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GS1 India Authenticity: Protect Your Business from Scammers and Fraudulent Barcode Sellers

Posted on by Rahul Kumar

Barcodes, a common sight in our daily lives, are machine-readable symbols that represent data visually. Introduced in the 1970s, barcoding has become an integral part of commercial transactions. A barcode is a series of parallel bars or lines of varying width, typically black on a white background. They are found on product packages in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retail outlets. These barcodes, consisting of varying widths of bars and spaces, can be verified for GS1 India Authenticity. This verification process helps ensure the product you’re purchasing is genuine and combats counterfeiting. They can be read with an optical barcode scanner. This data is entered into a computer system using an optical (laser) scanner. The scanner, either handheld or built into a checkout counter, reads the barcode by moving across the code or having the code moved across it. 

GS1 barcodes

The GS1 system of standards aims to raise the efficiency of business processes and to provide cost savings through automation based on globally unique identification. The GS1 barcodes system provides globally unique and unambiguous identification keys to identify goods, services, assets, locations, etc.. These keys can be represented in data carriers, such as barcodes or EPC/RFID tags, to enable automatic data capture. They may also be used in electronic communications, improving speed and accuracy when sharing master data, transactional data and visibility event data.

GS1 barcodes are designed to overcome the limitations of using company’s, organization’s, or sector-specific interfaces. It enables large scale deployment, flexibility in the selection of the most suitable system components and innovation − ultimately making trade much more efficient and responsive to customers. GS1 barcodes are designed for use in any industry or trade sector, and changes to the system are introduced in a way that does not disrupt existing users.

Understanding the GS1 Barcode System

Overview of GS1

GS1 is a global supply chain standards organisation that develops and maintains global standards. It is linked to the issuance and maintenance of barcodes, a symbol printed on products that can be scanned electronically. GS1 barcodes are scanned more than ten billion times every day, making them one of the most widely used information systems in the world.

It has a crucial role in the standardization of barcodes as it provides a common language that ensures key processes run smoothly wherever they happen. GS1 standards bring together companies representing all stakeholders of the supply chain or regulatory authorities – manufacturers, distributors, retailers, transporters, customs , software developers, and more. GS1 standards are designed to improve the efficiency, safety, and visibility of supply chains across physical and digital channels in various sectors. They form a business language that identifies, captures, and shares key information about products, locations, assets, and more.

GS1 role in Standardizing Barcodes

The role of GS1 in standardizing barcodes involves several aspects. GS1 develops standards based on industry global best practices. These standards provide a framework that allows products, services, and information to move efficiently and securely, providing visibility and traceability for businesses and their customers.

GS1 assigns unique identification numbers to companies for use in their barcodes. These numbers are globally unique and ensure that every product can be identified in the supply chain. They promote the use of its standards and barcodes across industries. It also provides training and resources to help businesses implement and use these standards effectively. They also plays a role in ensuring that companies comply with its standards. It provides tools and guidelines to help businesses meet these standards and maintains a database of companies that are in compliance.

GS1 plays a pivotal role in standardizing barcodes, ensuring that they can be used effectively and consistently across different industries and countries. This standardization is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and integrity of global supply chains.

Explanation of GS1 Barcode Structure and Encoding

GS1 barcodes are structured to contain a series of digits that are encoded in a sequence of bars and spaces. Each digit from 0 to 9 is represented by a unique pattern of bars and spaces. The structure of a GS1 barcode includes a GS1 Company Prefix, an Item Reference, and a Check Digit. The GS1 Company Prefix is assigned by GS1 to a company, allowing it to identify its products globally. The Item Reference is assigned by the company to each of its products. The Check Digit is a calculated one-digit number used to ensure data integrity. To read the barcode, the scanner decodes the pattern of bars and spaces to extract the digits and interpret the information.

Importance of GS1 India Authenticity in Barcodes

How GS1 India Authenticity Ensures Global Uniqueness

Authenticity is a key feature of GS1 barcodes as it ensures the global uniqueness of each barcode. This is achieved through the GS1 Company Prefix, which is a unique identifier assigned to each company by GS1. This prefix, when combined with the Item Reference and Check Digit, creates a globally unique identifier for each product. This system prevents duplication of barcodes, ensuring that each barcode is authentic and traceable back to its original source.

Benefits of Using GS1 Barcodes for Businesses

GS1 standards provide unique identification for products, locations, which forms the backbone on which applications such as track and trace , product authentication, and product recalls are built. GS1 standards are interoperable and technology agnostic making them independent of Hardware /software platforms and technology solutions.

They facilitate efficient inventory management by enabling quick and accurate scanning of products. They also support global trade by providing a common language that businesses around the world can understand. GS1 barcodes help in reducing errors in data entry and retrieval, thereby improving operational efficiency. They also play a crucial role in fighting counterfeit products by ensuring the authenticity and traceability of products. By adopting GS1 barcodes, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and protect their brand reputation.

The use of GS1 barcodes is a proactive step towards ensuring the authenticity of products and protecting business from counterfeiters. It is critical to stay informed in order to stay protected!

Rising Concerns: Scammers and Fraudulent Barcode Companies

The Increasing Prevalence of Barcode Scams

In the digital age, the prevalence of barcode scams has seen a significant increase. Unscrupulous entities exploit the trust of businesses, selling them counterfeit barcodes that are not registered with GS1. This not only leads to serious consequences for businesses but also disrupts the integrity of global trade systems.

Common Tactics Used by Fraud Companies

Fraudulent companies often employ deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting businesses. They offer non-authorized barcodes, claiming that these barcodes are GS1 compliant. However, these barcodes are not registered with GS1 and hence, do not provide the benefits of GS1 India authenticity.

Identifying Genuine GS1 Barcodes

Guidance on verifying GS1 India authenticity

GS1 provides tools to verify the authenticity of its barcodes. One such tool is the GS1 VBG (Verified by GS1). By entering the barcode number into this tool, businesses can check the validity of a GS1 barcode, ensuring it is not a fake.

Tips for Businesses to Ensure They Are Dealing with Legitimate GS1 Codes

To ensure they are dealing with legitimate GS1 codes, businesses should always purchase barcodes directly from GS1. Regular checks using the GS1 GEPIR tool can help verify the authenticity of the barcodes.

The Consequences of Dealing with Fraudulent Barcodes

Legal Repercussions for Businesses Using Fake Barcodes

The use of fake barcodes can lead to legal repercussions for businesses and impact brand reputation for your business. These can range from fines and penalties to lawsuits. Moreover, the use of counterfeit barcodes can damage a company’s reputation and lead to a loss of customer trust.

Impact on Supply Chain and Customer Trust

Counterfeit barcodes can have a significant impact on the supply chain. They can lead to incorrect data being captured, resulting in stock discrepancies and delivery errors. This not only disrupts the supply chain but also erodes customer trust.

