The Barcode Scan App for Exact Online supports the use of GS1 and UDI barcodes. A GS1 barcode is a barcode that can contain multiple data fields. This allows you to scan both the item number and the batch or serial number with a single scan. Another widely used barcode is the HIBC barcode UDI.
Using GS1 barcodes reduces the chance of errors and allows for faster processing. Because more information is stored in the barcode, only one scan is needed instead of multiple scans with intermediate actions to select the correct field.
GS1 requirement
For various industries it will become mandatory in the coming years to use a GS1 or UDI code. Under the European MDR (Medical Device Regulation) directive for medical devices or directive 93/42/EEC, the use of GS1 or UDI codes is prescribed. GS1 or UDI barcodes are also increasingly being used for pharmaceuticals.
The use of GS1 barcodes enables rapid tracing of batch numbers or serial numbers of products. This makes it possible to achieve fully comprehensive track and trace.
GS1 barcode structure
The GS1 barcode is made up of different fields, each containing its own information. Each field starts with its own unique Application Identifier (AI) that indicates what information is stored in the field. This is followed by the data field. This data field can have a fixed number of characters or be terminated with the FNC1 character.
The following Application Identifiers are commonly used:
- 01 – Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) unique item code
- 10 – Batch number
- 17 – Expiry date
- 21 – Serial number
- 30 – Quantity
The full description of the GS1 barcode can be found on the GS1 website:
https://www.gs1.org/sites/default/files/docs/barcodes/GS1_General_Specifications.pdf
The Barcode Scan App supports the use of GS1 barcodes in most functions.
GS1 barcode example
The image below shows an example of a GS1 datamatrix barcode. The GS1 barcode can also be displayed in the form of a CODE-128 barcode.
The barcode above contains the following information:
0198765432101234100547287N0
The first 2 digits are the Application Identifier (01) for the GTIN, which represents the unique item number. This AI is followed by the 14-digit GTIN number.
The next AI is the number 10, which indicates that the batch number follows. In this example, the batch number is 0547287N0.
How can you use GS1 barcodes in Exact Online?
To use GS1 barcodes in the Barcode Scan App for Exact Online, you need to enable GS1 barcodes in the settings under the Barcode tab. Press save to store these settings:
Then make sure that the barcode field of the items in Exact Online is filled with the 14-digit GTIN number:
Also make sure that the inventory checkbox is enabled. Optionally, you can indicate whether the item uses batch or serial numbers. This allows the batch number or serial number to be recognised and processed directly when scanning the GS1 barcode.
Then make sure that these changes are properly synchronised in the Barcode Scan App by refreshing the app cache from the settings:
You can then scan the GS1 barcodes to identify the items:
By scanning a single barcode, the following information is recognised:
- Item
- Batch number or serial number
- Expiry or best-before date
In this example, the following GS1 barcode is scanned:
010570748000432517221209101000468267
This GS1 barcode contains 3 Application Identifiers (AI).
The first AI is 01 and represents the GTIN. The GTIN must match the barcode field in Exact Online. AI 17 indicates the expiry date. And AI 10 is the batch number.
When you press the batch number button, you can also find the expiry date there:
