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Term	Acronym	Definition
1SYNC™		1SYNC was established from the consolidation of Transora and UCCnet in August 2005. 1SYNC operates as a not-for-profit subsidiary of GS1 US to help the industry maximize the value of data synchronization. 1SYNC offers a range of data synchronization services that eliminate costly data errors, increase supply chain efficiencies, and promote the advancement of next-generation technologies, such as the Electronic Product Code. 1SYNC is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ with offices in the U.S., Brazil, France, Mexico, and the U.K. Visit www.1SYNC.org for more information.
2005 Sunrise		An industry initiative of United States and Canadian companies to become capable of scanning and processing EAN-8 symbols, EAN-13 symbols, and 12-digit Universal Product Code symbols at the point-of-sale by January 1, 2005. Because 2005 Sunrise may require system changes for companies, GS1 US recommends that companies become GTIN Compliant to prepare for GS1 DataBar (RSS) symbols, data synchronization using the Global Data Synchronization Network, and EPC tags.
2005 Sunrise Compliant		A company that can scan and process EAN-8 and EAN-13 symbols in addition to 12-digit Universal Product Code symbols at point-of-sale. Compliant companies process and store the product identification numbers scanned from EAN-8, Universal Product Code, and EAN-13 symbols in their entirety. Note: These product identification numbers are properly referred to as Global Trade Item Numbers. Erroneous practices include dropping Check Digits and extracting the Company Prefix to identify the supplier. Companies that parse or change the Global Trade Item Numbers must discontinue this practice. Compliant companies do not erroneously assign numbers in their internal applications using U.P.C. Prefixes of 1, 8, or 9.
2D symbology		Barcode symbols designed to increase data capacity beyond linear barcode symbols while still being readable by optical means. Two categories of two-dimensional symbols exist: multi-row (or stacked) and matrix. A Composite Component is a stacked two-dimensional symbol and a GS1 DataMatrix symbol is a matrix two-dimensional symbol.
3rd Party Logistics Provider	3PL	Party providing logistics-related services, such as transportation management, supply chain management, warehousing, re-packing products, distribution, and/or assembly.
Accredited Standards Committee X12	ASC X12	The accredited American National Standards Institute committee responsible for the development and maintenance of American National Standards for Electronic Data Interchange.
Acknowledgement		In the global data synchronization process, this is an Extensible Markup Language response to a command returned to the originator. Every command needs a response. Acknowledgement messages are standardized and may contain the following information: confirmation of message receipt, success/failure of processing for syntax and content, or reason code for each type of failure.
active tag		A class of RFID tag that contains a power source, such as a battery, to power the microchip’s circuitry. Active tags transmit a signal to a reader and can be read from 100 feet (approximately 31 meters) or more.
activity diagram		A representation of relationships of activities that have a clear input and a clear output.
actor		An entity that performs action on or receives action from a use case.
Add-On Symbol		A barcode symbol used to encode information supplementary to that in the main EAN/UPC bar code symbol.
addressable imaging resolution		The maximum number of image positions along a straight line one inch in length that can be addressed by the designer. This resolution would exclude further resolution-enhancing techniques performed by the imaging device or software that are beyond the control of the designer.
Advance Ship Notice	ASN	The Electronic Data Interchange transaction that provides the receiving company with advance data on shipments to better plan workloads and receipt processing.
Align Data Business Requirement Group	ALIGN BRG	In the Global Standards Management Process, the scope of this group is to create, document, and maintain the business requirements of the business parties, their items, and prices using process and data models. The group develops and maintains business process models and supporting process diagrams, class diagrams, and data attribute listings maintained in the data repository.
alphanumeric	AN	Describes a character set that contains alphabetic characters (letters), numeric digits (numbers), and other characters, such as punctuation marks.
American National Standards Institute	ANSI	A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the United States voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.
ANSI-based verifier		An instrument designed to measure the various characteristics of printed barcode symbols to determine if they meet the requirements of the ANSI X3.182–1990 Barcode Print Quality Guideline.
ANSI Symbol Grade		A symbol grade per the ANSI X3.182–1990 Barcode Print Quality Guideline.
antenna		The conductive element that enables a RFID tag or reader to send and receive data.
aperture		A physical opening that is part of the optical path in a device such as a scanner, photometer, or camera. Most apertures are circular, but they may be rectangular or elliptical.
Applicability Statement 1	AS1	The draft specification standard by which vendor applications communicate Electronic Data Interchange data over Simple Mail Transport Protocol. When implemented, AS1 enables users to connect, deliver, and reply to data securely and reliably over Simple Mail Transport Protocol.
Applicability Statement 2	AS2	The draft specification standard by which vendor applications communicate Electronic Data Interchange or Extensible Markup Language data over the Internet using Hypertext Transfer Protocol. When implemented, AS2 enables users to connect, deliver, and reply to data securely and reliably over Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
Applicability Statement 3	AS3	The draft specification standard by which vendor applications communicate Electronic Data Interchange data over the Internet via File Transfer Protocol. When implemented, AS3 enables users to connect, deliver, and reply to data securely and reliably over File Transfer Protocol.
Application Identifier	AI	The field of two or more digits at the beginning of an element string that uniquely identifies its format and meaning within the GS1 System.
Application Service Provider	ASP	Third-party software distribution and/or management service. Generally provides software via a wide area network from a centralized data center. Allows companies to outsource and more efficiently upgrade software.
Application Standards		Rules for producing and applying technical standards to specific business problems. Examples: The framework for implementing the EPCglobal Network in a sector or guidelines for the physical application of tags to products.
as-is model		Representation of the current business process.
Asset Type		A number assigned by the owner of an asset to uniquely identify a type of returnable asset within a Global Returnable Asset Identifier.
assorted pack/setpack	AP	This may be a consumable pack with a front end scannable barcode physically attached, or it may be simply a logistical pack with or without a physical barcode that is used by the manufacturer for breakage prevention or other logistical purpose, but is not the primary logistical shipping unit. All components of the pack have their own separate scannable barcodes physically attached.
attribute		(1) A piece of information reflecting a characteristic related to an identification number, e.g., an expiration date with a Global Trade Item Number; (2) A specification, feature, or characteristic that describes the physical, compositional, or structural properties of a good or service.
Attribute/Value Pairs	A/VP	The transport mechanism to pass attributes as an extension to the core attributes through the Global Data Synchronization Network.
authentication		A mechanism that allows the receiver of an electronic transmission to verify the sender and the integrity of the content of the transmission through the use of an electronic key or algorithm, shared by the trading partners. This is sometimes referred to as an electronic signature.
autodiscrimination		The capability of a reader to automatically recognize and decode multiple bar code symbologies.
Auto-ID Labs		Academic entity headquartered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology originally chartered to research and develop Electronic Product Code technologies and applications along with five other research universities around the world: the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom; the University of Adelade in Australia; Keio University in Tokyo, Japan; Fudan University in Shanghai, China; and the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. See www.autoidlabs.org for additional information including updates to the labs and their progress.
Automatic Identification and Data Capture	AIDC	Technology associated with the creation and acquisition of machine-readable data. The primary technologies are barcodes and radio frequency identification.
background		The lighter portion of a barcode symbol, including the spaces between the bars and, where required, Quiet Zones.
bar		The dark (low reflectance) rectangular element of a barcode symbol.
barcode		A precise arrangement of parallel lines (bars) and spaces that vary in width to represent data.
barcode character		A group of bars and spaces that represents a letter, number, or other information.
barcode density		The number of symbol characters that can be represented in a specific unit of measure.
barcode master		See film master.
bar gain/loss		The increase/decrease in bar dimensions due to effects of the reproduction and printing processes with two-dimensional symbols; bar gain applies to height as well.
bar height		The dimension of a bar (line) measured from top to bottom.
Bar Height Reduction	BHR	The uniform Bar Height Reduction of a barcode symbol in the film master or digital barcode file corrects for anticipated bar growth in the imaging or printing process.
bar width		The thickness of a bar (line) measured from one of its edges to the other.
Bar Width Reduction	BWR	The uniform Bar Width Reduction of a barcode symbol in the film master or digital barcode file corrects for anticipated bar growth in the imaging or printing process.
base unit	BU	The lowest level of the item hierarchy (packaging configuration). May not have any children.
basic types		Structures used to enforce restrictions on basic data types defined by the World Wide Web Consortium Extensible Markup Language schema specification. Restrictions describe the length of strings, integers, and floats, and can be predefined accordingly.
batch EDI		The pre-scheduled transmission or receipt of Electronic Data Interchange data.
batch load		Technique for uploading or downloading data. A batch can be scheduled to process at a specific time for a number of transactions.
batch process		A non-interactive technique for application processing.
bearer bars		Bars surrounding a barcode symbol to prevent misreads or to improve print quality of the barcode symbol. Mandatory by GS1 System standards for ITF-14 symbols.
Bill of Lading	BOL	A legal contract between a carrier and a shipper that provides shipment details for the movement of freight.
Bill of Lading Number		The actual number assigned to a Shipment Identification Number [AI (402)] under which the goods are shipped. It is used only for truckload and Less-Than-Truckload shipments. It may be matched to a 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status transaction set to enable the scheduling of receiving functions by the retailer. It also may be used for carrier claims.
Bill of Lading Serial Number		See Shipper Reference.
billing unit		An item that is priced and invoiced in trade between two parties, at any point in the supply chain.
bonus pack		A trade item that has increased quantity, e.g., net weight, count, or volume, and is sold at the same price as the regular quantity item.
bracket		Grouping used by supply side trading partners to define specific operational characteristics that justify differences in pricing to demand side trading partners, e.g., Full Truckload, efficiencies in processing orders, Electronic Data Interchange, quantity, or weight.
bracket price		Price assigned by the supply side trading partner and offered to the demand side trading partner for meeting bracket conditions. This price is shown to the demand side trading partner as the “list price” for each product within each bracket.
brand		A specific product within a category, as indicated by an identifying mark or name. The brand name is the distinctive name of a product, the word part of a trademark, or the name of the manufacturer.
Brand Owner		Entity (party) owning and in most cases manufacturing a trade item, making them responsible for: (1) allocating GS1 System numbering and barcode symbols on a given trade item as the administrator of a GS1 Company Prefix; (2) establishing the consumer-recognizable name to uniquely identify a line of trade items or services.
Brick		Lowest level detail of a classification scheme. Below a category and subcategory level. See Global Product Classification.
Business Message Standard	BMS	A document containing global voluntary standards for the exchange of electronic business documents using Extensible Markup Language within the GS1 System. These documents should be used in conjunction with GS1 Extensible Markup Language Schemas.
business process		A set of activities that represent all the alternative methods of performing the work needed to achieve a business objective.
Business Requirement Document	BRD	A Global Standards Management Process document that formally identifies the requirements of a given business process, electronic message, or other standard developed within the GS1 System. It is developed in conjunction with a Business Requirement Group and is finalized by a vote by that group after a period of public review. The Business Requirement Document is retained, archived, and versioned for future use.
Business Requirement Group	BRG	A group within the Global Standards Management Process that reviews and reaches consensus on business practice standards. Standards are organized by process, e.g., order, deliver, as per the Global Business Model, to ensure interoperability across industries and industry sub sectors.
Business Requirement Worksheet	BRW	A document used by a Business Requirement Group to expand on and derive further detail about the requirements of a given business process, electronic message, or other standard developed within the GS1 System. This document is used in the business process modeling and data modeling process to develop the Business Requirement Document. The Business Requirement Worksheet is not retained, archived, or versioned.
Business-to-Business	B2B	The practice of buying and selling between companies through electronic transactions.
candidate attribute		An attribute that is under evaluation by the Global Standards Management Process Task Group. Once ratified, it becomes part of the GS1 System standards.
cardinality		Refers to the number of possible occurrences of an element.
carrier		(1) The party that provides freight transportation services; (2) A physical or electronic mechanism that carries data.
case	CA	The standard shipping unit level. May contain children in a single instance.