How to Spot Scammers: Red Flags and Warning Signs

Signs That a Company May Be Selling Counterfeit Barcodes

There are several red flags that can indicate a company may be selling counterfeit barcodes. These include unusually low prices, lack of GS1 authorization, and inability to provide proof of GS1 registration.

Case Studies or Examples of Fraudulent Barcode Transactions

While specific case studies are confidential, there have been instances where businesses have faced significant losses due to the use of counterfeit barcodes. These cases underscore the importance of GS1 India authenticity.

Reporting Scams and Protecting Your Business

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Barcode Scam

If a business suspects a barcode scam, it should report the matter to GS1 India immediately. It should also cease using the suspected fake barcodes and replace them with authentic GS1 barcodes.

Advice on Safeguarding Your Business Against Fraudulent Transactions

To safeguard against fraudulent transactions, businesses should always purchase barcodes from GS1 India. Regular checks using GS1 GEPIR app or Smart Consumer app can help verify the authenticity of the barcodes.

Conclusion

GS1 India authenticity is crucial for the smooth functioning of global trade systems. It ensures the global uniqueness of barcodes on their products, facilitates efficient business operations, and protects against counterfeit barcodes.

Businesses should remain vigilant against barcode scams and report any suspicious activity to GS1. By staying informed and proactive, businesses can protect themselves and contribute to the fight against barcode fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are barcode number unauthorized sellers?

Unauthorized sellers are those who sell products without the necessary permissions or approvals from the brand or manufacturer. They typically operate outside the official distribution channels set up by the brand and often acquire products through unauthorized means.

2. What happens if I buy barcode numbers from an unauthorized seller?

Purchasing barcode numbers from an unauthorized seller can lead to a variety of issues. These can include legal disputes, inability to sell the product due to duplicate numbers, damage to brand image and reputation, and potential difficulties in listing on e-commerce platforms.

3. Where can I get legitimate GS1 barcode numbers?

You can obtain legitimate GS1 barcode numbers from GS1 India which is a member organization of GS1 global.

4. What is the difference between GS1 issued barcodes and barcodes from 3rd party sources? Why use GS1 barcodes instead of 3rd party alternatives?

GS1 barcodes are globally recognized and used by companies worldwide. They are unique, accurate, and adhere to current global standards. In contrast, barcodes from 3rd party sources may not be globally recognized and can lead to confusion and inaccuracies.

5. What does GTIN Non-Reuse Standard mean?

The GTIN Non-Reuse Standard implies that a GTIN assigned to a trade item should not be reassigned to another trade item.

6. Why is the need for a GTIN Non-Reuse Standard?

The GTIN Non-Reuse Standard is necessary to ensure that product identifiers are permanent and unique. This supports seamless consumer experiences across various channels.

7. What does it mean to the industries?

The GTIN Non-Reuse Standard helps industries maintain unique product identification, which is crucial for maintaining operational efficiencies and ensuring smooth operations of global supply chains.

8. Does the GTIN Non-Reuse Standard apply to all levels of the packaging hierarchy?

Yes, the GTIN Non-Reuse Standard applies to all trade items in the assigned packaging hierarchy, regardless of the sector.

9. Why individual GTINs can’t be reused?

Individual GTINs can’t be reused because reuse can create confusion online where products have a permanent presence. It can result in inaccurate catalogue data, and make GTIN management unclear for brands with products in multiple sectors.

A Comprehensive Guide on How Barcodes Work

Posted on by Rahul Kumar

What is Barcodes

Barcodes are a fundamental and ubiquitous element in modern commerce and logistics, crucially supporting the global economy. They serve as an efficient and reliable method for storing and retrieving information, thereby revolutionizing the way we track, manage, and sell products across various industries. This guide is all about the world of barcodes, exploring their diverse types, tracing their historical development, understanding how barcodes work and wide-ranging applications.

From retail shelves to complex supply chains, barcodes are the unsung heroes of modern technology, simplifying processes and enhancing efficiency in ways often taken for granted.

Types of Barcodes

Barcodes come in various formats, each designed for specific uses and industries. The diversity in barcode types reflects their wide applicability and the need to encode different kinds of information, from simple identification numbers to complex data. Understanding the different types of barcodes is crucial for selecting the right one for a specific application.

Here are some of the most common types of barcodes used worldwide, their unique features, and typical uses.

  • UPC-A Barcode: This is a 1D linear barcode consisting of 12 digits. It is used for a wide range of retail products like groceries, electronics, and clothing. UPC-A barcodes are globally recognized and can also be used for packaging like cases and pallets. It is primarily used in the United States and Canada.
  • EAN-13 Barcode: Similar to UPC-A, EAN-13 is a 1D linear barcode. It contains 13 digits and is commonly found on retail products. Despite its European roots, it’s recognized globally.
  • GS1-128 Barcode: This barcode is used in logistics and general distribution. It differs from other linear barcodes by its ability to include additional product attributes like expiration dates, batch numbers, and weight. GS1-128 encodes GTIN or Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) and is crucial for logistic labels.
  • UPC-E Barcode: A compact version of the UPC code, UPC-E is a 1D linear barcode used globally, mainly in the retail and grocery sectors for small items like candy and cosmetics.
  • Data Matrix Barcode: This 2D barcode can encode a large amount of information in a small space. It’s used primarily in the healthcare sector. The GS1 Data Matrix is particularly notable for its error correction capabilities. It is not scanned at the point of sale.
  • EAN-8 Barcode: A shorter version of the EAN-13, the EAN-8 barcode is used when packaging space is limited. It contains eight digits.
  • ITF-14 Barcode: This barcode is used on larger packaging units like cases, typically in general distribution and logistics. ITF-14 is well-suited for printing on corrugated materials and is not scanned at the point of sale.
  • QR Code: A popular 2D barcode that links to web content. QR codes can carry GS1 identifiers and data, making them useful for both consumer engagement and supply chain functions, like price lookup. GS1 Digital Link transforms these codes into web-friendly formats, enhancing consumer interaction while maintaining their supply chain utility. It is currently not scanned at the point of sale.

History of Barcodes

Early Developments

In the 1940s, Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver pioneered barcode technology inspired by Morse code. They patented the first barcode system in 1952, revolutionizing inventory management.

Evolution of Barcode Technology

Barcode technology evolved from simple linear patterns to complex 2D formats, driven by the need for more data storage and faster scanning. The 1970s saw the introduction of Universal Product Codes (UPC), transforming retail. Subsequent digital advancements led to the development of 2D barcodes and QR codes. GS1, an international organization, standardized barcode formats like UPC and EAN, enhancing their global use across various industries.

Components of a Barcode

Barcode Structure

A barcode involves a series of parallel lines and spaces that can vary in width and spacing. These variations are critical as they encode the specific information. Additionally, barcodes usually have a ‘quiet zone,’ which is a clear area without any marks or symbols, positioned before the first and after the last bar. This zone is essential for scanners to recognize the start and end of the barcode. Often, barcodes include a sequence of numbers below the lines and spaces, providing a human-readable form.

