GS1-128 Barcode Generator FREE (2024 Update)

Please enter a compliant GS1-128 code. Our GS1-128 generator will automatically format the input for barcode generation. Follow our guide below to create a GS1-128 compliant code.

Create Valid Barcodes with our GS1-128 Barcode Generator

The GS1-128 barcode, formerly known as UCC/EAN-128, is a continuous, variable-length, high-density barcode that encodes a series of Application Identifiers (AI) and data. Each AI has a specific meaning and format, indicating the type and format of the data that follows.

Here's a breakdown of the components in the GS1-128 barcode:

1. Application Identifier (AI): These are two to four-digit prefixes that define the format and meaning of the data that follows. For instance, (01) indicates a GTIN, (10) denotes a batch or lot number, and (15) specifies a best before date.
2. Data Field: Following the AI, this field contains the data itself, which corresponds to the format indicated by the AI. For instance, after the AI (01), you might have a 14-digit GTIN, like 01234567891234.
3. Function 1 Symbol (FNC1): This is a special character used as a separator when multiple AIs are encoded in a single GS1-128 barcode.

The structure can be visualized as: [AI][Data Field][FNC1 (if more data)][Next AI (if present)][Next Data Field]...

Example:

Step 1: Identify the Data: Suppose you want to encode a GTIN and a lot number in your GS1-128 barcode. The GTIN is 01234567891234 and the lot number is L1234.

Step 2: Determine the AIs: For the GTIN, the AI is (01). For the lot number, the AI is (10).

Step 3: Combine the AIs and Data Fields: Using the AIs and data from above, we get: (01)01234567891234(10)L1234.

Step 4: Input into the Generator: Enter the combined string (01)01234567891234(10)L1234 into our GS1-128 barcode generator.

Note: Unlike the ITF-14 barcode, the GS1-128 barcode doesn't have a check digit. Instead, it uses a series of AIs to determine the format and meaning of the data encoded within it. Additionally, while the GS1-128 barcode can be quite long due to its variable length, ensure that your encoded data meets the standards set by GS1.

Example of GS1-128 Barcode Generation in Healthcare

Let's consider a scenario in the healthcare industry:

Step 1: Identify the Data: Suppose you have a pharmaceutical product with the following details:

• GTIN: 98765432101234
• Expiry Date: 31 December 2023, which can be represented as 231231
• Batch Number: B5678

Step 2: Determine the AIs:

• For the GTIN, the AI is (01).
• For the expiration date, the AI is (17).
• For the batch number, the AI is (10).

Step 3: Combine the AIs and Data Fields: Using the AIs and data from above, we get: (01)98765432101234(17)231231(10)B5678.

Step 4: Input into the Generator: Enter the combined string (01)98765432101234(17)231231(10)B5678 into our GS1-128 barcode generator.

With this barcode, a healthcare provider or pharmacy can quickly scan the product to retrieve essential information about the pharmaceutical item, ensuring that they're dispensing the correct medication and checking its expiry date efficiently.

Industries Where GS1-128 is Commonly Found

The GS1-128 barcode is versatile and widely adopted across various industries due to its ability to store a significant amount of data. Here are some of the industries where it's commonly found:

1. Retail: GS1-128 is frequently used in the retail supply chain, especially for labeling cartons and pallets that are being shipped to distribution centers or stores. It provides detailed information about the products, batch numbers, expiration dates, and more.
2. Healthcare: In the healthcare sector, GS1-128 is used for labeling medical products and pharmaceuticals. It can encode information such as batch numbers, expiration dates, and serial numbers, ensuring patient safety and traceability.
3. Transport and Logistics: This barcode is a staple in logistics and transport, helping companies track shipments, identify contents, and manage inventory.
4. Manufacturing: Manufacturers use the GS1-128 barcode to label products with detailed manufacturing data, including production dates, batch numbers, and other essential information.
5. Food Industry: GS1-128 is often used for traceability, allowing for detailed tracking of food products from the farm to the table. This is particularly important for recall situations or ensuring freshness.

We hope you have found our gs1 128 barcode generator useful and you now have a working GS1-128 label. Please feel free to message us with any feedback!