Catalogue Item	CI	The representation of a trade item as it is stored in a catalogue for the data synchronization process. The Catalogue Item is uniquely identified by a Global Trade Item Number + Global Location Number + Target Market combination (commonly referred to as a key).
Catalogue Item Confirmation	CIC	Refers to electronic communication from the Data Recipient through the Global Data Synchronization Network to the Data Source indicating what action has been taken on the Catalogue Item, received through the Catalogue Item Notification. Confirmation is not mandatory. When used, it provides the following choices: (1) Synchronized: Data is integrated, in sync, and added to the synchronization list. (2) Accepted: Data is added to the synchronization list and is in the process of being integrated. (3) Rejected: Data will no longer be synchronized or updates will no longer be provided. (4) Review: A request to the Data Source to “review” their data because the Data Recipient has received inconsistent data, which they cannot synchronize. If the data was previously synchronized, it will be removed from the synchronization list.
Catalogue Item Confirmation State	CICS	The four states are: Accepted, Rejected, Review, and Synchronized.
Catalogue Item Dates		A class of information used to describe the dates of the action taken on the Catalogue Item record.
Catalogue Item Notification	CIN	A business message used to transmit trade item information from a Source Data Pool to a Recipient Data Pool and ultimately to a Data Recipient.
Catalogue Item Publication	CIP	A business message standard used by a Data Source to trigger the distribution of trade item information. This triggering results in the creation and distribution of a Catalogue Item Notification.
Catalogue Item Subscription	CIS	A business message within the Global Data Synchronization Network used to establish a request (subscription) from a Data Recipient to a Recipient Data Pool, to the GS1 Global Registry who then forwards the message to the Source Data Pool(s) and ultimately to the Data Source. The Data Source would then publish the requested trade item information and it will synchronize on a continuous basis.
category		A classification assigned to an item that indicates the higher level grouping to which the item belongs. Items are put into logical groupings to facilitate the management of a diverse number of items.
Category Hierarchy		The classification of products by department, category, and subcategory; for example, “Bakery, Bakery Snacks, Cakes.”
Category Management	CM	A joint process between retailer and manufacturer where service and product categories are managed as strategic business units, producing enhanced business results by focusing on delivering consumer value.
category scheme		Structured grouping of category levels used to organize and assign products. See Global Product Classification.
certification		The process of conveying a mark or “seal of compliance” from an authority to a vendor’s products and/or services that passes a pre-determined level of conformance to standards. Certification also includes the rules for using and maintaining the mark and how the mark is communicated.
Change Catalogue Item		The command to update an existing Catalogue Item record.
change request	CR	Formal request document used to review recommendations, request changes and updates to products and documentation.
Charge Couple Device	CCD	A type of image scanner that uses an array of photodiodes to capture an image of a barcode.
Check Digit		A digit calculated from the other digits of an element string, used to check that the data has been correctly composed or correctly keypunched.
Child		In a hierarchical product structure, the Child represents any item that resides at a subordinate level of a parent Global Trade Item Number. A Child can also be a Parent of another Global Trade Item Number that is subordinate. The Child/Parent relationship is often referred to when describing the Product Hierarchy.
choreography		The business transactions are sequenced relative to each other in a choreography. The business transaction choreography describes the ordering and transitions between business transactions or sub collaborations within a binary collaboration.
Class		Utilized in the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code as a logical grouping of commodities sharing similar essential properties or characteristics.
Code 128		A variable length barcode symbology capable of encoding the full ASCII 128 character set and other special characters. See GS1-128 barcode symbol.
Collaborative Commerce		The processes, technologies, and supporting standards that allow continuous and automated exchange of information between trading partners. Describes how businesses communicate with one another to drive down the cost of the supply chain.
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment	CPFR®	A set of business processes that entities in a supply chain can use for collaboration on a number of retailer/manufacturer functions towards overall efficiency in the supply chain. CPFR is a registered trademark of the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions Association.
Commodity		Utilized in the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code as the lowest level of the classification structure. Includes both products and services.
Commodity ID		A four-digit number within a VMN-12. This four-digit number is used to designate the commodity for the item that is weighed or measured and then sold.
Common “Core” Components		Common ”Core” Components examples are QuantityType, PartyIdentificationType, and MeasurementType.
Company Prefix		See GS1 Company Prefix and U.P.C. Company Prefix.
compliance checks		The set of rules used to logically check the compliance of an attribute/process to a set of standard criteria. The GS1 System standards are used to establish the criteria for compliance checking.
compliance testing		Testing done to judge a hardware or software product’s compliance to a particular standard. This is generally a pass/fail test, which also provides guidance if a product fails to comply.
Composite Component®	CC	Refers to the two-dimensional symbol component within a composite symbol.
Composite Symbology®		A GS1 System composite symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the item’s primary identification) associated with an adjacent two-dimensional Composite Component (encoding supplementary data, such as batch number or expiration date). The composite symbol always includes a linear component so that the primary identification is readable by all scanning technologies and so that two-dimensional image scanners can use the linear component as a finder pattern for the adjacent two-dimensional Composite Component. The composite symbol always includes one of three multi-row two-dimensional Composite Component versions (CC-A, CC-B, CC-C) for compatibility with linear and area Charge Couple Device scanners and with linear and rastering laser scanners.
concatenation		The representation of several element strings in one barcode symbol.
conformance		Agreement of a product or service specification with a specified standard. Conformance is not equivalent to certification until testing has been conducted and a certification mark has been assigned.
conformance testing		See compliance testing.
consignee		Party identified as the final recipient of freight/goods and the physical point of delivery, unless a ship-to party is identified.
consignor		The party by whom the goods, cargo, or containers are sent. The physical dispatch can be done by another party. Synonym: shipper.
constraint		The conditional constraints that specify the mandatory composition of the business document in certain contexts.
consumer packaged goods	CPG	Consumer packaged goods are consumable goods such as food and beverages, footwear and apparel, tobacco, and cleaning products.
consumer unit		The unit as sold by the retailer to the consumer.
consumer unit indicator	CUI	Identifies whether the current hierarchy level of a trade item is intended for ultimate consumption. For retail, this trade item will be scanned at point-of-sale. At retail, this data is commonly used to select which Global Trade Item Numbers should be used for shelf planning and for front end point-of-sale databases.
content models		The rules for the configuration of element and/or data content allowable in instances of an element type.
Content Owner		Entity (party) responsible for organizing the information enclosed within the Extensible Markup Language message and submission of message to the GS1 Global Registry.
context sensitive definitions		Refers to a program feature that changes depending on what you are doing in the program.
Continuous Replenishment Program	CRP	The concept of continuous supply of goods between supplier and trading partner based on automated exchange of current demand, inventory, and stock management information, within the framework of an agreed supply policy. The aim of continuous replenishment is to achieve a responsive and precise flow of product to the store with minimum stock holding and handling.
contrast		See Symbol Contrast.
core attribute		Attribute whose definition is common across all industries and geographies.
Core Business Processes		Specific industry, geographic, and governance business practices that are common and reusable. Examples are order, forecast, and invoice.
Core Data		Common, reusable data elements across various business processes. They can be mandatory or optional. Core Data is a common denominator upon which extensions are built. Examples: Global Location Number, Global Trade Item Number.
Core Extensions		Data or data constructs specific to more than one process, industry, or sector but not used across all.
Correct Item		Refers to a command that allows incorrect data to be altered in ways that would not normally be allowed by standard Global Trade Item Number Allocation Rules. All other validations still apply. This process is intended to correct errors, not to circumvent the validation process.
corrected BWR		The uniform reduction in the bar widths of a barcode symbol based on whole imaging device dots.
corrected magnification		A process of altering the desired dimensions of a barcode symbol to create modules consisting of a consistent integer number of addressable imaging device dots.
Corrected Special Symbol Characters		A process of altering the dimensions of a symbol character (representing the data characters 1, 2, 7, and 8) in a consistent, integer number of addressable imaging device dots.
corrugate		A material composed of one or more sheets of fluted paper, between flat sheets of paper, e.g., a brown box used for case packs.
Country Of Origin Labeling	COOL	A U.S. law requiring that retail seafood be labeled as to its country of origin, including whether farm-raised or wild caught.
coupon		A voucher that can be redeemed at the point-of-sale for a cash value or free item.
Coupon-12		A 12-digit Restricted Circulation Number for coupons structured according to the rules defined in the Target Market.
Coupon-13		A 13-digit Restricted Circulation Number for coupons structured according to the rules defined in the Target Market.
customer		The party that receives, buys, or consumes an item or service.
data alignment		The one-time synchronous exchange of data between trading partners, e.g., names, addresses, agreements, item information, price lists, or locations.
data carrier		A physical or electronic mechanism that carries data.
data character		A letter, digit, or other symbol represented in the data field(s) of an element string.
Data Driver®		An easy-to-use online tool that creates, defines, and manages globally unique identification numbers such as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), and Global Location Numbers (GLNs), and also sends product information electronically to trading partners (data synchronization). Available only to GS1 US Partner Connections members.
data element		A basic unit of identifiable and definable data; a basic unit of data for the purpose of recording and interchange. Within the Electronic Data Interchange format, related data elements are grouped into segments.
data field		The smallest part of the data part of an element string that needs to be distinguished.
data mapping		Relationship between the ANSI ASC X12 message syntax and the user’s data.
data model		A method for describing data structures and a set of operations used to manipulate and validate that data. For example, a data model might specify that a customer record contains a customer name and credit card number and a product record contains a product code and price, and that there is a one-to-many relationship between a customer and a product.
Data Pool	DP	An entity that provides its customers data synchronization services and a single point of entry to the Global Data Synchronization Network. Data Pools must be certified per GS1 System standards to operate within the Global Data Synchronization Network. Data Pools interoperate with the GS1 Global Registry and each other. Example: 1SYNC Data Pool.
Data Recipient		Entity within the Global Data Synchronization Network that receives data from a Data Source.
Data Source		Entity that provides their Source Data Pool with master data. Responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of that data. The Source Data Pool is responsible for providing the Global Data Synchronization Network with master data. The Data Source is officially recognized as the owner of this data. For a given Item or Party, the source of data is responsible for permanent updates of the information under its responsibility.
data structure		The GS1 System data structures defined in the various lengths required for the different identification purposes, which all share a hierarchical composition. Their composition blends the needs of international control with the needs of the user.
data synchronization		Data synchronization is the electronic transfer of standardized product and location information between trading partners and the continuous synchronization of that data over time.
data titles		A standard abbreviated description of a data field; used to denote the Human Readable Interpretation of encoded data.
data type		A set of data with values having predefined characteristics. Examples of data types are: integer, floating point, unit number, character, string, and pointer. Usually a limited number of data types are built into a programming language. The language usually specifies the range of values for a given data type, how the computer processes the values, and how they are stored.
Declaration Data		Information that describes a declaration in a schema.
decodability		A parameter specified by ISO 15416 that measures how closely the Scan Reflectance Profile is to approaching decode failure for a given printed symbol.
decode		Converting the bars and spaces in a barcode symbol into its corresponding data. A parameter specified by ISO 15416 that determines if a bar code pattern of bars and spaces matches an existing valid symbology.
decoder		The part of the scanning system equipment that interprets the barcode.
defect		A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO 15416 that measures voids present within bars and spots within spaces or Quiet Zones of a barcode symbol.
Delete Catalogue Item		The command used to flag the existing Catalogue Item record for deletion (the objective is to enable the eventual removal of the Catalogue Item record from the catalogue).
Deletion Date		Date assigned and stored in the catalogue of the Data Source reflecting the date the Catalogue Item was flagged for deletion. This date will also be stored in the GS1 Global Registry.
delimiter or delimited		One or more special characters marking the beginning or end of a unit of data. These characters are used to fix the limits of the unit of data.