Barcode Encoding

Encoding in the context of barcodes refers to the method by which information (like a product number or an identifier) is translated into the barcode format. Different types of barcodes use various encoding schemes. The choice of encoding depends on the amount and type of data to be encoded, as well as the space available for the barcode.

Barcode Decoding

This is the reverse process of encoding. It’s performed by barcode scanners, which read and interpret the barcode’s encoded data. Scanners use light to read the barcode: Based on the amount of light reflected the information is decoded. Since the bars reflect less light than the spaces between them, the scanner can detect the pattern of light and dark regions and translate them back into the data that was originally encoded. This decoded information is then typically sent to a computer system for processing and use.

How do Barcodes Work?

Barcodes function as a visual, machine-readable representation of data, typically about the item to which they are attached.

Scanning and Reading Barcodes

The process of scanning and reading barcodes involves specialized devices known as barcode scanners. These scanners use a light source, a lens, and a light sensor to translate the optical impulses into electrical ones. The light emitted by the scanner illuminates the barcode, and the dark bars absorb light while the white spaces reflect it. This contrast creates a pattern that the scanner’s sensor detects and converts into an electrical signal. This signal is then processed and decoded by the scanner’s internal decoder, which interprets the barcode’s data based on the specific symbology (format) of the barcode. Finally, this decoded data is sent to a computer or other system, where it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, or tracking items through a supply chain.

Barcode Applications

Barcodes have a wide range of applications in various industries, including retail, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. They are used to track inventory levels, manage supply chains, and ensure patient safety, among other things.

Advantages of Barcodes

Barcodes enhance data accuracy by reducing human error, speed up data entry processes, and are cost-effective. They also enable real-time inventory tracking, improve operational efficiency, and are versatile enough to be used in a wide range of industries.

Barcode Technologies

Barcode technology utilizes various encoding methods, such as linear or 2D formats, to represent data visually. Scanners interpret these codes, transforming them into digital information for inventory tracking, point-of-sale systems, and efficient data management across numerous industries.

1D Barcodes vs 2D Barcodes

1D barcodes, consisting of vertical lines, encode data in one dimension and are suited for simple, small data sets. In contrast, 2D barcodes or QR codes, store information in two dimensions, allowing for embedding URLs, thus much larger data capacity.

QR Codes and Data Matrix Barcodes

QR codes and Data Matrix barcodes are two-dimensional, high-density barcode formats capable of encoding large amounts of data, including text and URLs, in a small square or rectangular pattern readable by smartphones and dedicated scanners.

Emerging Barcode Technologies

The future of barcode technology includes enhancements in readability, data capacity, and integration with digital systems.

Industries Using Barcodes

Barcodes play a crucial role in various industries, enhancing efficiency and accuracy:

Retail and Inventory Management

In retail, barcodes simplify product tracking and inventory control. They enable quick scanning of items at checkout, facilitating faster transactions and accurate pricing. In inventory management, barcodes help in efficiently tracking stock levels, reducing errors, and improving order fulfillment processes.

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical

In healthcare, barcodes are vital for patient safety and operational efficiency. They ensure precise medication dispensing, track medical equipment, and manage patient records, significantly reducing errors in treatment and diagnosis. In pharmaceuticals, they aid in drug verification and inventory control.

Logistics and Supply Chain

Barcodes are indispensable in logistics and supply chain management. They enable the tracking of shipments from origin to destination, improve the accuracy of order fulfillment, and enhance the overall efficiency of supply chain operations. This real-time tracking ensures timely deliveries and helps in managing inventory across various locations.

Conclusion

Barcodes have become an indispensable tool in modern commerce and industry, offering a simple yet powerful method for data management and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of a barcode?

Barcodes efficiently store data in a machine-readable format, streamlining inventory management, tracking, and point-of-sale operations.

2. How are barcodes different from QR codes?

Barcodes are one-dimensional, storing data in lines; QR codes are two-dimensional, holding more information in a matrix format.

3. Are barcodes universal, or do they vary by country?

Barcodes follow universal standards but can vary in format and information content based on regional or industry requirements.

4. What information is stored in a barcode?

Barcodes typically encode data like product identification numbers, serial numbers, or inventory information, varying by the barcode type.

5. How do I choose the right type of barcode for my business?

Select based on data capacity, industry standards, and the specific tracking or inventory needs of your business.

6. What are the potential security risks associated with barcodes?

Barcodes can be duplicated or tampered with, posing risks in authenticity verification and secure data management.

7. What is the ISO standard for UPC?

The ISO standard for UPC (Universal Product Code) is governing its structure and print specifications.

8. Do barcodes have limitations in terms of data capacity?

Yes, traditional barcodes have limited data capacity, which is suitable for basic product information.

9. How can I troubleshoot barcode scanning issues?

Check barcode quality and scanner functionality and ensure the correct format and data encoding for effective troubleshooting.

10. What are the most promising developments in barcode technology for the future?

Future developments include enhanced data capacity, integration with blockchain for security, and improved readability under diverse conditions.

Improving Operational Efficiency Through Supply Chain Visibility

Posted on by gs1india

The businesses continuously focus on making operations efficient. This blog explains how supply chain visibility across trading partners can help a company improve its operational efficiency and increase profitability.

Content

  • What is Supply Chain Visibility?
  • Application of Supply Chain Visibility
    • Expiry Management
    • Inventory Reconciliation
    • Efficient Sales Forecasting
    • Product Recall
    • Restructuring Supply Chains
  • How to achieve Supply Chain Visibility?
  • Conclusion and Way Forward

What is Supply Chain Visibility?

Supply chain visibility refers to the ability of a business to know the details of the products available at each node in the supply chain, like a warehouse or a distribution centre. This includes accessing data about the number of products, their batches, manufacturing and expiry dates, etc.

Why Supply Chain Visibility is important?

Every business has a supply chain. It helps raw materials get to the factory and move products from the factory to the end consumers. In the global economy, supply chains are long, complex, and global. In a classic example, software from Bengaluru is embedded in a chip from Taiwan, which is put into a mobile in Noida along with other parts from Malaysia. The mobile is shipped to a customer in Vadodara via a warehouse in Ahmedabad. This is a complex supply chain involving many entities across different countries. The brand needs to have end-to-end visibility of the supply chain in order to efficiently manage its operations.

Inventory visibility at different nodes in the supply chain is important for businesses for expiry management, recall management, sales forecasting, and planning operations better, among many others. Once the business has end-to-end supply chain visibility, it can take measures to improve operational efficiency. Let’s explore various applications of supply chain visibility.

Expiry Management

All products have a defined shelf life. Depending on the type of product, it could be as short as a day for perishable foods, to a few years for some products, for example in case of cosmetics. Businesses need to implement expiry management processes to prevent losses. Without expiry management processes, a company could have a large number of items returned unsold due to expiry or near to expiry dates.

