Most warehousing errors are errors of "hierarchy": applying product codes to outer cartons, treating outer carton codes as pallet codes. Clarify the three layers — product GTIN, logistics unit SSCC, location GLN — and sorting and traceability naturally fall into place.
The example is an ITF-14 outer carton code (14 digits, with the first digit being the packaging indicator). For the Logistics Unit Serial Number (SSCC) and Location Code (GLN), see the system below.
Outer Carton and Pallet Identification — Match the right category first, then review the solution.
Product codes applied to outer cartons cause full-case scans to all read as individual items, distorting receiving data.
One pallet with multiple cartons has no serial number, so sorting can only rely on manual visual verification.
Consignors and consignees lack a unified location identifier, so EDI documents cannot be matched.
In warehousing scenarios, barcodes are a "hierarchy language": GTIN-14 / ITF-14 identifies the outer carton (which product it contains), SSCC (18-digit serial number, carried by GS1-128) identifies each logistics unit (this pallet / this carton of goods), and GLN identifies the location entity (whose warehouse, which door).
Identifies product items and outer cartons.
A globally unique serial number for each logistics unit.
Party and location identification, the common language of EDI documents.
Choose barcode types by scenario, and don't pay for capabilities you won't use.
| Barcode symbology | Form | Purpose in this scenario |
|---|---|---|
| ITF-14 | Outer carton | GTIN-14 format, whole-case identification. |
| SSCC | Logistics unit | 18-digit serial number, carried by GS1-128, one number per unit. |
| GLN | Location | Location identification for warehouses / stores / loading and unloading points. |
All barcode types can be found inBarcode Tool CenterTruly generated and verified before printing.
Directional comparison; specific current rules shall prevail.
| Level | Barcode symbology | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail unit | GTIN-13 | Item identification |
| Outer carton | ITF-14（GTIN-14） | Whole-case identification, corresponding to the contents inside |
| Logistics unit (pallet / shipment unit) | SSCC（GS1-128） | One number per unit, common to both sender and receiver |
| Parties and locations | GLN | Shipper / consignee / delivery location identification |
The rollout pace of the three-layer system is determined by the actual warehousing and channel conditions; when interfacing with trading partners via EDI, GLN is a prerequisite.
Clearly list the packaging levels of outer cases / pallets / shipment units.
In addition to product codes, apply for the SSCC segment and GLN.
Outer case ITF-14 + logistics unit SSCC labels.
GLN is written into EDI documents so that the locations of both sending and receiving parties align.
Unified management of outer carton and pallet codes: once the three-tier system is in place, sorting is executed by code, not by human visual verification.
Customers in the logistics and warehousing industry (see the case studies page for the list).
Logistics unit and location list (warehouse / gate point / consignor and consignee) used for SSCC and GLN arrangement.
The total fee usually includes: the coding service fee charged by the member organization (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee: SKU scale, number of number segments required, and whether additional matters such as changes / transfers are included.
Once the materials are complete, the review and allocation process begins. Timelines vary by member organization.
No new code allocation is involved, so the process is relatively simple
Unified ledger management, with each milestone synchronized item by item
The above is a description of the process sequence and does not fabricate specific numbers of days; the actual timeline is subject to the current public notices of the accepting institution, and each milestone will be synchronized during processing.
Serial numbers and packaging hierarchy
European, American / Southeast Asian / Middle Eastern markets
Tmall / JD.com / Amazon / Douyin
Magnification Factor · Color · Placement
Describe the product category and sales channel, and the coding consultant will provide the corresponding solution for this scenario.