Delivery Trailer Manifest		A list of shipments contained on a Less-than-Truckload trailer ready for delivery. The list includes information relevant to the delivery of the shipments loaded in the trailer, such as pro number, equipment identification, and date available.
depth of field		The range of distance over which a scanner can read a symbol of a given density.
digit		Any of the Arabic numerals 0 to 9.
digital barcode file		A barcode that is designed and stored in a digitized format.
digital barcode font		A barcode character set representing the individual data characters intended to form a barcode symbol.
digital certificate		A computer-based record or electronic message issued by an entity that: (1) identifies the entity issuing it; (2) names or identifies a certificate holder; (3) contains the public key of the certificate holder; (4) identifies the certificate’s validity period; and (5) is digitally signed by the entity issuing it.
digital offset		A process of sending digitized images directly to an offset printing press without using intermediate film or printing plates.
digital signature		An electronic signature that can be used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message and, via the encrypted document digest, to ensure that the original content of the data that has been sent is unchanged.
direct connection		An automated machine-to-machine computer interface for exchanging data. This is not a manual process.
direct exchange	DEX	The electronic exchange of information between a vendor’s hand-held computer and a store’s Direct Store Delivery system. This is encouraged by suppliers who directly stock the retailer’s shelves.
Direct Exchange UCS	DEX/UCS	The Uniform Communication Standard Electronic Data Interchange standard used for Direct Store Delivery.
Direct Store Delivery	DSD	Practice where suppliers deliver merchandise directly into stores, often right to the shelf, with no distribution center handling.
direct-to-plate		A process of sending digitized images directly to a plate-making process without using intermediate film.
Discontinue Date		Date assigned by the Data Source and stored in the catalogue of the Data Source reflecting the date the Catalogue Item was discontinued. This date will also be stored in the GS1 Global Registry.
Discontinue Item – Permanent		Refers to permanent removal of an item in the supply chain. This involves maintaining a Discontinue Date in the GS1 Global Registry. The Discontinue Date is used to trigger and track the Global Trade Item Number retention period.
Discontinue Item – Temporary		Refers to removing an item temporarily from the supply chain. This is communicated via the end availability date. When available again, updated start and end availability dates are provided. Temporary removals are not reflected in the GS1 Global Registry; they are a responsibility of the Data Source that maintains the availability period.
dispatch advice		See Advance Ship Notice.
display shipper	DS	A display, a shipper, and mixed case. May have children in multiple instances.
distribution center	DC	A location where products are received and then shipped to a trading partner.
distributor		A business that does not manufacture its own products but instead purchases and resells products. Such a business usually maintains a finished goods inventory. For the purpose of Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment, the term distributor is intended to include retailers.
document		Business data being exchanged in support of business processes. It is a named collection of core and extensions. Any self-contained piece of work created with an application program and, if saved on disk, given a unique filename with which it can be retrieved. Documents are generally thought of as word-processed materials only. To a computer, however, data is nothing more than a collection of characters, so a spreadsheet or a graphic is as much a document as is a letter or report.
Document Object Model	DOM	A platform- and language-neutral interface that enables programs and scripts to dynamically access and update structure, content, and style of documents. Document Object Model supplies a set of objects for representing Extensible Markup Language documents, a model for combining these objects, and an interface for manipulating them.
Document Type		The part of the Global Document Type Identifier allocated by the document issuer to identify a document for a given GS1 Company Prefix.
Document Type Definition	DTD	Defines the document structure and building blocks of an Extensible Markup Language document.
dot		The smallest imaging unit for a given imaging device.
downstream		The flow of goods and services from the manufacturer to the final user or consumer.
DUNS® + 4		Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number with a four-digit suffix identifying a specific location within a company, e.g., a distribution center or a store. This number may or may not contain the nine digits associated with the parent company.
DUNS® Number	DUNS®	A unique nine-digit identification sequence managed by Dun & Bradstreet, which provides unique identification of single business entities, while linking corporate family structures together.
each	EA	The lowest level of the item hierarchy intended or labeled for individual retail sale. May not have any children. May have multiple instances of parents.
EAN-8 barcode symbol		A barcode symbol of the EAN/UPC symbology that encodes a GTIN-8 or RCN-8.
EAN-8 Composite Symbology		The Composite Symbology that utilizes an EAN-8 barcode symbol as the linear component.
EAN-13 barcode symbol		A barcode symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes a GTIN-13, Coupon-13, RCN-13, and VMN-13.
EAN-13 Composite Symbology		The Composite Symbology that utilizes an EAN-13 barcode symbol as the linear component.
EAN/UPC Composite Symbology family		A family of barcode symbols comprising the UPC-A Composite Symbology, UPC-E Composite Symbology, EAN-8 Composite Symbology, and EAN-13 Composite Symbology.
EAN/UPC Symbol Module		The basic building block for encoding data characters into symbol characters. Bars and spaces are one, two, three, or four modules wide.
EAN/UPC symbology		A family of barcode symbols comprising the EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E barcode symbols. Although UPC-E barcode symbols do not have a separate Symbology Identifier, they act like a separate symbology through the scanning application software. See EAN-8 barcode symbol, EAN-13 barcode symbol, UPC-A barcode symbol, and UPC-E barcode symbol.
EANCOM®		The industry conventions and guidelines for international Electronic Data Interchange within the GS1 System, conforming to the United Nations Directories for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport standard.
edge determination		A parameter specified by ISO 15416 that counts the number of crossings over the global threshold of the Scan Reflectance Profile to verify whether the number obtained conforms to a legitimate barcode symbology.
EDI over the Internet	EDIINT	A protocol for exchange of information in a decentralized, distributed environment designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force. Originally developed to transmit Electronic Data Interchange via email over the Internet. Applicability Statement 1, the first version, used Simple Mail Transport Protocol as the transport protocol, bouncing direction to get to the end connection. Applicability Statement 2, the current version, uses Hypertext Transport Protocol to build a tunnel to the recipient address, establishes the connection, and then sends the information in a secured environment assuring the sender of receipt.
EDI translation		The conversion of application data to and from an Electronic Data Interchange transaction format.
EDI translator		Software that converts application data to and from an Electronic Data Interchange transaction format.
Efficient Foodservice Response	EFR	An industry initiative aimed at reducing inefficiencies in the foodservice supply chain.
Electronic Article Surveillance	EAS	A theft deterrent system that typically uses electromagnetic techniques to detect the presence of tags applied to items sold in a retail store.
Electronic Business Extensible Markup Language	ebXML	A modular suite of specifications that enables enterprises of any size and in any geographical location to conduct business over the Internet. Using ebXML, companies now have a standard method to exchange business messages, conduct trading relationships, communicate data in common terms, and define and register business processes.
electronic commerce or e-commerce	EC	Conducting business communications and management through electronic methods, such as Electronic Data Interchange, Extensible Markup Language, and automated data collection systems.
Electronic Data Interchange	EDI	The computer-to-computer exchange of structured information, by agreed message standards, from one computer application to another by electronic means and with a minimum of human intervention.
Electronic Funds Transfer	EFT	A method for payment in which the payer orders the bank to electronically debit the payer’s account and forward credit information to electronically credit the payee’s account.
electronic mailbox		A term used to refer to the place where an Electronic Data Interchange transmission is stored for pickup or delivery within a 3rd Party Service Provider’s system. Trading partners can also maintain mailboxes within their own domain.
electronic message		A composition of element strings from scanned data and transaction information assembled for data validation and unambiguous processing in a user application.
Electronic Product Code™	EPC	An identification scheme for universally identifying physical objects via RFID tags and other means. Standardized Electronic Product Code data consists of among other partitions of data, an EPC Manager Number, an object class identification, a filter value, and a serial number used to uniquely identify the instance of the object.
element		(1) A single bar or space in a barcode symbol; (2) The components of a data segment in Electronic Data Interchange.
element string		A piece of data defined in structure and meaning, comprising an identification part (GS1 Prefix or Application Identifier) and a data part, represented in a GS1 System endorsed data carrier.
encodation/mod check		Traditional measurements for barcode symbols that verify proper encodation of symbol characters and calculation of the Check Digit.
encode		To convert data characters into barcode characters.
encryption		A process that uses a mathematical algorithm and a key to convert data into an unreadable format (ciphertext). A receiver can then use a key to restore the data to its original readable form.
end-user		A buyer or consumer of products and services from resellers or manufacturers.
Enterprise Application Integration	EAI	The use of middleware to integrate the application programs, databases, and legacy systems involved in an organization’s critical business processes.
Enterprise Resource Planning	ERP	Packaged software systems using database technology and a single interface to control all the information related to a company’s business, including customer, product, employee, and financial data.
enumeration		Constrains the value space to a specified set of values.
envelope layer		The outermost layer of the message containing the message and document layers. This layer transports information such as sender, recipient, guaranteed message delivery information, and message identification, which allows routing of messages from a sender to a receiver.
EPC Manager Number		The number registered to the root Object Naming Service by EPCglobal as identification of the location of the information of the tagged objects.
EPC reader		A RFID reader that complies with EPCglobal standards.
EPC tag		A RFID tag that complies with EPCglobal standards containing an Electronic Product Code.
EPCglobal Inc™		A joint venture between GS1 and GS1 US. EPCglobal is a neutral, not-for-profit organization entrusted by industry to establish and support the Electronic Product Code and the global adoption of the EPCglobal Network.
EPCglobal Inc™ Board of Governors		The governing body for EPCglobal Inc, made up of representatives from GS1 US, GS1, end-users, and the Auto-ID Labs.
EPCglobal Network®		The EPCglobal Network is a community of trading partners engaged in the capture, sharing and discovery of Electronic Product Code-related data using EPCglobal-certified hardware and software components and standard interfaces.
EPCglobal US™		A Member Organization of EPCglobal Inc and subsidiary of GS1 US. EPCglobal US engages Subscribers across all industries, allowing them to get involved in the standards development process and aiding in their implementation and adoption of EPCglobal standards and the EPCglobal Network. EPCglobal US also provides US-based Subscribers with tools and services that help them implement Electronic Product Code/Radio Frequency Identification technology easier, faster, and at less cost by removing roadblocks and accelerating the return on their radio frequency identification investment.
Error Checking and Correcting	ECC	A series of algorithms used by barcodes such as 2D symbologies (GS1 DataMatrix) as a means to recover encoded data from partially damaged symbols.
Error Correcting Code		Code stored on an RFID tag that enables the reader to determine the value of incomplete or distorted data. This code is necessary to help prevent readers from misinterpreting data and/or incorrectly identifying objects.
even parity		A characteristic of the encodation of a symbol character whereby the symbol character contains an even number of dark modules.
event driven EDI		The non-scheduled transmission of an Electronic Data Interchange transaction set triggered by the occurrence of a business event.
expiration date		(1) For products, the expiration date is the date that determines the limit of consumption or use. Its meaning is based on the item context, e.g., the date will indicate the possibility of a direct health risk resulting from use of a product after the date; for pharmaceutical products, it will indicate the possibility of an indirect health risk resulting from the effectiveness of the product after the date; (2) For coupons, the date after which the manufacturer intends the coupon offer to be invalid for redemption by the consumer. Expressed as (MMYY), it always implies the last day of the specified month.
extended types		Used to customize basic types for specific functions. For example, the CurrencyISOCode extended type can be used to represent the currency of various countries.
Extensible Markup Language	XML	Extensible Markup Language is designed to improve the functionality of the Web by providing more flexible and adaptable information identification. It is called extensible because it is not a fixed format like Hypertext Markup Language (a single, predefined markup language). Instead, Extensible Markup Language is actually a metalanguage (a language for describing other languages) that allows individuals to customize markup languages for limitless different types of documents. Extensible Markup Language can do this because it is written in Standard Generalized Markup Language, the international standard metalanguage for text markup systems.
extension or extension attribute		Extensions to core data represent defined business processes which go beyond core requirements. Optional core data may be used in an extension but are not required. Examples: US grocery extension for item and Value-Added Tax.
extension digit		The digit in the leftmost position of a Serial Shipping Container Code used to increase the capacity of the Serial Reference.