The businesses usually use a First Expiry First Out (FEFO) principle to reduce losses. To implement this effectively, they have to track the batches of the products as they are produced and released to the supply chain.

With inventory visibility, a business will know which batch of product is at which node in the supply chain. They would know the expiry date of all the products, enabling speedy movement of products, which are close to the expiry by giving some discounts, promotions, etc., if required.

Inventory Reconciliation

Businesses with complex supply chains would have products in different warehouses and with different trading partners throughout the supply chain. The number of products in the warehouses could be mapped in an inventory management system.

Real-time inventory visibility in the supply chain helps in inventory reconciliation. It can help in identifying and minimizing stock deficiencies, improving processes and preventing losses.

This can also help in reconciling mismatches between physical and system inventory. Furthermore, historical inventory data can help in determining the source of mismatch and correcting the same.

Efficient Sales Forecasting

Inventory visibility can help in sales forecasting. A company can get information on how fast a product is being sold and can adjust the production rate to meet the market demand. It also upgrades the readiness of the company to tackle unforeseen situations.

The company can also look at historical data of inventory of the product to forecast how the product sales would be in the coming months. If the inventory is running low, they can forecast and order more quantity to meet future demands.

Product Recall

Sometimes businesses are forced to recall or withdraw a product because of some unforeseen circumstances. The recall may be voluntary or because of a demand by the government.

Usually, product recalls are done at the batch level. To execute the same, brand owners must be aware of which batch of the product is available at which location in the supply chain. This is achieved through inventory visibility. Once the location of the faulty batches of products is ascertained, they can be recalled efficiently.

Restructuring of Supply Chain

Businesses have to continuously deal with dynamic situations. The supply chains should be flexible in order to resolve any situation. For example, there could be a sudden spike in demand for a product at a given location or a particular warehouse may become out of operation because of a natural disaster.

In such cases, real-time end-to-end supply chain visibility is helpful for the business to know from where it can divert the excess stock to fulfill the sudden spike.

How to achieve Supply Chain Visibility?

A company can achieve supply chain visibility using track and trace solutions. The first step is to get a unique identifier for each product SKU. They can use a Global Trade Identifier Number (GTIN) for product identification. GTINs are a globally unique product identifier issued by GS1. The GTIN can be encoded in barcodes and they can be printed on product packaging. The company can also use secondary and tertiary level barcodes for the unique identification of cartons and shipping containers.

When the products enter or leave the warehouse, the barcodes can be scanned and the data can be entered (with accuracy and in no time) in the inventory management system. The inventory management system can calculate the number of products using the scan data.

The company can use traceability solution like DataKart Trace to implement end-to-end inventory visibility in the supply chain. DataKart Trace is a seamless supply chain traceability solution that can be used by any industry or for any geography. It gives both upstream and downstream inventory visibility and enables real-time track and trace throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion and Way Forward

With end-to-end supply chain visibility, the company can improve the efficiency of operations. In the case study of Tata Steel, it has a division that sells doors and windows under the brand Tata Pravesh. They have a very complex supply chain. The supply chain includes multiple manufacturers, distributors and installation agencies, with more than 50 partners involved in all the transactions. They use the end-to-end traceability and supply chain visibility system of DataKart Trace from GS1 India to manage this complex supply chain.

Every company will have to determine how it wants to implement supply chain visibility. The solution would depend on the complexity of the supply chain, the number of products the company has, the shelf life of the products etc. The company can start with a simple barcoding solution. It can also work with GS1 India to develop more customized solutions which focus on the specific needs of the company. This could include other technology solutions like RFID tags and block chain.

The way forward for every company is to start investing in supply chain visibility solutions. This would help in improving the efficiency of the supply chain and increase the profitability of the company.

All You Need to Know About Barcoding

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Getting Started with Barcoding

This blog will give you an overview about product barcodes, types of barcodes, benefits of barcodes, and how GS1 India can ensure that you get unique identification for your products.

 

Contents:

  • What are Barcodes?
  • Types of Barcodes
  • Unique Barcode Numbers – GTIN
  • Benefits of unique barcode numbers
  • Role of GS1 India in ensuring uniqueness in product codes barcode

 

Barcodes play a very crucial role in a country’s economy, especially in the context of supply chain management and retail. Most of the businesses require Barcodes as a tool to manage supply chains for better tracking of their products. You must have noticed that every time we buy something in the supermarket, the seller scans the barcode on the product to retrieve its information.

 

What are Barcodes?

Today most of the products you see in the market have barcodes. Barcodes are machine-readable symbols which are printed on product packaging. The barcodes are embedded with barcode numbers – numeric codes that give unique identification to the product.

 

Types of Barcodes

There are various types of barcodes used in the industry. Some popular barcode forms are EAN barcode (linear/1-dimensional barcode), QR code, and Datamatrix (2-dimensional barcodes).

EAN barcodes are mostly used on products for point-of-sale scanning, where the unique code embedded in barcodes is linked with product information like manufacturing and expiry date, manufacturing locations, product attributes, and ingredients, etc. QR codes are majorly used in applications related to entertainment, retail, advertisement, and transactions.

One-dimensional (1D) barcodes / linear barcodes

One-dimensional barcodes also known as Linear barcodes convert data with varying-width vertical lines and spaces, it reads horizontally, and accommodates up to 85 characters, but requires more characters for additional data.

Some of the common examples of 1D Barcodes are explained briefly below –

  • Code 39 – CODE 39 barcodes can encode up to 43 characters, including letters, numbers, and some symbols, making it essential for industrial applications like automotive and electronics.
  • Code 93 – CODE 93 is an updated and fully secured version of Code 39 barcodes which is able to read both letters and numbers. To encode special delivery information, these barcodes are used in fields like Military, and automotive sectors.
  • GS1–128 – GS1-128 Barcodes are the barcodes mainly used for the shipping process among retailers. These barcodes are the standard barcodes that provide a lot of data and also the meaning of data throughout the supply chain.
  • EAN (European Article Number) – EAN (European Article Number) is the barcode numbers generated by a standardized body known as GS1. The barcodes are used to identify the products in the supply chain and help you to sell on various e-commerce platforms. It is usually 8 or 13 digits long, and globally accepted.
  • UPC – UPC (Universal Product Code) are the barcode numbers that help identify a product, uniquely. They are most commonly used in Inventory Management, and they also help in minimizing errors in order fulfillment.

There are many more linear barcodes available such as Codabar, ITF, Industrial 2 of 5, Standard 2 of 5 (IATA), MSI Plessey, and Intelligent Mail Barcode, etc.

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes/matrix codes

A two-dimensional (2D) barcode converts data using dots, squares, and shapes, storing information both vertically and horizontally. It’s ideal for web addresses, text, images, and coupons, and is also very capable of holding up to 7,089 characters.

