Understand Product Identifiers on Labels: What Information do they Provide?
When you go to the store, you’re often overwhelmed with choices, particularly with myriad products from different brands, each packaged with a dizzying array of information. One of the most significant pieces of data on any product packaging is the product identifier, but what does it truly mean, and why is it so crucial? This article delves deeper into the concept of product identifiers and sheds light on the wealth of information they provide.
What are Product Identifiers?
Product identifiers, as their name suggests, are codes or numbers assigned to uniquely identify a product. They can be found on the product packaging or label as well as any other relevant documents such as invoices and delivery notes. Different types of product identifiers exist, and each type provides various information about the product.
One of the most commonly used product identifiers is the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which is made up of digits and identifies products according to their manufacturer and product-type. Depending on the number of product instances, different GTIN formats are used, with the most common being the 12- or 13-digit GTINs.
Decoding the Product Identifier
If you know how to read a product identifier, you can gather a range of information about the product, starting with its manufacturer. The first few digits of a GTIN correspond to the GS1 prefix, which denotes the organization that issued it. The subsequent digits represent the company code that identifies the product manufacturer. The remaining digits describe the product itself, and its packaging level.
Another advantage of reading the product identifier is that it can help you spot counterfeit products. A product identifier can be used to verify a product’s authenticity by comparing it against those stored in recognized databases.
Benefits of Product Identifiers
Product identifiers provide more than just the product’s origin. These codes are also used to maintain inventory, track sales, and even recall products that have been substandard. For instance, a retailer can track their inventory by scanning the GTIN on delivery notes, which is essential when they need to estimate how much of a product to order from the supplier.
Product identifiers also allow for more efficient product recalls. When a company wishes to recall a product due to minor flaws or safety concerns, scanning the GTIN can help them immediately identify all the product instances in their inventory and customer’s hands, facilitating a quick and efficient recall process.
Product Identifiers and Consumers
Product identifiers not only benefit retailers and manufacturers but also consumers. Understanding product identifiers allows consumers to better evaluate the products they buy. For instance, some brands offer various product packaging sizes that use different GTINs. By comparing the GTINs of different package sizes, consumers can determine which size offers the best value for money.
Moreover, some products, such as pharmaceuticals, have regulatory and safety information printed on their packaging. This information is identified using product identifiers, such as the National Drug Code (NDC), which is used in the United States.
Conclusion
Product identifiers are much more than a sequence of digits on a product’s label- they serve to facilitate the smooth flow of information throughout the supply chain, optimize inventory management and provide a range of benefits to both businesses and consumers. By decoding the information contained in product identifiers, businesses can save time and improve efficiency, while consumers can make better purchasing decisions and stay safe. With this knowledge, navigating the vast world of consumer products is much less daunting.
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