Family		Utilized in the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code as a logical grouping of classes sharing similar properties or characteristics.
Family Code		A three-digit number assigned by the issuer (manufacturer) of coupons that links related products or groups of products for the purpose of coupon validation.
Fast Moving Consumer Goods	FMCG	Frequently purchased consumer goods such as packaged food, beverages, toiletries, and tobacco.
File Transfer Protocol	FTP	The process for exchanging files over the Internet.
fill rate		The percent of product shipped (or received) out of the total order quantity.
film master		A barcode symbol that exists within a positive or negative film.
final film		The generation of photographic film used to create an imaging tool, e.g., plate or screen.
fingerprinting		The process of establishing print characteristics or tolerances for a printing press or process.
fixed length		Term used to describe a data field in an element string with an established number of characters.
fixed measure trade item		An item always produced in the same pre-defined version, e.g., type, size, weight, contents, design, that may be sold at any point in the supply chain.
flag		(1) A visible marker on or within a continuous roll or stack of printed materials to indicate the presence of quality defects or new batches; (2) A special indicator that requires action.
flow-through distribution		A process that allows seamless flow of product and information through the supply chain.
For Position Only Barcode	FPO Symbol	A barcode symbol that is only intended to indicate the size, orientation, color, and placement of the barcode symbol. It may or may not be encoded properly or produced at the specified resolution.
framework		A set of related architectural components.
frequency		The number of repetitions of a complete radio wave within one second. One hertz equals one complete waveform in one second. RFID tags utilize low, high, ultra-high, and microwave frequencies.
fresh foods		Products sold loose, bulk, or packaged in the following departments: produce, meat, deli, dairy, bakery, and seafood. Fresh foods do not include frozen products.
full hierarchy		A construct of data containing a set of Global Trade Item Numbers and links that makes up a unique relationship from the highest level Global Trade Item Number with no parent down to the lowest level Global Trade Item Number with no children.
Full String		The data transmitted by the barcode reader from reading a data carrier, including Symbology Identifier and element string(s).
Full Truckload	FTL	A shipment tendered by a single shipper that is contained on one trailer.
Function Code 1	FNC1	A symbology element used to form the double start pattern of a GS1-128 barcode symbol. It is also used to separate certain concatenated element strings, dependent on their positioning in the barcode symbol.
GDSN Board of Directors		This group is composed of 18 members representing global users and GS1 Member Organizations actively involved in the Global Data Synchronization Network. Their roles and responsibilities are to: (1) set the strategic direction for the Global Data Synchronization Network and the GS1 Global Registry; (2) oversee the execution of the Global Data Synchronization Network and the GS1 Global Registry approved plan; (3) ensure that subscription fees are cost effective, globally applicable, and equitable; (4) appoint companies that will perform Data Pool certification.
GDSN, Inc.		A wholly owned organization of GS1 with its own Board of Directors, which manages the GS1 Global Registry and the surrounding Global Data Synchronization Network business operations.
General Business Model	GBM	A universal business process model developed using the Unified Modeling Language. The purpose of the General Business Model within the GS1 System is to link business processes with GS1 System Extensible Markup Language Schemas and the Global Data Dictionary. The General Business Model provides a solid foundation upon which business-specific processes can be built.
General Distribution Scanning		Unattended, fixed mount scanning environments where items are scanned automatically as they pass by on a conveyor.
GLN Registry for Healthcare®		A comprehensive and accurate registry of healthcare facilities and their suppliers, with corresponding Global Location Numbers, in the United States. It keeps track of the name, address, class of trade, and organizational hierarchy information.
global attribute		Indicates that the attribute is relevant for business cases around the world and can only have a single meaning throughout the world (e.g., Global Trade Item Numbers, but a different value (e.g., Value-Added Tax-France = 1.00, Belgium = 1.05). Relevant globally, but has different values.
Global Central Operations Team		A group composed of GS1 staff members, responsible for reviewing, deciding on a disposition, and routing submitted change requests for the Global Standards Management Process.
Global Commerce Initiative	GCI	A global initiative that brings manufacturers and retailers together on a worldwide parity basis to simplify and enhance global commerce and improve consumer value in the overall retail supply chain. It is a global user group and its charter is to drive the implementation of GS1 System standards and best practices.
Global Data Dictionary	GDD	The repository of definitions and attributes of all data elements used within GS1 Business Message Standards.
Global Data Synchronization Network®	GDSN®	The GS1 Global Registry and a network of interoperable, certified Data Pools that enable data synchronization per GS1 System standards.
Global Data Synchronization Network Task Group	GDSNTG	A work group of the GS1 Global Standards Management Process responsible for the development of Global Data Synchronization Network standards to meet the business needs as identified by project teams of the Global Data Synchronization Network User Group.
Global Data Synchronization Network User Group		A GDSN, Inc. User Group responsible for the identification and documentation of business process needs that drive the development of standards.
Global Document Type Identifier	GDTI	The globally unique GS1 System identification number for documents. The Global Document Type Identifier comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, Document Type, and Check Digit.
Global Elements and Attributes		Global Elements and Attributes are declared in the immediate child of an element.
Global GS1 Party Information Registry	GEPIR	A web-based global search service used to find information about other companies based on known Global Location Number, Global Trade Item Number, or Serial Shipping Container Code information.
Global Individual Asset Identifier	GIAI	The globally unique GS1 System identification number for a physical entity of any characteristics. The Global Individual Asset Identifier comprises the GS1 Company Prefix of the company assigning the asset identifier, an Individual Asset Reference, and Check Digit. The Individual Asset Reference is numeric or alphanumeric, and its structure is left to the discretion of the assigning company.
Global Location Number	GLN	The globally unique GS1 System identification number for legal entities, functional entities, and physical locations. The Global Location Number is 13 digits, which comprise a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference, and Check Digit. Supply side trading partner locations generally include corporate headquarters, regional offices, warehouses, plants, and distribution centers. Demand side trading partner locations generally include corporate headquarters, divisional offices, stores, and distribution centers.
Global Product Classification	GPC	A GS1 System standard for the classification of products. It is a ‘flat’ classification system based on bricks, attributes, and values. Global Product Classification is a required element of the global data based on bricks, attributes, and values and is a required element of the Global Data Synchronization Network.
Global Registry		See GS1 Global Registry.
Global Returnable Asset Identifier	GRAI	The globally unique GS1 System identification number for a reusable package or transport equipment of a certain value, such as a beer keg, gas cylinder, pallet, or create. The Global Returnable Asset Identifier comprises a mandatory part: the Asset Identification Number (GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type, and Check Digit) and an optional part: the Serial Number.
Global Service Relation Number	GSRN	The globally unique GS1 System identification number used to identify the recipient of services in the context of a service relationship. It provides a unique and unambiguous identification number for the service provider to store data relevant to service(s) provided to the recipient. The Global Service Relation Number comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, Service Reference, and Check Digit.
Global Standards Management Process	GSMP	The procedures, methods, and practices that develop and maintain GS1 System standards. GS1 manages the Global Standards Management Process.
Global Trade Item Number®	GTIN®	The globally unique GS1 System identification number for products and services. A Global Trade Item Number may be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits in length, represented as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14 respectively.
Graphical User Interface	GUI	A user interface based on graphics (icons, pictures, and menus) instead of text; uses a mouse as well as a keyboard as input devices.
Group Identifier		The first digit (or digits) in the International Standard Book Number. It may be either a language group, such as 0 or 1 for English-speaking countries, or a country designator, such as 2 for France.
GS1®		GS1, based in Brussels, Belgium, is comprised of global GS1 Member Organizations and manages the GS1 System and Global Standards Management Process.
GS1-8 Prefix		A one-, two-, or three-digit index number of the GS1 System, denoting the area of distribution of trade items identified by a GTIN-8 or RCN-8.
GS1-128 barcode symbol		A subset of Code 128 that is utilized exclusively for GS1 System element strings. Code 128 symbols have a special start code pattern (consisting of a Start Character in the first symbol character position followed by the Function Code 1 in the second character position) to designate the data that follows will comply with GS1 System standards.
GS1-128 Composite Symbology		A Composite Symbology that utilizes a GS1-128 barcode symbol as the linear component.
GS1-128 Coupon Extended Barcode		A supplemental barcode that can be printed on a coupon next to the Coupon-12 to provide additional information, such as offer codes, expiration dates, and household identification numbers.
GS1 Canada		The GS1 Member Organization that administers the GS1 System in Canada.
GS1 Company Prefix		A globally unique number assigned to companies by GS1 Member Organizations to create the identification numbers of the GS1 System. It comprises a GS1 Prefix and a Company Number.
GS1 DataMatrix		A two-dimensional symbology utilizing an array of dark and light square modules for data encodation within a distinct L-shaped finder pattern. GS1 Data Matrix symbols are read by two-dimensional imaging scanners or vision systems. Data Matrix ISO version ECC 200 is the only version that supports GS1 System identification numbers, including Function Code 1.
GS1 DataBar™		A linear barcode symbology that is part of the GS1 System and has seven different configurations: GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated, GS1 DataBar Stacked, GS1 DataBar Limited, GS1 DataBar Expanded, and GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked.
GS1 DataBar Composite Symbology		The GS1Composite Symbology that utilizes a GS1 DataBar barcode symbol as the linear component.
GS1 DataBar Composite Symbology Family		A family of symbols including the GS1 DataBar Composite Symbology, GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite Symbology, GS1 DataBar Limited Composite Symbology, and GS1 DataBar Expanded Composite Symbology.
GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode symbol		A barcode symbol that encodes a Global Trade Item Number plus supplementary Application Identifier element strings, such as weight and best before date, in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed point-of-sale scanners.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Composite Symbology		The GS1Composite Symbology that utilizes a GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode symbol as the linear component.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked barcode symbol		A barcode symbol that is a variation of the GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode symbol that is stacked in multiple rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Composite barcode symbol		The GS1Composite Symbology that utilizes a GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked barcode symbol as the linear component.
GS1 DataBar Limited bar code symbol		A bar code symbol that encodes a Global Trade Item Number with Indicators of 0 or 1 in a linear symbol; for use on small items that will not be scanned at the point-of-sale.
GS1 DataBar Limited Composite Symbology		The GS1Composite Symbology that utilizes a GS1 DataBar Limited barcode symbol as the linear component.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and Stacked Omnidirectional bar code symbol		A bar code symbol that encodes a Global Trade Item Number in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed point-of-sale scanners.
GS1 DataBar Stacked barcode symbol		A barcode symbol that is a variation of the GS1 DataBar Symbology that is stacked in two rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application. It comes in two versions: a truncated version used for small item marking applications and a taller omnidirectional version that is designed to be read by omnidirectional scanners. GS1 DataBar Expanded can also be printed in multiple rows as a stacked symbol.
GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite Symbology		The GS1 Composite Symbology that utilizes an GS1 DataBar Stacked barcode symbol as the linear component.
GS1 Global Registry®		The global directory of the Global Data Synchronization Network for the registration of Items and Parties that validates registered data and ensures the uniqueness of Items and Parties based on their Global Trade Item Numbers and Global Location Numbers. Basic Item and Party information is stored in the Registry and a pointer is provided to the appropriate Data Pool where more information about a specific Item or Party can be found. The GS1 Global Registry also facilitates the subscription process between retailers and suppliers.
GS1 Global Registry® Subscription Agreement		A contractual agreement between a member of the GS1 community and the GS1 Global Registry that allows access to the Global Data Synchronization Network.
GS1 Identification Numbers		A globally managed system of numbering to identify trade items, logistic units, locations, legal entities, assets, service relationships, and more. The numbers are built by combining the GS1 Company Prefix with standards based rules for allocating reference numbers.