  • PDF417: PDF417 is a 2D Barcode, used in a variety of applications such as transport, inventory management, and identification cards.
  • Data Matrix: A Data Matrix is a 2D code having black and white dots arranged in a square/rectangular pattern, known as a matrix. The information encoded in this matrix can be text or numeric data.
  • QR Code: QR code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional Barcode that can be easily read with the help of a digital device. They are used to track the information of the products in a supply chain and also used in marketing & advertising campaigns.

There are many more 2D barcodes available such as PPN, Royal Mail Mailmark, Aztec Code, GiroCode, Swiss QR Code, etc.

 

Unique Barcode Numbers – GTIN

The barcodes on products are embedded with unique numbers called Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN). These identification numbers are issued by GS1 – a global standards organization that creates standards for barcoding.

Globally, 4 types of barcode numbers based on the number of digits are used (GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14). In India, the most commonly used barcode number is GTIN-13 (also known as European Article Number EAN-13).

By providing GTIN unique identification to the trade items, GTINs help avoid duplicity of the barcode, enabling product authentication.

 

Benefits of unique barcode numbers

There are many benefits of having GTINs

  • Uniquely identify each product SKU
  • Key to Master Data Management
  • Globally accepted by e-commerce portals and leading retailers
  • Facilitate efficient and error-free ordering
  • Enables 40% better visibility of product pages through Google search
  • Comply with regulatory requirements set by regulatory bodies like FSSAI, FDA, EMA, AGMARK, etc.
  • Facilitates product authentication and counterfeit detection

 

Role of GS1 India in ensuring uniqueness in product codes

GS1 is a global standards organization. They provide barcoding solutions to companies. GS1 Global oversees the operations of 115 GS1 organisations across the globe.

GS1 global along with its various member organizations, including GS1 India, maintains the integrity of GS1 barcode numbers. Since the GTINs are the global identity of your products, GS1 organizations across the globe ensure that this remains unique. With over 2 million companies using GS1 barcodes, it has become a de facto standard for the retail industry worldwide.

In India, GS1 India is the only authorized body to issue GTIN and GS1 barcodes. It is an ISO 27001-certified company. It was set up under the Ministry of Trade and commerce, the government of India, as a non-profit organization.

The barcode numbers issued by GS1 India start with the number ‘890’, which is the country code for barcode numbers allocated by GS1 India.

You can avail of authenticated barcode numbers from GS1 India at different prices depending upon the number of barcodes required and the years of subscription associated with the barcode numbers. You can register with GS1 India, follow some predefined steps and GS1 India will help you design and create barcodes that suit your business needs.

Over the past two and a half decades, GS1 India has improved customer experience through the use of barcodes and related services like Traceability, Master Data Management (MDM), etc. Apart from issuing barcodes, GS1 India also provides standards-based services to optimize your supply chain operations. These include

To know more, contact GS1 India

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most common barcode types?

Common barcode types like UPC, QR codes, and Code 39, etc simplify inventory management, tracking, and product identification in retail and other industries.

2. What barcode types are 12-digit?

UPC-A Barcodes have 12 Digits, which include 11 digits encoding product data, country, and company code and one check digit for accuracy verification in the end. UPC barcodes can only be represented numerically, the code can only be the digits from 0-9.

3. What is the difference between EAN-8 and EAN-13?

The EAN 13 barcode is for consumer products at checkout, identified by a GTIN-13 or variable weight code. EAN-8, with GTIN-8, is for small items with limited space, like lipstick.

4. What does the barcode stand for?

A barcode is a machine-readable code consisting of numbers and parallel lines of varying widths, used to control products and especially used in stock management.

5. How is a barcode generated?

In India, barcodes are generated in partnership with GS1 India, an official standard body that plays a pivotal role in standardizing and managing barcodes, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in the business landscape.

6. Is QR code a barcode?

A QR code is an efficient and user-friendly barcode that stores information in a square-shaped grid of pixels, easily readable by digital devices.

7. What is the code 128 A?

Code 128 A, defined in ISO/IEC 15417:2007, is a high-density linear barcode used for alphanumeric or numeric-only data.

Risk in the Pharmaceutical Industry and How You Can Safeguard Your Firm With GS1 India

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Traceability is an indispensable need of the supply chain in the pharmaceutical industry. The challenges faced by pharmaceutical organizations during the recent COVID pandemic have exposed the importance of traceability even further. According to a report by LogiPharma and BSI, Supply chain visibility stands out as the major challenge faced by the pharmaceutical industry. This is followed by issues with Goods distribution practices, Data integrity, Supplier quality, and supplier compliance management.

The same report suggests that in the next three years, cost pressure, supplier compliance management, and regulatory policy changes will be the major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. All these challenges impose a greater risk of product recall which can be solved by ensuring an effective traceability system in the supply chain.

Pharmaceutical products are quality-sensitive and hence need continuous monitoring as they move in the supply chain. Traceability also helps to ensure that all the quality and regulatory guidelines set by governing authorities like WHO, DQSA, and FDA are compliant. Traceability helps to prevent the entry of fraudulent enterprises that can counterfeit products of any legitimate drug manufacturer. Having end-to-end traceability helps drug manufacturers to have better control of their supply chain. This article highlights the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry due to the lack of product traceability and how GS1 India is changing the face of pharma supply chains with its traceability solutions.

DataKartTrace is the track-and-trace solution of GS1 India, a non-profit organization set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to authorize barcodes in India. According to GS1, Traceability is defined as a process that “enables you to see the movement of prescription drugs or medical devices across the supply chain. You can trace backwards to identify the history of the transfers and locations of a product, from the point of manufacture onwards. And you can track forwards to see the intended route of the product towards the point of care.”

Today, people are not just looking for transparency in terms of product quality, but they are also seeking answers to questions like what is the place of manufacturing, when was it produced, how was the product tested, and what all ingredients does it contain. With transparency, it is easier to answer all these questions to the consumers and keep a record of how efficiently operations are happening in the supply chain.

Let us look at how GS1 India’s traceability service is helping the pharmaceutical industry safeguard its supply chain network.

 

Adherence to compliance requirements

GS1 India complies with GS1’s Global Traceability Standard for Healthcare (GTSH), a process standard that provides a foundational framework that describes the traceability process and defines the minimum requirements for all stakeholders, independent from technologies, organization size, or operational sophistication. GS1 India also adheres to EPICS, a GS1 standard, which enables trading partners to share information about the movements and whereabouts of products and assets through the supply chain. Besides, GS1 India ensures compliance with the quality and legal requirements of the local government, FDA, FSSAI, etc. GS1 India helps comply with the track and trace guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that help avoid the entry of spurious drugs at any point in the supply chain while exporting the drugs in foreign markets. DGFT mandates pharma manufacturers to mark their export consignment with GS1-authorized barcodes. The barcodes help the authorities cross-check the drugs’ manufacturing details at any point in the supply chain. GS1’s DataKartTrace is driven by various EU regulations and international safety laws.

