GS1 US Publishes Barcode Capabilities Test Kit, Interview with Senior VP Carrie Wilkie
GS1 US has announced a goal of transitioning the industry from 1D Barcodes to 2D Barcodes by the year 2027. GS1 recently released an article that includes comments from Walmart and P&G, that details how the retail industry will be updating product packaging by 2027 with new 2D barcodes that carry more data – not only providing consumers with unlimited product details (sustainability, ethical sourcing, ingredients etc.), but also retail players with greater supply chain visibility. In order to prepare retailers for this transition, GS1 US has released a “Barcode Capabilities Test Kit” to help businesses understand what the transition will look like for their business.
Product IDs like UPCs play a critical role in modern-day eCommerce and retail. They provide product identification that is key to tracking and managing inventory across sales channels. GS1 US and the GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) have revolutionized commerce and product identification, over the past 50 years.
Looking towards the future, consumers expect increasing amounts of relevant information about the products they are purchasing and more complex supply chains demand more flexible product identification solutions. The next generation of Product IDs, the “2D Barcode” has the capacity to hold substantially more information than the traditional “1D Barcode”.
GS1 US has announced a goal of transitioning the industry from 1D Barcodes to 2D Barcodes by the year 2027. GS1 recently released an article that includes comments from Walmart and P&G, that details how the retail industry will be updating product packaging by 2027 with new 2D barcodes that carry more data – not only providing consumers with unlimited product details (sustainability, ethical sourcing, ingredients, etc.), but also retail players with greater supply chain visibility. In order to prepare retailers for this transition, GS1 US has released a “Barcode Capabilities Test Kit” to help businesses understand what the transition will look like for their business.
Learn more about the Barcode Capabilities Test Kit Pilot
Goat Consulting had the opportunity to interview Carrie Wilkie, Senior Vice President, Standards and Technology, GS1 US about the newly released test kit and the industry transition from 1D to 2D Barcodes.
Interview with Carrie Wilkie, Senior Vice President, Standards and Technology, GS1 US
Eric: How do retailers access the new "Barcode Capabilities Test Kit"?
Carrie: To assess readiness for Sunrise 2027 and the industry transition to 2D data carriers (barcodes), retailers can visit www.gs1us.org/sunrise2027 to download their GS1 US Barcode Capabilities Test Kit. The Test Kit provides a tool to allow retailers to evaluate their ability to scan and process 2D barcodes at the point of sale while supporting stocking and receiving functions in warehouses and distribution centers. Brand owners and solution providers can also use the Kit to develop requirements for the transition. Instructions are included in the Test Kit. Please email Sunrise2027@gs1us.org if GS1 can assist with any questions. Other resources to aid the industry include a GS1 US Advanced-Data Carriers at Point-of-Sale Getting Started Guide as well as implementation support for GS1 Digital Link – the standard that web enables barcodes by connecting the physical product to the web while providing consumers with instantly updated and brand-authorized content online via a single smartphone scan.
Eric: What are the main differences in needed readiness for "brick and mortar" vs. "e-commerce" 2D barcode usage?
Carrie: For brick-and-mortar, retailers need to be ready to handle point-of-sale scanning. With that, the first step is assessing their own readiness to accommodate and scan this more sophisticated data carrier on pack. GS1 US conducted a pilot program with three national retailers along with their associated solution providers to gauge readiness. Stemming from the study results, POS systems need to process 2D barcodes, interpret new data and maintain efficient checkout. Even though retailers in the test group had installed image scanners, testing shined the spotlight on various readiness issues in successfully scanning, processing, and storing data. Ultimately, hardware and software infrastructure across all POS formats must evolve in order to scan, read and ingest the data.
Eric: For Amazon.com sellers operating through Seller Central, inventory is managed and fulfilled through "Fulfillment by Amazon" or "Merchant Fulfillment". In "Fulfillment by Amazon" the Seller ships inventory into Amazon fulfillment centers and Amazon receives stores, picks, and ships orders. In "Merchant Fulfillment" the seller stores and picks their own inventory and ships the orders themselves. Have you heard of "Fulfillment by Amazon" receiving or storage accuracy improvements as a result of 2D barcode use?
Carrie: We are very much aware of the FBA function within Amazon, but the company has not been using GS1 barcodes for FBA – they use proprietary internal barcodes (FNSKUs) for that function. We continue to engage Amazon and help them understand the benefits of 2D barcodes, with GS1 identifiers embedded.
Eric: What are some of the improvements to inventory management that 2D barcodes provide?
Carrie: Inventory management can see serious improvements with the implementation of 2D barcodes. Since this sophisticated data carrier can deliver limitless information, businesses will recognize the ability to analyze the data for many uses cases including the maintenance of ‘first in, first out,’ discounting, confirming expiration dates, and having visibility of batch/lot number so recalled products are not sold.