GS1 Member Organization	GS1 MO or MO	A member of GS1 that is responsible for administering the GS1 System in its country (or assigned area). This task includes, but is not restricted to, ensuring user companies make correct use of the GS1 System, have access to education, training, promotion and implementation support and have access to play an active role in the Global Standards Management Process. GS1 US is the GS1 Member Organization for the United States.
GS1 Prefix		A number with two or more digits, administered by GS1 that is allocated to GS1 Member Organizations or for Restricted Circulation Numbers.
GS1 System		The specifications, standards, and guidelines administered by GS1. GS1, through the Global Standards Management Process, manages the GS1 System to maintain the most implemented standards in the world.
GS1 System XML Schemas		The GS1 System Extensible Markup Language Schemas specify five key business transactions: Item Alignment, Party Alignment, Order, Dispatch Advice, and Invoice, as well as extensions for Allowances, Charges, and Payment Terms. Other business processes are also supported.
GS1 US™		GS1 US is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the adoption and implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions. Under its auspices, GS1 US operates four divisions, 1SYNC, BarCodes and eCom, EPCglobal US, and RosettaNet. GS1 US manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code for the United Nations Development Programme. GS1 US-based solutions, including business processes, business message standards using Extensible Markup Language, Electronic Data Interchange transaction sets, and the barcode identification standards of the GS1 System are currently used by more than one million member companies worldwide. GS1 US is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ USA. For more information about GS1 US, please visit: www.gs1us.org
GTIN-8		The 8-digit construction of the Global Trade Item Number used to identify trade items, composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit.
GTIN-12		The 12-digit construction of the Global Trade Item Number used to identify trade items, composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit.
GTIN-13		The 13-digit construction of the Global Trade Item Number used to identify trade items, composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit.
GTIN-14		The 14-digit construction of the Global Trade Item Number used to identify trade items, composed of an Indicator Digit (1-9), GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit.
GTIN® Compliant		A company or product that is able to process, store, and communicate with trading partners using all Global Trade Item Numbers, whether 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits. Global Trade Item Number compliance does not assume the ability to scan GS1 DataBar symbols.
GTIN® Format		The format in which all Global Trade Item Numbers are represented in a 14-digit reference field (key) in computer files to ensure uniqueness of the identification numbers.
Guard Bar Pattern		An auxiliary pattern of bars/spaces corresponding to start or stop patterns in barcode symbologies and serving to separate the two halves of EAN-8, EAN-13, and UPC-A Symbols.
guidelines		Directions or principles used in the development/building, maintenance, and application of classifications. Guidelines are not necessarily mandatory, but are provided as an aid to interpretation and use of classifications.
handling unit		A term used to describe a good or aggregation of goods bundled together for distribution and logistical purposes. Unit loads are typically handling units, and transport packages may be as well. A single handling unit may consist of a bundle of goods bought and sold between trading partners (traded units) or may itself be a traded unit.
harmonization		To bring into agreement, e.g., to make the same.
header		Identifies the structure of an Electronic Product Code.
Hi		The number of tiers or layers per pallet. See TiHi.
hierarchy		A classification structure that is arranged in levels of detail from the broadest to the most detailed level. Each level of the classification is defined in terms of the categories at the next lower level of the classification.
High-Frequency tags	HF tags	RFID tags that operate at 13.56MHz.
Homogeneity		Measure of the degree to which categories consist of components with similar characteristics, achieved by systematic grouping and stratifying members of the population being classified. One of the characteristics of a good classification system is reasonably high homogeneity for its categories.
House Way Bill Number		A freight forwarder’s document used mainly as a control for the goods within the freight forwarder’s own service system.
Household ID Number		An eight-digit number in a GS1-128 Coupon Extended Barcode that can be used by manufacturers to identify a specific household or group of households for focused promotions.
Human Readable Interpretation	HRI	Characters, such as letters and numbers, that can be read by people, as opposed to symbol characters within barcodes or electronic data tags, which are read by machines.
human translation		Text designed to support manual operations and to facilitate key entry in menu driven systems. Data titles and data content are included.
Hypertext Markup Language	HTML	A subset of Standard Generalized Markup Language. Hypertext Markup Language has become the universal markup language for the Internet. See Standard Generalized Markup Language.
HyperText Transport Protocol	HTTP	The de facto standard for transferring World Wide Web documents.
identification number	ID	A numerical designation that uniquely identifies an object in the supply chain. Identification numbers are used to retrieve information previously exchanged between trading partners and stored in their computer database files.
image setter		A device used to output a computer image at an addressable resolution onto a photographic film or paper.
imaging tool		The mechanism that performs the image transfer directly or indirectly to the printed substrate, e.g., plate, screen, cylinder.
Include Mechanism		The schema component ‘Include’ is used to include schemas within other schemas. This eases maintenance and access control and increases readability.
Indicator		The leftmost digit of a Global Trade Item Number in a GTIN-14. The digit ‘0’ indicates a base unit Global Trade Item Number, digits 1 to 8 are used to define a packaging hierarchy of a product with the same Item Reference, and digit 9 indicates a variable measure trade item.
individual asset		An entity that is part of the inventory of a given company. See returnable asset.
Individual Asset Reference		A number within a Global Individual Asset Identifier assigned by the holder of a GS1 Company Prefix to an individual asset.
Industrial/Commercial EDI	I/C EDI	The industry conventions and guidelines for Electronic Data Interchange issued by GS1 US and based on the ANSI ASC X12 standard, for companies dealing with maintenance, repair, operations, raw materials, and packaging materials.
industry conventions		Defines how the Accredited Standards Committee X12 standards are used by a specific industry.
Industry Requirements Team	IRT	Group of industry experts formed to ensure the reusability, consistency, and integrity of the standards.
Information Provider		Serves the role of communicating the information in the Catalogue Item Notification.
Information Technical Requirement Group	ITRG	The group within the Global Standards Management Process that is responsible for reviewing electronic commerce standards. Electronic commerce standards relate to information that does not travel on any physical entity to satisfy business requirements, e.g., Unified Modeling Language model, Extensible Markup Language schemas, and EANCOM messages.
initial load		A type of Global Data Synchronization Network publication when a supplier publishes its items that are already traded with a retailer for the first time using data synchronization
instance document		An Extensible Markup Language document that conforms to a specific schema.
Integer		A number that is not a fraction, does not include a fraction, nor is 0.
interchange format		A specific data layout that defines a structured business document. The interchange format specifies the sequence, representation, and grouping of granular data elements, and may describe each element in terms of data type, options, cardinality, size, and valid values.
interface		A connection between applications, or users and applications, that facilitates the exchange of data.
Interleaved 2 of 5		See ITF-14.
International Currency Designator		A one-digit indicator of the unit of currency represented by the four-digit price code, which follows a Bookland EAN Number.
International Electrotechnical Commission	IEC	International organization responsible for preparing and publishing international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies.
International Organization for Standardization	ISO	Worldwide federation of national standards bodies promoting the development of standardization, whose work results in the publication of international standards.
International Standard Book Number	ISBN	An internationally accepted system for uniquely numbering all books and related information-carrying items. The International Standard Book Number may be incorporated into a GTIN-13 with GS1 Prefix 978. Beginning in 2007, this term is replaced by ISBN-13, which is a GTIN-13 using GS1 Prefix 978 or 979.
International Standard Serial Number	ISSN	An eight-digit number that identifies periodical publications, including electronic serials.
Internet Engineering Task Force	IETF	A large, open, international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet.
Internet Service Provider	ISP	A company that provides end-users (individuals and companies) access to the Internet.
interoperability		The ability of a system or application to work with other systems or applications without special effort on the part of the user.
interoperability testing		Testing done against industry-accepted standards with varying combinations of hardware or software products to ensure that the product interoperates with other products. Example: Hardware, as in an EPC tag and reader interoperability.
inverse exponent		The Application Identifier digit that denotes the implied decimal point position in an element string.
ISO-based Verifier		An instrument designed to measure the various characteristics of the printed barcode symbol to determine if it meets the requirements of a parameter specified by ISO 15416.
ISO/IEC JTC1		A joint technical committee created by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission to develop international standards in the field of information technology.
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31		Subcommittee of Joint Technical Committee 1 on Information Technology whose official title is Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques.
Issue Code		A two-digit number used to indicate the calendar issue number of magazines and periodicals, whether they are published weekly, monthly, quarterly, or with any other frequency.
Item		See trade item.
Item Containment		See Product Hierarchy.
Item Hierarchy		The classification of Items indicating the parent/child relationships between Items.
Item Reference		The part of the Global Trade Item Number allocated by the user to identify a trade item for a given GS1 Company Prefix.
ITF-14		A barcode symbol used by the GS1 System to carry Global Trade Item Numbers.
Just-In-Time	JIT	The concept of reducing inventories by working closely with one’s suppliers to coordinate delivery of materials just before their use in the manufacturing process.
Labeler Code		A company number assigned by the Food and Drug Administration to create 10-digit National Drug Codes or National Health Related Item Codes.
ladder orientation		A barcode that runs perpendicular to a reference point, e.g., printed Web direction, scanner beam.
laser scanner		A barcode reading device that uses low energy laser light to read barcodes.
Last Change Date		Date assigned by system indicating last time the information was changed. This date is generic, will be stored where assigned, and will accompany every message.
Less-Than-Truckload	LTL	An accumulation of shipments tendered by one or multiple shippers, where the shipment size generally falls in a range between a small package carrier and a Full Truckload carrier; typically less than 10,000 pounds.
light pen		A hand-held, contact scanning wand used to read a barcode symbol by moving the pen across the symbol.
linehaul		Movement of freight between cities, excluding pickup and delivery service.
literals		Literals specify the content of internal entities, the values of attributes, and external identifiers. Literals always consist of text characters.
Local Assigned Code	LAC	A particular use of the UPC-E bar code symbol for restricted distribution.
local attribute		Only relevant in certain areas, and the values may change based on where the product is offered for sale, e.g., green dot is only used in Europe.
Location Number		See Global Location Number.
Location Reference		A number within a Global Location Number assigned by various parties to identify a different entity.
logistic measures		Measures indicating the outside dimensions, total weight, or volume inclusive of packing material of a logistic unit. Also known as gross-measures.
logistic unit		An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs to be managed through the supply chain.
Logistic Unit Identifier		Identification of an item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs to be managed through the supply chain.
magnification		Different sizes of barcode symbols based on a nominal size and a fixed aspect ratio; stated as a percent or decimal equivalent of a nominal size.
Manufacturer		The Party that produces the Item.
Market Group		A grouping of data recipient Global Location Numbers normally determined by the Information Provider, although buyers and third parties can also create it. The Market Group is a common term and should not be confused with the Target Market codes. A Market Group is used by trading partners to control the publication of data to a specific group of data recipients.
Markup Tags		A sequence of characters or symbols added to text to define its logical and physical structure in a data file.
master data		Within the context of data synchronization, any data or construct applicable across multiple business transactions. Master data can be divided into neutral and relationship dependent data, typically considered static information.
master data identification		A data synchronization term used to describe the unique identification of an item in a product catalogue (key) in compliance with GS1 System standards. This is achieved by the combination of three attributes: Global Trade Item Number, Global Location Number of Information Provider, and Target Market. For product catalogue management purposes, a product cannot be uniquely identified by its Global Trade Item Number alone, as there are valid business cases for Information Provider and Target Market specific data.
master data synchronization		The process of continuous harmonization of master data between all trading partners within the supply chain through the use of GS1 System standards.
Material Safety Data Sheet	MSDS	The document that defines the safety precautions, storage, and usage of certain chemical materials. Required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for materials in the supply chain.
Member Organization	MO	See GS1 Member Organization.
