The GS1 system can be used in any business and the wide range of applications provide trade and industry with a powerful tool to build higher efficiency, productivity & cost competitiveness, so essential in today's dynamic market place.

The unique advantage that a GS1 subscriber gains by using the GS1 system is that his products are article numbered and bar coded as per GS1 rules and can be uniquely identified in any other country using bar code scanners. In fact, major retailers and manufacturers do not purchase products that are not identified by GS1 numbers and bar codes.

Thus the GS1 system,

• Is recognised at all points in the supply chain; from the handling of raw materials, to the customer checkout.
• Allows automated collection of valuable information such as sales volumes and item location.
• Supports automated stock control systems which reduce scope for human error.
• Is the basis for electronic trading systems such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
• Is a stable, world-wide system with an expanding range of users.