Eric: Due to the variety of different parties that often offer a product on Amazon.com, displayed product information is often contributed from a variety of sources. This can result in inconsistent or inaccurate core product information (volume, dimensions, brand name, compatibility info etc.). If a manufacturer or brand owner could directly attribute this core product information to the 2D barcodes, it could help manufacturers and brand owners correct and enforce more accurate information about their products in the Amazon.com marketplace. Can you provide feedback on whether or not this core product information could potentially be directly attributed to a 2D barcode for reference by Amazon.com and end customers?
Carrie: At the core, 2D barcodes leveraging GS1 Standards enable enhanced data sharing and supply chain visibility. All product information and attributes can be encoded in 2D barcodes. Anyone can access the product data via 2D, but it all depends on what kind of data brands and manufacturers have made available via machine/phone scan. The 2D barcode has limitless information sharing capabilities that can be updated in real-time, which can potentially include more data such as batch/lot and serial numbers. Brands can also share dynamic product information with trading partners through GS1 US Data Hub. When a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is secured through GS1 US, brands can identify, create, manage, use, and verify data through one convenient, data-sharable platform.
Key Take-Aways
Use the newly released “Barcode Capabilities Test Kit” to check what a transition from 1D Barcodes to 2D Barcodes would look like for your business
2D Barcodes offer substantial improvements to inventory management capabilities. Some of these improvements include the maintenance of ‘first in, first out,’ discounting, confirming expiration dates, and having visibility of batch/lot number so recalled products are not sold.
If you are interested in learning more about GS1 US’s efforts in improving inventory management and identification you can visit their website.
Goat Consulting works with our clients to fully utilize the benefits of GTIN usage. If you’d like to learn more about how your business can benefit from GTIN product identification click the “Contact Us” button below.
How to Reclaim an Incorrectly Assigned Product ID, UPC, EAN on Amazon.com
If you are an Amazon seller or brand who owns a product ID and find that your registered product ID has been incorrectly assigned or used fraudulently by another seller to sell a different product, follow the steps below to request that the Product ID be released from the incorrect ASIN so that it can be used to sell the product you have assigned it to.
If you are an Amazon seller or brand who owns a product ID and find that your registered product ID has been incorrectly assigned or used fraudulently by another seller to sell a different product, follow the steps below to request that the Product ID be released from the incorrect ASIN so that it can be used to sell the product you have assigned it to.
Requirements to Reclaim a Product ID
Amazon uses the GS1 global database to validate ownership and assignment of product ID or GTINs (Global Trade Identification Number) which include UPCs and EANs. In order to claim ownership of a product ID, you will need to show that the product ID is licensed to your business entity in the GS1 global database.
Because Amazon relies on the GS1 global database to validate ownership, the product ID which is being claimed needs to be a GS1 US licensed GTIN which can either be a UPC or EAN. Before following the steps below make sure that you have your GS1 Prefix Certificate (which is available in your GS1 US account) on hand.
If the Product ID you are claiming ownership of is not a GS1 licensed Product ID, Amazon will not be able to validate ownership and you will not be able to reclaim the Product ID from the existing ASIN
Submitting a Request to Have an Incorrectly Used Product ID Released
The process for submitting the release request will depend on whether or not your brand is registered with Amazon Brand Services or not.
If the product is sold under a brand-registered brand tied to your account, contact Brand Services Support through your Brand Services/Brand Registry account.
Click Support
Contact Brand Support
Report a marketplace policy violation > Other marketplace policy violations>
Contact Reason: Owned and Registered Product ID incorrectly assigned GTIN: XXX ASIN: (List Fraudulent ASIN)
Describe your issue: In this description state that another seller has used your owned and registered GTIN to sell and distribute their product/s. State that you’d like the listing removed so that you can correctly set up and offer your products.
List the fraudulent ASIN that needs it’s listing deleted.
Provide the “Seller Name” that is currently offering the fraudulent ASINs listed.
Include a direct link to the product detail page of the fraudulent ASIN
Provide the Amazon Policy Link below directly in the case.
Additional items that should be attached as proof in the case include
GS1 Company Prefix Certificate
Picture of the GTIN labeled on your product
Link to Manufacturers Site
Link to GS1 registration database showing you as the registered owner. GS1 database linked here(link needed).
If the Product is sold under a brand that is not registered with Amazon Brand Services, you’ll need to submit the product ID correction request through standard Seller or Vendor Central Support.
Contact Support
Seller Central: Help > Contact Seller Support > Find Product IDs or request exemption.
Vendor Central: Support > Contact Us > Manage My Catalog > Item ID Update (EAN, SKU, UPC, Model #, ISBN)
In the case be sure to include a list of violating ASINs, the seller name offering the ASINs, and a direct link/s to the product detail pages of those ASINs. Also, share the Amazon Policy page linked below in the case.