Message Disposition Notification	MDN	A document, typically digitally signed, acknowledging receipt of data from the sender.
message header		A set of instructions that provide routing and transport information, such as sender and receiver information. It supports the Applicability Statement 2 transport protocol for e-commerce interoperability and security.
message layer		One of three layers in the GS1 System Extensible Markup Language architecture. This layer contains messaging information commands, resulting transactions, and interfacing to the document layer. This facilitates messaging in a Business-to-Business environment.
message schemas		Machine readable structure definitions of the business messages for validation and mapping.
Message Transport Binder	MTB	The technology used to implement a software standard. Examples: webMethods, Electronic Data Interchange, and binary.
Micro PDF		A multi-rowed stacked linear symbology using multiple data encodation modes with the capacity to encode up to 250 alphanumeric characters or 366 numeric digits. MicroPDF417 is the basis for Composite Component A (CC-A). MicroPDF417 is a compact derivative of PDF417.
mil		A unit of measure equal to 1/1000 of one inch. For example, a line 1/4 inch wide would be 250 mils.
Minimum Edge Contrast		A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO 15416 that measures the smallest value for edge contrast in a Scan Reflectance Profile between a bar and adjoining space.
Minimum Reflectance		A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO 15416 that measures whether the reflectance value of at least one bar is, at most, equal to half or less than half of the highest reflectance value for a space.
mixed pallet	MX	A ”mixed mod” or ”display ready pallet” specially pre-built. May not have any parent. May have children in multiple instances.
modulation		A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO 15416 that measures the way a scanner sees narrow spaces or bars in relation to wider spaces or bars.
module		The narrowest nominal width unit of measure in a barcode symbol. In certain symbologies, element widths may be specified as multiples of one module. Equivalent to X-dimension.
modulo		An arithmetic scheme in which the result is the remainder after division.
Modulo 103 GS1-128 Symbol Check Character		A number that results from a modulo calculation that is encoded in the GS1-128 barcode symbol as a self-checking symbol character. It is created automatically by software as a symbol overhead character and is not expressed in the Human Readable Interpretation.
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension	MIME	Specification for enhancing the capabilities of standard Internet electronic mail. It offers a simple standardized way to represent and encode a wide variety of media types for transmission via Internet mail.
namespaces		A convention used to distinguish between definitions and declarations in different Extensible Markup Language vocabularies. Namespaces allow Extensible Markup Language to use elements from different sources.
name-value pairs		Parts of an attribute that can occur inside start tags after the element name. Name-value pairs provide additional information about the content of that element.
nanometer	nm	One billionth of a meter (1x10-9 or 1/109).
National Drug Code	NDC	A 10-digit number that must be assigned to pharmaceuticals sold in the United States per federal law. The number comprises a Food and Drug Administration assigned Labeler Code, manufacturer assigned Product ID, and SKU/Trade Pack Size number. A National Drug Code may be represented within a Global Trade Item Number.
National Health Related Item Code	NHRIC	A 10-digit number that can be assigned to medical products. The number comprises a Food and Drug Administration assigned Labeler Code and a manufacturer assigned Product/Package number. A National Health Related Item Code may be represented within a Global Trade Item Number.
nested tags		Refers to the proper placement of a tag or grouping of tags within a markup language document. Nested tags enable Extensible Markup Language documents to describe complex, sophisticated data structures. Proper nesting of tags affects whether the document is considered well-formed.
network		Hardware and software data communication systems. Networks are often classified according to their geographical extent, e.g., local area network, wide area network, and according to the protocols used, e.g., Ethernet, Novell, Internet.
neutral data		Within the context of data synchronization, master data or constructs applicable across multiple business transactions and constant across all trading partners, e.g., Item, Party, and standard terms.
New Line Form	NLF	Allows Data Source to retrieve their product information, add additional private data, and send it to a trading partner.
nominal		Denoting the standard or ideal values of the parameters specified for the elements that make up barcode symbol characters.
Normalization		Process of making attributes or processes consistent for all trading partner participants. By establishing “normalization rules,” a level of consistent description of an attribute can be achieved.
Normalized Attributes		A mechanism for the assignment of globally consistent, language-neutral attributes for items in the supply chain. The attributes assigned vary depending on class of trade for the item.
Notification		In the data synchronization process, the Data Source can send an electronic notice when a valid event occurs. Also referred to as event notification. See Catalogue Item Notification and Worklist.
Number System Character		See U.P.C. Company Prefix.
object-based interface		A interface between a parser and an application that explicitly builds a tree of objects containing all elements in the Extensible Markup Language document. The object-based interface uses the Document Object Model standard.
object class		Term used in an Electronic Product Code structure that extends the EPC Manager Number to identify the category or reference of an object in motion.
occurrence		The number of possible appearances of an element. The occurrence of an element is determined by the minOccurs and maxOccurs attributes.
odd parity		A characteristic of the encodation of a symbol character whereby the symbol character contains an odd number of dark modules.
Offer Code		A five-digit number assigned to a company issuing a coupon as a key to marketing information not carried in the Coupon-12.
omni-directional scanner		A scanner, such as a flat-bed scanner used in a retail check-out lane, that can read a barcode symbol independent of its orientation to the scanner window.
operating range		The distance between a reader antenna and tag over which a tag can communicate with a reader.
Organizational Hierarchy		The relationship of subordinate units to parent units within a corporate organization. Example, stores might report to divisions, which report to the corporate headquarters.
package	PK	A logistical unit between case and each. This may be a consumable inner pack, e.g., carton of cigarettes, or it may be simply a logistical pack, e.g., dozens of toothbrushes. Multiple instances of a Child are allowed.
Packager Code		A single-digit number within the identification number used for North American point-of-sale products sold after being weighed or measured. This single-digit number is used to identify the supplier of the processed item that is weighed or measured and then sold.
Packaging Indicator		See Indicator.
Packaging Type		See extension digit.
pallet	PL	A pallet of turn product. May NOT have any parents. May have children in a single instance.
Paperback Book Cover 4 Title Number		A five-digit number incorporating the last five digits of the title portion of the International Standard Book Number, with zeros preceding any title number that has fewer than five digits. The Paperback Book Cover 4 Title Number is always preceded by the Price Point Universal Product Code for mass market paperback books.
parse		The breaking of a data structure into subsets, such as attempting to separate a GS1 Company Prefix and Item Reference. Parsing is no longer recommended because GS1 Member Organizations assign variable length GS1 Company Prefixes.
parser		A software-processing engine that checks whether a document is well-formed and valid and makes its content available to Extensible Markup Language applications.
Party		A Party (or location) is any legal, functional, or physical entity involved at any point in any supply chain and for which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information. A Party is uniquely identified by a Global Location Number.
Party Identification		The only valid Party Identification, within the data synchronization process, is the Global Location Number. See Global Location Number.
party role		These are elements defining the roles and relationships of the Party, such as buyer, seller, distribution center, and store. Examples of party roles are: bill to, buyer, corporate identity, delivery party, Information Provider, invoicee, issuer of invoice, payer, seller, ship from, ship to, and supplier.
passive tag		A RFID tag that does not contain a power source. The tag generates a magnetic field when radio waves from a reader reach the antenna. This magnetic field powers the tag and enables it to send back information stored on the chip.
payment slip		The end customer’s notification of a demand for payment for a billable service, e.g., utility bill, comprising an amount payable and payment conditions.
Payment Terms		Also called Terms of Sale. Refers to the agreement of payment of invoice between supply-side trading partner and demand-side trading partner, e.g., Net 30 indicates that the invoice is to be paid within 30 days.
performance testing		See simulated performance testing and tagged unit performance testing.
Physical Technical Requirement Group	PTRG	The group within the Global Standards Management Process responsible for reviewing barcode, radio frequency identification, and related technology standards.
picket fence orientation		A barcode that runs parallel to a specific reference point, e.g., printed web direction, scanner beam.
point-of-sale	POS	Refers to a retail checkout where barcode symbols are normally scanned.
prepress		The production stage within the printing industry that prepares design requirements for the specified printing process.
price check-digit		A digit calculated from the price field of an element string encoded using the EAN/UPC symbology. Used to check that the data has been correctly composed.
Price Look Up	PLU	A four- to five-digit numerical code typically used to identify produce, baked goods, and bulk foods within the four walls of a closed system. This code is hand-entered at the point-of-sale terminal.
Price Point U.P.C.		An RCN-12 used on Cover 4 of mass market paperback books that includes the six-digit U.P.C. Company Prefix, a five-digit price point in dollars and cents (with no decimal point), and a Check Digit. The five-digit Add-On Code (and barcode) for the title number always follows this number.
print gain gauge		A printed test pattern used to determine the print gain mean and the range of print gain (press variance) as they relate to bar widths. It may also be used throughout the print run to indicate whether the anticipated range of print gain is experienced.
print gain/loss		See bar gain/loss.
printability gauge		See print gain gauge.
Product Categorization		See Product Classification.
Product Classification		A mechanism for the classification of products for the purpose of grouping items together for comparison purposes. Examples of Product Classification schemas are Global Product Classification and the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code. Product Classification is synonymous with Product Categorization.
Product Hierarchy		Refers to the ‘contains’ and ‘contained by’ data requirements for identifying product relationships, such as a case ‘contains’ these consumer units, or a consumer unit is ‘contained by’ a specific case.
Product/Packager Code		The portion of the National Drug Code or National Health Related Item Code that is assigned to a specific product. It is equivalent to an Item Reference.
Prolog		The part of an instance document that includes the Extensible Markup Language declaration and a Document Type Definition or schema that comes before the actual document element.
protocol		A set of rules to facilitate computer data transmission.
Publication		To prepare and issue data for distribution to one or a group of trading partners. A function within the data synchronization process whereby the Data Source grants visibility of Item, Party, and partner profiles, including party capabilities data to a given list of parties, identified by their Global Location Numbers, or to all parties in a given Market Group. It also will trigger the matching process that is the precursor to the distribution of data.
Quiet Zone		A clear space void of any marks, which precedes the Start Character of a barcode symbol and follows the Stop Character. Formerly referred to as Clear Area and Light Margin.
Quiet Zone Indicator		A greater than (>) or less than (<) character printed in the human readable field of the barcode symbol, with the tip aligned with the outer edge of the Quiet Zone.
radio frequency	RF	Any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When a radio frequency current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created and can propagate through space. Many wireless technologies are based on radio frequency field propagation.
radio frequency identification	RFID	A data carrier technology that transmits information via signals in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. A radio frequency identification system consists of an antenna and a transceiver, which read the radio frequency and transfer the information to a processing device, and a transponder or tag, which is an Integrated Circuit containing the radio frequency circuitry and information to be transmitted.
random weight item		A product sold by weight, e.g., produce, deli items, meat.
Rapid Recall Exchange		Rapid Recall Exchange™ is a new online service that applies industry expertise and best practices to standardize product recall and withdrawal notifications between retailers/wholesalers and suppliers. It enables prompt and accurate information exchange to protect customers and save trading partners time and money. The service takes advantage of global GS1 standards to ensure accuracy and enhance speed of recalls.
RCN-8		An 8-digit Restricted Circulation Number beginning with GS1-8 Prefix 8. See Restricted Circulation Number.
RCN-12		A 12-digit Restricted Circulation Number. See Restricted Circulation Number.
RCN-13		A 13-digit Restricted Circulation Number. See Restricted Circulation Number.
read		The process of translating radio waves from a RFID tag into bits of information that can be used by a computer.
read range		The maximum distance at which a reader can send data to or receive data from a RFID tag. Active tags offer a longer range than passive tags because of the battery used to transmit signals to the reader. The read range of a passive tag can be affected by the frequency, antenna design, method of powering, and other factors.
read rate		The rate at which data can be read from a RFID tag; represented in bits or bytes per second.
reader field		The area within which a RFID tag can receive radio waves and can be read.
read-only tags		RFID tags containing data that cannot be changed unless the chip is electronically reprogrammed.
read-write tags		RFID tags with the capability to record and update data multiple times.