International acceptability

GS1 India’s DataKart Trace helps organizations get international acceptability for their products. GS1 India follows global standards for identifying, capturing, and sharing supply chain information; hence it meets the compliance requirements of various countries. DataKartTrace helps increase security, visibility, and control in the supply chain. Thus, by adopting GS1 traceability services, enterprises don’t need to stress their resources for managing numerous international regulations and licenses. GS1 India eases their work. With product GTINs, GS1 India helps trace the product back to its manufacturing plants, production lines, and production batch. It empowers the business owner to keep an eye on their contract manufacturers and suppliers.

Product recall

Product recall is the process of calling your products off the market in case of safety, legal or regulatory breach. Recall happens when an organization fails to comply with the guidelines and requirements set by the regulatory bodies such as FDA, FSSAI, or local government that can cause the consumer to suffer. Visibility, smooth and accurate flow of information across the supply chain, infrastructure availability, responsive information sharing, and logistics network are some of the necessities of an efficient product recall system. GS1 India’s traceability service helps the organization be recall-ready by ensuring a smooth flow of information, visibility, and responsiveness in the system. The pharmaceutical industry is more susceptible to product recalls because stringent compliances are issued on them, owning to the question of public safety. GS1 India helps organizations prevent product recall by monitoring their product quality and legal licenses and safeguards them with traceability if the product is recalled.

Product visibility

DataKartTrace helps enhance visibility in the supply chain. Visibility is essential for fight product counterfeiting and ensuring consumer safety. It also helps to make strategic decisions for improving the efficiency of logistics and supply chain operations. Product visibility helps pharmaceutical organizations plan their cold supply chain where the drugs, consumables, and other medical supplies are highly sensitive to temperature and other environmental conditions. GS1 India ensures that the information is available to all the stakeholders well in time and inconsistent manner. GS1 India promises an affordable solution for maintaining precision and accuracy in product information.

DataKartTrace is easy to implement and ensures interoperability by sharing the information in standard format overcoming geographical, jurisdictional, and language limits. The solution is customizable and flexible as per the needs of customers and the complexity of the supply chain. To know more about DataKartTrace, contact us.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is traceability important in the pharmaceutical industry?

Traceability is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of products. It enables the tracking and tracing of medications throughout the supply chain, helping to identify and address issues such as counterfeit products, contamination, and recalls, thereby safeguarding consumer health.

2. How to ensure traceability of a pharma product through good practices?

Ensuring traceability involves implementing good practices such as serialization, barcode labeling, and robust documentation systems. By accurately recording and tracking the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturing to distribution to the end consumer, companies can maintain traceability and compliance with regulatory requirements.

3. How does track and trace work in pharma?

Track and trace in the pharmaceutical industry involves assigning unique identifiers to individual units of medication, such as serial numbers or barcodes, and using technologies like RFID or blockchain to monitor their movement and location throughout the supply chain.

4. What are the challenges for implementing pharmaceutical drugs traceability in developing countries?

Challenges for implementing traceability in developing countries include limited infrastructure, lack of regulatory enforcement, inadequate technology adoption, and affordability issues. These factors can hinder the establishment of robust traceability systems and increase the risk of counterfeit or substandard medications entering the market.

5. What technologies are used for tracing pharmaceutical products?

Technologies used for tracing pharmaceutical products include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), barcoding solutions, serialization, blockchain, and track-and-trace software systems. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and recording of product movement and help ensure transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

6. Are there international standards for pharmaceutical product traceability?

Yes, several international standards and guidelines exist for pharmaceutical product traceability, including those set forth by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and regulatory agencies in various countries. These standards outline requirements and best practices for implementing traceability systems.

7. How does traceability help in the event of a product recall?

Traceability facilitates rapid and targeted product recalls by enabling companies to identify affected batches and trace their distribution channels. By quickly locating and removing potentially unsafe products from the market, traceability minimizes the risk of harm to consumers and helps protect the company’s reputation and financial interests.

10 Reasons to Choose DataKart for Your MDM Needs?

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Master data management is basically the set of tools and solutions that helps businesses manage their data effectively and profitably. With a boon in digitization, data has become a backbone for business analytics that drives profitability. Effective MDM helps business owners get significant insights into the market and understand the trends. Managing data empowers business owners to identify, analyse and report the key drivers of their business and adopt new business strategies accordingly. It is a tool that helps access business risk and improves business resiliency for unseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. MDM is an intelligent business investment that gives an overall business perspective by helping with data analysis, management, information sharing, and governance.

Most of the supply chains today are omnichannel, consisting of multiple retailers and distributors. The big data generated through various nodes can be challenging to handle because of the complexities involved. The product data shared in those omnichannel supply chains is available and shared in different formats across the network. Business owners must ensure that the time-sensitive information such as price, availability, product shelf life, etc., available to other nodes of the supply chain is always up to date. They need to ensure that their system is compatible to handle the volume, variety, and velocity of the data. Organizations lacking in any of these factors may face data management challenges such as inaccurate product information, duplicity, data threats, and lack of trust in the supply chain. Hence, MDM has become a need for a sustainable business.

Let us look at what attributes one should look at while choosing MDM services for managing product data and how GS1 India comply with those attributes.

Cloud-based storage:

GS1 India’s DataKart is a national product information repository that helps in collecting and storing data in a central cloud-based repository systematically and consistently. DataKart also ensures transparency in the system while sharing the data with stakeholders. DataKart helps brings all the nodes of supply chain together by providing a single cloud-based data storage platform. The information thus stored and shared via DataKart is always up-to-date, accurate and reliable.

Effortless data sharing:

With DataKart, you can share product data effortlessly and avoid the need of repetitive manual sharing. GS1 India’s MDM solution ensures the data is shared one-to-one with retailers and at the right time. This eliminates the need of manual sharing of data through emails with multiple nodes of the supply chain, which can be error-prone. Hence, the data shared is always updated and accurate with no human error. DataKart allows information sharing in the desired formats such as pdf, jpg, excel, etc. for the ease of business. Thus, Brand owners do not have to worry about the quality of images/ videos and copyright issues.

Quality of Information:

Any missing information can cause the business owner a considerable loss, but DataKart ensures that product information shared is complete with all the attributes. Product GTINs are verified for accuracy through the GS1 service called GTIN Validation, which strengthen trust in product information for brand owners, data recipients, and ultimately consumers. GS1 India’s MDM also helps in errorless PO generation.

Security:

With GS1 India, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your data. GS1 ensures product data safety through its SSL-secure server. The product information is available only on need basis hence, only authorized person can access the information as per his/her needs. With its secured system, GS1 India ensures fail-safe operation, robust protection against disaster, long-term reliability, expandability, and scalability. GS1 India is an ISO 27001 certified organization.

Instant Notifications:

DatakKart not only help in maintaining product list and their attributes up to time but also send a timely update of the changes. It gives instant notifications on whether the product is active or not, any price change, and informs about promotional product listing.

