number)
· Enables fast lookup of transactional data
· Facilitates simple electronic messaging
between companies
· May specifically identify a dispatch, a
journey, or an arrival either within or between companies
· Applies to the entire supply chain, from raw
materials supplier to manufacturer to
distributor/wholesaler to end-user/retailer
· Encompasses a common vendor numbering scheme
that uses the GS1 Company Prefix so that the number cannot be duplicated
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE USED TO FORM
GSINS:
1. USE YOUR GS1 COMPANY PREFIX. Your GS1 Company Prefix is the globally
unique number assigned to your company by GS1 US™ or another GS1 Member Organization.
GS1 Company Prefixes are assigned to companies in varying lengths. Some GS1
members may have a prefix license certificate that shows only a U.P.C. Company
Prefix (formerly a UCC Company Prefix). A U.P.C. Company Prefix must be
converted to a GS1 Company Prefix for use in the GSIN. This is accomplished by
adding a zero to the front of the U.P.C. Company Prefix. The following table
illustrates the conversion of a U.P.C. Company Prefix to a GS1 Company Prefix
for use with GSINs.
2. CREATE THE SHIPPER REFERENCE. This number is assigned by you, the holder of the GS1
Company Prefix, one-by-one to create a globally unique GSIN. The Shipper
Reference length varies as a function of the GS1 Company Prefix length.
3. CALCULATE THE CHECK DIGIT. The Check Digit is a calculated one-digit number used to ensure
data integrity.
EXAMPLES OF A GSIN IN A
GS1-128 BARCODE