Recipient Data Pool	RDP	A Data Pool servicing retailers or distributors that provide data synchronization services, such as Subscription Requests and others specific to this group.
Reduced Space Symbology®	RSS®	See GS1 DataBar.
Refund Receipt		A voucher produced by equipment handling empty containers, e.g., bottles, crates.
Registration		Process which references all Items and Parties on which there is a need to synchronize information. Registering trade item and party information involves validation by the GS1 Global Registry for product uniqueness. The combination of attributes used to ensure unique item records is Global Trade Item Number, Global Location Number, and Target Market.
Registration Date		Date assigned by the GS1 Global Registry when a trade item has been successfully registered.
Registry Catalogue Item	RCI	A business message used to register trade item information from a Data Source to the GS1 Global Registry.
Registry Catalogue Item State		There are four states of a Registry Catalogue Item that may be reflected by the GS1 Global Registry: Canceled, Discontinued, In-Progress, and Registered.
relationship dependent data	RDD	Master data identifying all terms bilaterally agreed and communicated between trading partners such as a marketing conditions, prices, discounts, and logistics agreements.
representing party		Party presenting the Extensible Markup Language message content for processing. For Extensible Markup Language messages sent to the Data Pool, the representing party is the Data Source. For Extensible Markup Language messages sent to the GS1 Global Registry, the representing party is the Data Pool.
Request for Catalogue Item Notification	RFCIN	A business message within the Global Data Synchronization Network used to establish a request from a Data Recipient for re-publication of trade item information from a Data Source.
response		An abstract class of information in the Global Business Model used to define the status of a document within the GS1 System.
Restricted Circulation Number		Signifies a GS1 identification number used for special applications in restricted environments, defined by the local GS1 Member Organization, e.g., restricted within a country, company, industry. They are allocated by GS1 for either internal use by companies or to GS1 Member Organizations for assignment based on business needs in their country, e.g., variable measure product identification, couponing. See Coupon-12, RCN-12, and VMN-12.
retailer		The Party that sells directly to the ultimate consumer. Also referred to as the Data Recipient since, in the data synchronization model, the retailer is the recipient of data published by the supplier (Data Source).
Retailer Zero- Suppression Code	RZSC	A group of 4,500 identification numbers (separate from Local Assigned Codes) that enable the use of UPC-E barcodes in a closed system environment (not for open supply chain applications).
return on investment	ROI	A measure of the net income a company is able to earn with the its total assets. Return on investment is calculated by dividing net profits after taxes by total assets.
returnable asset		A reusable entity owned by a company, which is used for transport and storage of goods.
RFID reader		A RFID reader communicates via radio waves with RFID tags and delivers the information in a digital format to a computer system. Also known as an interrogator.
RFID tag		A microchip attached to an antenna that sends data to an RFID reader. The RFID tag contains a unique serial number, and can also contain additional data. RFID tags can be active, passive, or semi-passive tags.
RosettaNet		A non-profit consortium dedicated to the collaborative development and rapid deployment of open, business process standards that align processes within the global trading network. More than 700 multinational and regional companies in the high technology, logistics, and adjacent industries, as well as solution providers, participate in RosettaNet’s strategic standards and services development. Fortune 1000 companies worldwide have implemented RosettaNet business process standards. RosettaNet is a subsidiary of GS1 US. To date, the consortium has established several regional affiliate organizations – in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand – giving a voice to various business economies seeking to adopt and influence RosettaNet’s global standards. RosettaNet is also represented locally in Europe. Information on RosettaNet’s worldwide activities, including a complete list of member companies and participating organizations, is available at www.RosettaNet.org
scan grade		The grade obtained as a result of one Scan Reflectance Profile.
Scan Reflectance Profile	SRP	The record of the reflectance values (0 to 100 percent) measured along a single line across the entire width of a barcode symbol.
scanner		An electronic device to read barcode symbols and convert them into electrical signals understandable by a computer device.
scenario		A business scenario describes a specific instance of a specific process within the business process. Scenarios are specific instances of use cases.
schema		Provides specifications and descriptions to validate Extensible Markup Language instance documents, much like a blueprint for a building. Schemas provide the ability to create vocabularies and allow computers to carry out rules in Business-to-Business e-commerce. They also provide validation rules for transaction documents and security in electronic commerce.
segment		Logically related data elements in a defined sequence. A data segment consists of a Segment Identifier; one or more data elements, each preceded by an element separator; and ends with a Segment Terminator.
Segment		Utilized in the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code as a logical grouping of families sharing similar properties or characteristics. This is the highest level category.
Segment Directory (X12.22)		Provides the purposes and formats of the segments used in the construction of transaction sets. The directory lists each segment by name, purpose, identifier, the contained data elements in the specified order, and the requirement designator for each data element.
Segment Identifier		A unique identifier for a segment composed of a combination of two or three uppercase letters and digits. The Segment Identifier occupies the first character positions of the segment in Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport.
Segment Terminator		A unique character appearing at the end of a segment to indicate the termination of the Segment.
semi-passive tags		A class of RFID tags that contain a power source, such as a battery, to power the microchip’s circuitry. Unlike active tags, semi-passive tags do not use the battery to communicate with the reader. Some semi-passive tags are dormant until activated by a signal from a reader. This conserves battery power and can lengthen the life of the tag.
sensor		A device that produces an electronic signal in response to a physical stimulus. Sensors are more frequently being integrated into RFID tags to allow for the detection of a stimulus at an identifiable location. Example: temperature monitoring of a chilled item.
Separator Character		Function Code 1 used to separate certain concatenated element strings dependent on their positioning in the GS1-128 barcode symbol.
serial number		A code, numeric or alphanumeric, assigned to an item for its lifetime. Example: Microscope model AC-2 with serial number 1234568 and microscope model AC-2 with serial number 1234569. A unique individual item may be identified with the combined Global Trade Item Number and serial number.
Serial Reference		The part of the Serial Shipping Container Code allocated by the user, in conjunction with the extension digit, to identify a logistics unit for a given GS1 Company Prefix.
Serial Shipping Container Code	SSCC	The globally unique GS1 System identification number for logistic units. The Serial Shipping Container Code is an 18-digit number comprising (from left to right) an extension digit, GS1 Company Prefix, Serial Reference, and Check Digit.
Service Level Agreement	SLA	A contract between a service provider and the customer that stipulates and commits the service provider to a required level of service.
Service Reference		The part of the Global Service Relation Number allocated by the service provider to identify the recipient of services in the context of a service relationship for a given GS1 Company Prefix.
Ship Notice Manifest (856)		An Electronic Data Interchange transaction set that is used by the sender of the product to define the contents of a shipment and the associated relational barcodes. This transaction set is sent and received prior to receipt of product at the receiving location.
shipment		An identifiable collection of one or more items transported (or available to be transported) together from the original consignor to the ultimate consignee. Note that a shipment can be transported in different consignments.
Shipment Identification Number		A legal document generated by a consignor to consign a load to a carrier or transfer responsibility to a carrier. Generally, a Shipment Identification Number includes such information as number of cartons, weight, and carrier. See Bill of Lading.
Shipper Reference		A number assigned by a consignor to uniquely identify a logical grouping of physical units for the purpose of a transport shipment.
shipping container		See logistic unit.
show-through		The visibility of the package contents or some other material through the spaces of a barcode. Show-through can seriously affect reflectance.
Simpl-eb		The suite of messages that enable the GS1 US business processes using the GS1 identification numbers or keys. The idea is to synchronize or exchange identification numbers once and then be able to reference them in any of the processes without having to describe everything about them. The Simpl-eb suite of messages and processes are built on this foundation.
Simple Mail Transport Protocol	SMTP	An Internet standard for transporting email.
smart label		A label containing a RFID tag, which can communicate with a reader and store information such as a unique serial number.
smart scale		An electronic scale that weighs an item and then generates a barcode/price label using the weight to mark the retail product.
solution provider		An individual or company that enables supply chain functions through the provision of products and services. Includes hardware and software companies, consultants, system integrators, and training companies.
Solutions Center		An online reference library with answers and information on identification numbers, barcodes, and electronic commerce standards, with guidelines for implementation.
Source Data Pool	SDP	A Data Pool that includes suppliers and distributors and provides data synchronization services such as data loading, Publication, Notification, Registration, etc., specific to this group.
spaces		The lighter element of a barcode, usually the background between printed bars.
specification		A detailed formulation, in document form, which provides a definitive description of a system for the purpose of developing or validating the system.
STAGE		Data synchronization testing environment for the Global Data Synchronization Network.
standard		A specification for hardware, software, or data that is either widely used and accepted (de facto) or is sanctioned by a standards organization (de jure).
standard numbering structures		See data structure.
Start Character		A special bar ode character that tells the scanner to start reading a barcode symbol. The Start Character is typically found on the left side of a barcode symbol.
Stock Keeping Unit	SKU	An individual color, flavor, size, or pack of a product that requires a separate identification number to distinguish it from other items (a measure of an item of merchandise for inventory management). In inventory control and identification systems, it represents the smallest unit for which sales and stock records are maintained.
Stop Character		A special barcode character that tells the scanner to stop reading a barcode symbol. The Stop Character is typically found on the right side of the barcode symbol.
structure		Something composed of organized or interrelated elements; the manner in which the elements of something are organized or interrelated.
subscription		See Catalogue Item Subscription.
substrate		The material on which a barcode symbol is printed.
Summary Code		A three-digit number ending in 0 (zero) that links products in related Family Codes for the purpose of coupon validation. For instance, 810 is the Summary Code for Family Codes 811 through 819. A coupon with a Summary Code of 810 in the Family Code field is valid for all of the manufacturer’s products associated with Family Codes 811 through 819.
Super Summary Code		A three-digit number ending in 00 (two zeroes), that links products in related Family Codes and Summary Codes for the purpose of coupon validation. For instance, 800 is the Super Summary Code for Family Codes 801 through 899. A coupon with a Super Summary Code of 800 in the Family Code field is valid for all of the manufacturer’s products associated with Family Codes 801 through 899.
supplier		The party that produces, provides, or furnishes an item or service. In the data synchronization model, the supplier is the Party that ‘publishes’ data. See Data Source.
Supplier Managed Inventory	SMI	See Vendor Managed Inventory.
supply chain management	SCM	The delivery of customer and economic value through integrated management of the flow of physical goods and associated information, from raw materials sourcing to delivery of finished products to consumers.
symbol		The combination of symbol characters and features required by a particular symbology, including Quiet Zone, Start and Stop Characters, data characters, and other auxiliary patterns, that together form a complete scannable entity; an instance of a symbology and an element string.
symbol character		A group of bars and spaces in a symbol that is decoded as a single unit. It may represent an individual digit, letter, punctuation mark, control indicator, or multiple data characters.
Symbol Check Character		A symbol character or set of bar/space patterns included within a GS1-128 Symbol or GS1 DataBar symbol, the value of which is used by the barcode reader for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of the scanned data. It is not shown in Human Readable Interpretation. It is not input for the barcode printer and is not transmitted by the barcode reader.
Symbol Contrast		An ISO 15416 parameter that measures the difference between the largest and smallest reflectance values in a Scan Reflectance Profile.
Symbol Control Character		See symbology element.
symbol orientation		The alignment of a barcode symbol to a specific reference point, e.g., scanner beam, printed web direction.
symbol placement		The physical area within a design reserved for a barcode, which usually includes the orientation (rotation) of the symbol relative to other design elements.
symbology		A defined method of representing numeric or alphabetic characters in a barcode; a type of barcode.
symbology element		A character or characters in a barcode symbol used to define the integrity and processing of the symbol itself, e.g., start and stop patterns. These elements are symbology overhead and are not part of the data conveyed by the barcode symbol.
Symbology Identifier		A sequence of characters transmitted with the decoded data that identifies the data carrier from which the data has been decoded.
