The NCS/GS1 /UCC Working Group has successfully accomplished its initial mandate, i.e. to link the two systems. Nevertheless, after a series of discussion it was substantiated that this endeavour was just the first step of a very long road which will eventually lead to globalisation of identification systems.

At the very last meeting of the Working Group, US Automated Identification Technology (AIT) initiatives were addressed. Certain AIT applications like linear and two-dimensional symbols, optical memory cards, radio frequency identification, and satellite assisted applications were presented, as well as label migration towards ANSI standards. All these epitomise future trends and initiatives, which the Group felt necessary to scrutinise and explore in conjunction with NATO standards.

As far as modifications in GS1 /UCC applications to reflect NCS symbologies are concerned, the Group will examine the allocation of an application identifier for NSNs within the GS1 standard. This will allow incorporation of NSNs within GTIN package markings, and in this way will provide Logisticians with an extra "force multiplier" tool.

The Group will be also preoccupied with the enhancement of the NCS/GS1 /UCC cross reference data base with a view to incorporate non-NATO NSNs, GS1 manufacturers and product identifiers, as well as information on the activities of GS1 Global Office. Another effort is associated with the creation of hyperlinks connecting various Web sites of analogous organisations, and exploration of possible conversions into the NCS structure, which will capture GS1 references during the NATO Codification process. AIT initiatives will be closely monitored with a view to be aligned with NATO standards, and finally a study aiming to determine the most suitable group of NATO manufacturers which could ensure maximum capture and loading of GS1 identifiers will be conducted.