Enhanced Transparency:

By providing a single data storage and sharing platform, GS1 India’s MDM helps improving transparency in the system. Its smart consumer mobile app helps to connect with consumers directly and get their feedback and reviews in real-time. With GS1’s MDM solution, brand owners can get closer to their customers to improve their products.

Cost-saving:

GS1 India’s DataKart helps save costs by improving the efficiency of supply chain and logistics operations. DataKart provides a single view of the product that enables business owners to build an efficient supply chain. It helps to recollect product information in standardized manner. This gives access to volumetric data and helps brand owners strategize plans and make decisions accurately. GS1’s MDM also helps to improve productivity by reducing order mismatch issues that may lead to significant loss to the business owners.

Increased Revenue:

GS1 India’s DataKart fosters automation which reduces the need for manhandling of the data. Automation enables faster PO generation, improved fill rate, lesser stock out scenarios, and greater on-shelf availability. Thus, it enhances the quality of service. GS1’s single storage source meets both online and offline channel requirements and reduces time-to-market.

Barcode management:

GS1 India is the only organization set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to authorize barcodes. GS1 India not only helps in getting barcode for your products but also manages the information linked to its GTINs as the barcode gets scanned at various nodes in the supply chain. DataKart allows to store this information and use it whenever and wherever required.

GS1 is a non-profit organization set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. With over 13000 companies and 5.5 million products across 40 categories, GS1 India has gained trust from various organizations for its Master Data Management services. GS1 India’s Master data management service helps in seamless handling and sharing of data among all the stakeholders of the value chain. GS1 India is highly trusted for Master data management. With GS1 India’s MDM services, Brand owners have realized up to 15% time saving, overcame reconciliation issues, improved fill rates, and accelerated automation in their process. To know more, visit GS1 India.

Benefits of GS1 India’s DataKart Trace: A Case Study of Indian Army Supply Chain

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

The Indian Army faces many challenges in managing its operations that ranges from ammunition management to food supply chain management, it continuously strives to beat those challenges by bringing in innovative solutions. In recent times, one of the challenges the Indian Army faced was the lack of traceability in the movements of arms and ammunition during peace and wars. It faced a similar challenge in tracking its frozen and dry ration items from its manufacturing units to Army unit canteens situated at diverse locations in the country.

To counter these traceability issues, the Indian Army consulted GS1 India, a non-profit organization established under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Government of India. Datakart availability, ensuring safe operations, and seamless ammunition movements in times of peace and war. GS1 India, through its traceability services.

The volume of ammunition inventory the Indian Army handles is enormous. These inventory items are stored in lots in hundreds of storehouses of explosives. Keeping lakhs of ammunition in stacks not only makes them susceptible to accidents but also makes their tracing difficult. Real-time location visibility to this ammunition inventory is critical for effectively monitoring stocart Trace, helps the Indian Army keep track of its ammunition inventory which otherwise is very difficult to identify and locate at the (Central Ammunition Depot) CAD.

GS1 India undertook a comprehensive study of CAD’s logistics and warehouse management processes and systems. To ensure end-to-end traceability of ammunition movement, GS1 India suggested using automated data capture technologies like RFID with GS1 global standards for facilitating real-time asset tracking and stock management. Traceability enables identifying, tracking, and tracing the ammunition items throughout the supply chain as they move from different locations to the central Ammunition depot. Indian Army accepted the suggestions given by GS1 India and adopted the use of RFID tags on all ammunition prior to their dispatch to CAD. DataKart Trace, in alignment with GS1 traceability standards, also helps to reconcile physical stocks with the system inventory.

DataKart Trace also helps the Indian Army manage its food supply chain in compliance with FSSAI’s guidelines on product recall and traceability. DataKartTrace helps maintain the quality of the food supplies, which was one of the challenges faced by the Indian Army. By enabling tracking and tracing at the unit and batch levels, DataKart Trace enables product freshness by allowing easy FIFO implementation.

DataKart Trace also helps the Indian Army reduce manual intervention and human errors with handling product data. GS1 India follows Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPICS) standards for creating and sharing visibility event data. This gives better visibility on shelf life by providing real-time and accurate product data making Indian Army recall ready in the event of contamination in food at any point in the supply chain. GS1 India is an ISO 27001 certified organization.

With DataKart Trace, GS1 India has gained high value and trust among many private and government organizations. The Indian Army is using DataKart Trace extensively to ensure food and ammunition traceability. The successful results of the consulting of the Indian Army by GS1 India indicate how efficient DataKart Trace is in bringing traceability in the supply chain; To know more, Visit GS1 India.

What Makes GS1 India A New Age Consultant

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

In Consulting industry, many firms have found their niche in providing vertical-specific solutions. Client organizations wish to have the solutions to their distinct problems curated by industry experts. As a result, there is a rapid growth of vertical-specific consultants, be it in product management, supply chain management, product recall, traceability, etc. Talking specifically of supply chain and traceability solutions, the COVID-19 pandemic has boomed the consulting market with clients from FMCG, pharmaceutical, retail, and defence sectors seeking expertise to deal with real-time problems. Consulting firms dealing with supply chain related verticals need to show expertise in data management, data analytics, data warehousing, and automation to show operability with different organizations and meet the demand of the current technology-inspired business environment. GS1 India is a non-profit organization that defines new boundaries in supply chain and traceability consulting by positioning itself as a tech-savvy consultant with bespoke solutions.

 

GS1 India is a global supply chain standards organization affiliated with GS1 Global and set up the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India It brings in the knowledge and experience of 115 GS1 organizations around the globe to understand business processes related to data capture and provide recommendations based on standards-based technology to ensure interoperability and achieve efficiency.  As part of its Consulting/Advisory portfolio, GS1 India undertakes a comprehensive study of supply chain processes across Industry sectors covering omnichannel retail, healthcare, transport & logistics, Defence, etc., identifies related areas of inefficiency, and suggest solutions on how these could be addressed through the adoption of global standards. GS1 offers services in warehouse management , EDI implementation, track and trace (through its traceability service – DatakartTrace), product recall, authentication through serialization of products and documents, RFID implementation using global standards, product catalogue, etc. GS1 India excels in data management, offers a pool of expertise, and ensures standard-compliant processes for analyzing problems and providing customized solutions. They help to unlock the opportunities in sales growth, reducing cost, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

GS1 India has already helped several organizations getting solutions to their supply chain problems. Indian Army uses global standards-based DataKart Trace to ensure the quality of food supplies and effectively track frozen and dry ration items from manufacturing up to Army Unit Canteens, based on FSSAI recall and traceability guidelines.  With GS1 traceability standards, the Indian Army is also gaining real-time location visibility of their ammunition inventory which is critical to ensure stock availability and ammunition movements in times of peace and war. GS1 India has carried out a study of processes for the Indian Navy and submitted a technical feasibility report for keeping track of ammunition in Naval Armament Depots (NAD) and while they are being issued to the ships.