Synchronization List		The information each Data Pool is required to maintain for each of its members to ‘log’ their activity within the Global Data Synchronization Network. Example: A Source Data Pool logging the action that a recipient took on a Global Trade Item Number published to them by their source data member.
syntax		The grammar, structure, or order of the elements in a natural or computer language statement. Syntax rules determine whether or not Extensible Markup Language instance documents are well-formed.
tag		See RFID tag.
tagged unit performance testing		Tests performed on objects in motion (such as items, cases, and pallets) under a set of performance simulated real-world conditions to evaluate “readability” of the RFID tags.
Target Market	TM	The Target Market is a geographical region based upon geographical boundaries sanctioned by the United Nations. There is one international system to describe geographical regions, the ISO 3166-code system. In the context of data synchronization, the Target Market is the geographic location where the trade item is intended to be sold.
Target Market Country Code		The country level or higher geographical definition in which the Information Provider will make the Global Trade Item Number available to buyers. This does not in any way govern where the buyer may resell the Global Trade Item Number to consumers. This code can be repeated as many times as needed. This code is represented by a three-digit ISO 3166-1 code. It is a mandatory attribute. Additionally, the Target Market Subdivision Code indicates country subdivision where the trade item is intended to be sold. This code is represented by a five to seven-character ISO 3166-2 code.
Target Market Subdivision Code		The Target Market Subdivision Code is the secondary code of the Target Market and must be a subdivision of a Target Market Country Code. It describes the “geo-political subdivision of a country” where the trade item is intended for sale, as determined by the Information Provider, e.g., “State” in the U.S. Target Market Subdivision Codes must be used in conjunction with Target Market Country Codes. The Target Market Subdivision Code is represented by the three-character ISO 3166-2 code.
technical standards		Specifications for hardware and software components of a network, such as physical protocols and interfaces.
Ti		Number of pieces (cartons) per tier or layer on the pallet. Sometimes called blocks. See TiHi.
TiHi		Ti is the number of pieces (cartons) per tier or layer on the pallet. Sometimes called blocks. Hi is the number of tiers or layers per pallet.
trade item		Any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information and that may be priced, ordered, or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.
trade measures		Net measures of Variable Measure Trade Items as used for invoicing (billing) the trade item.
trading network		Refers to today’s evolved supply chain.
trading partner		A Party to transactions in the supply chain, such as a supplier (seller) or a customer (buyer).
trading partner dependent		Attribute whose value is dependent on a buyer and seller relationship; can only have one set of values per Global Location Number from the party receiving data.
trading partner neutral		Attribute whose value is independent of a buyer and seller relationship; can have only one set of values.
transceiver		See RFID reader.
translation		Accepting documents in other than standard format and translating them to the standard.
transponder		A radio transmitter-receiver that is activated by a predetermined signal. RFID tags are sometimes referred to as transponders.
truncation		Printing a symbol shorter than the symbology specification’s minimum height recommendations. Truncation can make the symbol difficult for an operator to scan.
UCCnet		See 1SYNC.
Ultra-High Frequency tags	UHF tags	RFID tags that operate between 866MHz and 930MHz. These tags are able to send and receive data faster and at greater distances than tags using other frequencies.
Unified Modeling Language	UML	The industry-standard language for specifying, visualizing, constructing, and documenting the artifacts of software and other types of systems.
Uniform Communication Standard	UCS	The industry conventions and guidelines for Electronic Data Interchange, issued by GS1 US and based on the ANSI ASC X12 standard, for the food and beverage industry.
Uniform Resource Identifier	URI	A method used to identify any point of content on the web, whether it is a page of text, a video or sound clip, a still or animated image, or a program.
Uniform Resource Locator	URL	A standard way of specifying the location of an object, typically a web page, on the Internet. Uniform Resource Locators are the form of address used on the World Wide Web. They are used in Hypertext Markup Language documents to specify the target of a hyperlink, which is often another Hypertext Markup Language document (possibly stored on another computer).
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business	UN/CEFACT	United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business supports activities dedicated to improving the ability of business, trade and administrative organizations, from developed, developing and transitional economies, to exchange products and relevant services effectively. Its principal focus is on facilitating national and international transactions, through the simplification and harmonization of processes, procedures and information flows, and so contribute to the growth of global commerce.
United Nations Development Programme	UNDP	The global development network of the United Nations. The United Nations Development Programme is one of the original developers of the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code classification system.
United Nations Directories for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport	UN/EDIFACT	A set of internationally recognized standards, directories, and guidelines for the electronic interchange of structured data that relates in particular, to trade in goods and services between independent, computerized information systems.
United Nations Standard Products and Services Code®	UNSPSC®	An open, global, multi-sector standard for efficient, accurate classification of products and services, managed by GS1 US for the United Nations Development Programme. Companies use the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code to analyze various procurement and purchasing functions to reduce organizational costs and improve supply chain efficiencies. The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code structure has four categories: Segment, Family, Class, and Commodity. Visit www.unspsc.org for more information.
Universal Product Code	U.P.C.	A generic term that refers to the GTIN-12, Coupon-12, RCN-12, or VMN-12 encoded in a UPC-A or UPC-E barcode symbol.
unrestricted distribution		Signifies that such system data may be applied on goods to be processed anywhere in the world without restriction to such things as country, company, and industry.
U.P.C. Company Prefix		A special representation of a GS1 Company Prefix, assigned by GS1 US and GS1 Canada, constructed from a U.P.C. Prefix and a Company Number. The U.P.C. Company Prefix is only used to create GTIN-12, Coupon-12, RCN-12, and VMC-12, which are encoded in a U.P.C. barcode symbol.
U.P.C. Prefix		A special representation of the GS1 Prefixes 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 with the leading zero removed.
U.P.C. symbol		A barcode symbol that encodes the GTIN-12, Coupon-12, RCN-12, and VMN-12.
UPC-A barcode symbol		A barcode symbol of the EAN/UPC symbology that encodes GTIN-12, Coupon-12, RCN-12, and VMN-12.
UPC-A Composite Symbology		The GS1 Composite Symbology that utilizes a UPC-A barcode symbol as the linear component.
UPC-E barcode symbol		A barcode symbol of the EAN/UPC symbology representing a GTIN-12 in eight explicitly encoded digits using zero-suppression techniques.
UPC-E Composite Symbology		The GS1 Composite Symbology that utilizes a UPC-E barcode symbol as the linear component.
use case		A detailed description of a single activity in a business process that identifies data inputs and outputs, performance/timing requirements, the handling of error conditions, and interfaces with external applications.
validation		The use of compliance checks and reasonability checks to ensure that the attribute/process is syntactically, structurally, and logically correct.
validation of data		Verification of scanned data to determine whether it meets the application rules for system logic, consistency, and/or a particular user’s requirements.
Value-Added Network	VAN	A third-party Electronic Data Interchange service provider that provides a communication link between companies to enable electronic exchange of business data/documents.
Value-Added Tax	VAT	A tax on the estimated market value added to a product or material at each stage of its manufacture or distribution, ultimately passed on to the consumer.
Value Code		A two-digit number maintained by GS1 US and the Joint Industry Coupon Committee that defines the dollar and cent redemption value, quantity purchase requirements, and free merchandise associated with a coupon.
Variable Length Publisher Identifier		A two- to seven-digit number assigned by the International Standard Book Number agency to publishers. Large publishers are assigned shorter numbers to allow for more title identifiers, while smaller publishers are assigned longer numbers to allow for fewer title identifiers.
Variable Length Title Identifier		A one- to six-digit number assigned by a publisher to specific book titles. Larger publishers have longer numbers to allow for more titles, while smaller publishers have shorter numbers to allow for fewer titles.
Variable Measure Number	VMN	A Restricted Circulation Number to identify variable measure products for scanning at point-of-sale. It is defined per GS1 Member Organization rules in the appropriate country. See VMN-12 and VMN-13.
Variable Measure Trade Item		An item always produced in the same pre-defined version, e.g., type, design, packaging, that may be sold at any point in the supply chain, which either may vary in weight/size by its nature or may be traded without a pre-defined weight/size/length.
Velocity Code		A variation of identification numbers that have been zero-suppressed and can be carried by a UPC-E barcode symbol. There are 1,000 numbers available for closed system use.
vendor		Any individual, firm, or corporation from whom purchases are made.
Vendor Managed Inventory	VMI	A means of optimizing supply chain performance in which the manufacturer is responsible for maintaining the supplier’s inventory levels. The manufacturer has access to the supplier’s inventory data and is responsible for generating purchase orders.
Vendor Pack		Package of two or more retail selling units that have been predefined by the retailer and the vendor. Retailers often order merchandise by pack instead of by selling unit.
Verification		The process of establishing that information provided by a source (such as a manufacturer, distributor, or broker) meets the specific needs of a recipient for use in the data synchronization process.
verifier		A device that tests the accuracy of a barcode to determine if the barcode meets specifications.
VICS EDI		The industry conventions and guidelines for Electronic Data Interchange, issued by GS1 US for the general merchandise/retail industry and based on the ANSI ASC X12 standard.
VMN-12		The 12-digit Restricted Circulation Number encoded in UPC-A symbols to allow scanning of variable measure products at point-of-sale. It is defined per Target Market specific rules that are associated with U.P.C. Prefix 2.
VMN-13		The 13-digit Restricted Circulation Number encoded in EAN-13 symbols to allow scanning of variable measure products at point of sale. It is defined per Target Market specific rules that are associated with GS1 Prefixes 20 through 29.
voids		An area of high reflectance in an area of a barcode symbol, which is intended to be of low reflectance.
Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions Association	VICS	A not-for-profit association with a mission to take a global leadership role in the development of business guidelines and specifications; facilitating implementation through education and measurement, resulting in the improvement of the retail supply chain efficiency and effectiveness, which meet or exceed customer and consumer expectations. GS1 US is the secretariat to the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions Association.
wavelength		A measure of distance between the beginning and end, two corresponding points, or a complete cycle in a wave. For verifiers or scanners, this is the unit, measured in nanometers, for the light energy emitted by the device’s light source. This is one of two conditions affecting the parameter calculations needed to create a formal ISO-15416 symbol grade.
Web Services		A standard means of interoperating between different software applications, running on a variety of platforms and/or frameworks, over the Internet.
wet-ink printing		Traditional printing press methods where ink is transferred to the substrate directly or indirectly, e.g., flexographic, gravure, offset (lithographic), or screen.
wide-to-narrow ratio		The ratio between the wide elements and the narrow elements in a barcode symbology, such as ITF-14, which has two different element widths.
Work-in-Process	WIP	Parts and sub-assemblies in the process of becoming completed finished goods.
World Wide Web Consortium	W3C	The World Wide Web Consortium develops interoperable technologies, e.g., specifications, guidelines, software, tools, to lead the Web to its full potential. The World Wide Web Consortium is a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding.
write		The process of recording data onto a RFID tag.
write range		The distance between a RFID reader and a RFID tag over which data writing operations can be reliably performed.
X12	X12	See Accredited Standards Committee X12.
X12 Requirements Group	XRG	The GS1 US user group that develops and maintains Uniform Communication Standard, Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards Electronic Data Interchange, and Industrial/Commercial EDI implementation guidelines and supporting documentation based on ANSI X12 standards.
X-dimension		The specified width of the narrow element in a barcode symbol.
XML Document		A data object made up of virtual storage units called entities, which contain either parsed or unparsed data. Parsed data is made up of characters, some of which form the character data in the document, and some of which form markup. Markup encodes a description of storage layout and logical structure.
XML Schema Definition	XSD	Describes the structural and semantic information in an Extensible Markup Language document.
zero-suppression		The process of removing (suppressing) zeros from a GTIN-12 that begins with a zero or zeros in order to reduce its length, enabling it to be carried by a UPC-E Symbol.
zone		See field.