The primary number for the unique identification of books is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN). ISBN is a 10-digit number that identifies the title of a book. For the purpose of placing ISBN in a bar code, the ISBN organization obtained 978 and 979 prefixes from GS1. At present, the 978 prefix precedes the 10-digit ISBN when placed in an EAN-13 bar code. The 979 prefix is not yet assigned and is reserved for future use.
Retailers in the U.S. and Canada have traditionally asked publishers and distributors to place the 12-digit U.P.C. on books in addition to the ISBN encoded in an EAN-13. This has caused dual bar coding of books, creating additional expense. Of special importance is the fact that ISBN will move from a 10-digit number to a 13-digit number in 2007. This will be accomplished by adding the 978 and 979 prefix to the ISBN and will enable the removal of the U.P.C., simplifying the marking of books by using only the ISBN. When this happens, ISBN will be become a true member of the GS1 family of product identification numbers.
For more information, visit the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) at www.bisg.org.
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Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN-12 and GTIN-13) for product identification. GTIN is used on both the physical product as well as electronic communications between trading partners. |
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Global Location Numbers (GLN) for identification of companies, divisions and individual store, manufacturing or distribution locations. GLN is used primarily in electronic communications and in some cases is placed within a GS1-128 bar code. |
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Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC) are used in conjunction with the Advance Ship Notice (ASN). Many retailers and their suppliers rely heavily on the use of SSCC to speed products through distribution centers and other back end receiving processes. SSCC is placed in a GS1-128 bar code and acts as a license plate for cases of books. |
For more information on GS1 identification numbers click here.
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Data Synchronization - The Book Industry is investigating the implementation of Global Data Synchronization. For more information contact Alan Garton at GS1 US at agarton@gs1us.org or visit the Book Industry Study Group website at www.bisg.org. |
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EAN Transition - Work groups have been formed to assist companies with the transition from U.P.C. to EAN on books. For more information visit the Book Industry Study Group website at http://www.bisg.org/. |