Additional items that should be attached as proof in the case include
GS1 Company Prefix Certificate
Picture of the GTIN labeled on your product
Link to Manufacturers Site
Link to GS1 registration database showing you as the registered owner. GS1 database linked here (link needed).
Submit Case
If Amazon support is able to validate ownership and they approve your release request, the product ID will be released from the previously assigned ASIN and will be available for assignment to the correct item.
Goat Consulting helps our clients use or protect their product IDs in the Amazon marketplace. If you or your business have any questions about Product Identification in the Amazon marketplace or other Amazon.com topics, use the button below to contact us.
How to Change a Product ID, UPC or EAN of an Existing Listing or ASIN on Amazon.com
Accurate Product ID assignment in the Amazon marketplace is critically important. Inaccurate product ID assignment can lead to issues related to fulfillment and merchandising (product detail page display). If a product has been set up with an inaccurate Product ID, follow the steps below to request that the Product ID assignment is updated.
Accurate Product ID assignment in the Amazon marketplace is critically important. Inaccurate product ID assignment can lead to issues related to fulfillment and merchandising (product detail page display). If a product has been set up with an inaccurate Product ID, follow the steps below to request that the Product ID assignment is updated.
Requirements for Requesting a Product ID Change
Amazon references the GS1 Global Database to verify ownership and assignment of UPCs and EANs on Amazon.com. If sellers try to request Product ID updates with non-GS1 sourced EANs or UPCs, they may face issues proving ownership and Product ID assignment to Amazon. Goat Consulting recommends that sellers use only GS1 sourced EANs and UPCs to offer their products.
Also, you will only be able to update the Product ID on an existing ASIN if the product being offered through the new Product ID, is identical to the product offered under the previous Product ID. If a seller is launching a new version, formulation or if the nature of the product is different than the preexisting product a new ASIN offer will need to be created, and the old ASIN cannot be used. In the case that the product has new packaging, and the nature of the product is the same, a Product ID update on the existing ASIN can be pursued.
In any situation, Amazon reserves the right to decide if a new ASIN offer needs to be created or if a preexisting ASIN can have its Product ID updated. Following the steps below does not guarantee that Amazon will update or change the Product ID assignment on existing ASINs.
Stocking Out of Outdated Product ID Labeled Inventory
If the product is stocked by Amazon through Vendor Central or if the product is fulfilled by Amazon (FBA), you will need to allow inventory labeled with the old product ID to stock out. If you sell and fulfill your own products (Merchant Fulfillment) this step can be disregarded. However, if you are using Merchant Fulfillment, be sure that all inventory labeling is updated to the newly purchased product ID barcode.
Contacting Amazon Support to Request a Product ID Update
Next, you’ll need to reach out to Amazon Support to update the Product ID Assignment. How you do this will depend if your brand is registered with Amazon Brand Services or not.
If the product is sold under a brand-registered brand tied to your account, contact Brand Services Support through your Brand Services/Brand Registry account. See the steps below.
Log into Amazon Brand Services
Click Support
Contact Brand Support
Listing Issue > Request a product detail page change > Enter ASIN > Other Product Information
Provide detail about the “Other” attribute
In the details, section list the old product ID and the new product ID and explain that the product was set up with an incorrect Product ID assignment and that you would like to correct the assignment.
Link to Manufacturer’s Website. Underneath the details section, you will need to provide a link to the manufacturers where the new product ID is displayed. Ideally, you’ll want the correct product ID to be listed in the text on the manufacturer’s product information page.
Attach Catalog or Product Images. Either attach the manufacturer's catalog (in the catalog the product ID needs to be attributed to the product) or take an image of the product from several angles that show the packaging and branding of the product. One of the images provided needs to legibly depict the product ID label on the product.
Submit Case
If the product is not sold under a brand-registered brand, you’ll need to submit the product ID correction request through standard Seller or Vendor Central support services. See the steps below.
Contact Seller Support
Seller Central: Help > Contact Seller Support > Find Product IDs or request exemption.
Vendor Central: Support > Contact Us > Manage My Catalog > Item ID Update (EAN, SKU, UPC, Model #, ISBN)
In the case information, list the old product ID and the new product ID and explain that the product was set up with an incorrect Product ID assignment and that you would like to correct the assignment. Also, include a link to the manufacturer’s website where the correct product ID is displayed and affiliated with the product or provide manufacturers proof images that clearly show the product packaging and the new product ID labeled on product packaging.
This process does not guarantee that you will be able to maintain your historically used ASIN when you implement your new product ID. While this is the desired result of this process, Amazon.com has the final say whether a new product ID can be applied to the historic ASIN or if a new ASIN offer needs to be created.
If you or your business has questions regarding updating product ID assignment or other Amazon.com related topics, contact us using the button below.