In the consumer sector, GS1 India has helped TATA Consumer products increase traceability in their supply chain based on GS1 standards to ensure freshness of tea products, efficiency, and targeted recalls in line with FSSAI standards. On the other hand, Tata Steel is using DataKart Trace for end-to-end order tracking of its furniture products under the brand name Tata Pravesh.

Is Your Business Ready for Product Recall?

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Overview

Organisations are required to carry out due diligence to avoid any such occurrences that may cost them resources such as money, time, and labour. However, there are some scenarios where companies are unable to ensure this due diligence requires the need for product recalls. In simple terms, recall is the activity of calling back the products supplied in the market upon realising the defects to ensure consumer safety. 

What is a product recall?

A product recall is the activity of initiating retrieval of products that may either be defective, expired, or infected, from the market to avoid jeopardization of consumer safety and business performance. The recall request is raised by the supplier/business owner upon identifying the defects. Not recalling faulty products from the system can call serious regulatory actions making it essential to identify and take necessary actions at the earliest. 

How to manage a product recall procedure 

The successful implementation of the whole recall procedure is highly crucial. Handling and managing the recall process is a very delicate process and needs a perfect equilibrium of support from all parties involved and alertness. Here’s a quick guide for you to successfully manage a product recall procedure.

1. React quickly

The reaction is critical in the event of default, no reaction can result in the consumption of faulty products which can sabotage the health, happiness, or experience of the consumers.

2. Notify authorities

Once you have identified the issue it is crucial to inform the authorities or agencies involved as quickly as possible. There may or may not be specific recall guidelines that you may have to follow depending on the product you serve and in which industry.

3. Give an explanation

To leave a positive impact, it is important to explain your product recalls to the end consumer. It helps maintain goodwill and ensures consumers understand the reason behind your sudden course of action.

4. Be available for questions

To avoid chaos, it is always advised to address public concerns, questions, or outrage if any. To make things easier you can set up an email account or provide a phone number for consumers to shoot their grievances.

5. Offer refunds

Business owners will have to provide full refunds or provide a functional/ fit-to-consume product to consumers. It serves as an opportunity to preserve customer relationships.

6. Use product recall insurance

Product recall is a costly process and can drain organisations of their hard-earned money. It is therefore radical to use insurance in such cases to cover costs such as shipping, disposal, and advertising.

7. Reintroduce the product

After the product is recalled from the market, start planning on the reintroduction of the product. The procedure can include strategizing marketing plans and agendas and taking consultations to avoid such instances in the future.

Types of Product Recall 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies product recalls into three classes, with Class I being the products with the highest chances of posing injuries or even death. Products that can cause injuries or temporary illness fall in Class II, and products that are not harmful but still violate the regulations fall in Class III.

Class I: Recalls

The safety of the consumers is supreme and hence products that pose the greatest threat to this safety fall under Class I recalls.

Class II: Recalls

Class II recalls happen when there are remote chances of causing adverse health conditions or the product is capable of inflicting medically reversible consequences.  

Class III: Recalls

When the risk involved is near to nil, such products fall in the Class III category. Consumer exposure to such products will unlikely result in adverse health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of products are typically recalled?

Food and drug-related, vehicles, or any other products that have the power to negatively impact consumers are typically recalled from the market.

2. How are product recalls announced to the public?

The organisation is liable to promptly inform the consumers through print, paper, or electronic media. It must also apprise the local/concerned authorities as a precautionary measure. The announcement should contain details such as the name of the organisation recalling the product and the product name, the date of manufacturing, the actions that the consumer should take, and a “do not consume” message. It must also have an emergency contact number. 

3. Who is responsible for enforcing product recalls?

As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution for product recalls, manufacturers or retailers are compelled to recall any product from the market that is deemed unfit for consumers. The guidelines provide the framework in which manufacturers or retailers have to operate, starting from informing government entities to informing the end consumers.

4. Are all recalled products completely removed from the market?

Yes, all the recalled products are completely removed from the market and consumers are compensated with either a full refund of the product or by providing a replacement of the product.

5. Can a product be recalled more than once?

A product can be recalled more than once if more than one contamination is identified. It can also be recalled more than one time when more lot number variations or retail locations are identified.

6. What steps should companies take to prevent future recalls?

Thoroughly know your product before releasing it in the market. Make sure the product is compliant with the industry regulations. Do product testing before the launch to identify any gaps, and make sure the product is 100% safe. Additionally, product inspections throughout the supply chain can help businesses resolve any catastrophe at the earliest.

7. Are there any penalties for companies that fail to initiate a recall?

As per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, any company or entity that fails to recall products from the market as and when asked by the concerned authority is liable to face criminal actions and civil liability.

GS1 DataKart – Your Single Point Solution to Data Sharing Problems

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Data sharing problems are one of the latest additions to many business challenges faced by brand owners. With most organizations setting up their gears to find the perfect solution, they fail either to find the right solution or to implement them. But before we get into what these problems are and how you can tackle them with GS1 India’s DataKart, let us look at their origin and why these problems are raising eyebrows for brand owners. In 2021, an estimated 68% of Instagram users view photos directly from brands, and enormous amount of emails are exchanged every day to inform on the changes in product information. The problems in product data sharing are thus are inevitable and need intervention. 

GS1 India’s DataKart is a national product information repository for storing and sharing your product data in a systematic and structured manner. DataKart provides a platform to brand owners where they can upload their product data which is then validated by retailers and online marketplaces using GS1 repositories for completeness and accuracy.

With its highly efficient cloud storage and use of GS1 global standards, it can ease the difficulties faced while sharing data.

Since, there is no standard format for sharing data, and hence different brand owners and retailers use different means and formats for sharing and storing product information. Amazon, for example, has its own list of specifications for uploading product images. These specifications might not match those of other eCommerce websites. If you are a brand owner selling your product on multiple eCommerce platforms, then sharing your product images and other information might be troublesome and time-consuming for you.

DataKart helps this by compiling the product information in a standardised format and sharing the same with retailers and eCommerce websites in their native format. This not only saves time but also reduces errors while sharing data.

The emails are still the medium for data sharing in most organizations. It may be in the form of word doc or excel, or pdf. The chances of missing the email or missing product information shared over the email or recording the incorrect data in those files are much higher. DataKart nullifies this probability of error as well by sharing the data from system to system and minimises the human intervention.

The product information is also uploaded to GS1’s global data repository – Verified by GS1, to strengthen trust in better product information for brand owners, data recipients and ultimately consumers, thereby enhancing global visibility.

Besides providing an efficient data sharing environment, DataKart offers a responsive network to quickly share the product information changes so that the market-sensitive information such as product availability, price, offers, and discounts, etc., is always up to date. By ensuring single storage, DataKart avoids information mismatch between different supply chain nodes and eliminates the need for multiple manual sharing.

It further extends the visibility to product information through Smart Consumer mobile app, which is used by consumers to access digital product information and hence make informed purchase decision.

To know more about DataKart , visit GS1 India.

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