New GS1 Program Expands UPC Access

A new GS1 US Certified Identification Partner Program aims to increase a brand’s access to securing GS1 product identifiers while simultaneously enhancing solution provider offerings.

GS1 US is a member of GS1 Global, a not-for-profit information standards organization that facilitates industry collaboration to help improve supply chain visibility and efficiency.

Aarongraphics, Avery Dennison, InterTrade, Label Interactive Technologies, Salsify, Kwikee and Syndigo are the first solutions provider partners to become certified.

Providers that become GS1 US Certified Identification Partners can help their customers obtain a GS1 Company Prefix to create authentic Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs). These numbers — also called Universal Product Codes (UPCs) —uniquely ID a brand company and its products across digital and physical retail.

Brands securing their prefix via the partner’s website will be linked directly to GS1 US, and the issued identifier can be passed back in near real time to the solution partner, according to the group, automating the item setup process and increasing speed to market.

GS1 US said that 57% of small brands experiencing significant growth said using GTINs/UPCs in their product listings helps customers more easily find their products online, and 45% said they are a primary driver of business growth.