Simplified GS1 standard Barcode for Forms

[Sumit_Holey]

Hello, everyone

I wanted to give important information on the GS1 standard. barcode printing on Smartforms or Adobe Forms.

So we commonly use code-128 standard barcodes, but EAN 128 is distinct from code-128. Whereas both appear similar but contain different facts.

Code 128 and EAN 128 (now formally known as GS1-128) are both popular barcode standards; however, they perform different functions and have distinct properties. Here's an overview of the main differences.

1. Code 128 barcode.

• Purpose: General-purpose barcode symbology.
• Code 128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters, including alphanumeric and special characters. It accepts numbers, letters (upper and lowercase), and various symbols.
• Applications include shipping labels, product identification, inventory management, and more. It is versatile and can encode a wide range of data types.
• Code 128 uses three-character sets (A, B, and C) for efficient encoding:
• Set A contains uppercase letters, numbers, and control characters.
• Set B contains all ASCII characters (upper and lowercase).
• Set C encodes numeric data in a compact format (2 digits per symbol).
• Data Handling: The barcode symbology lacks industry-specific standards.

1. EAN 128 (GS1-128) Barcode

• Purpose: A GS1-compliant form of Code 128, utilized for supply chain management.
• The encoding is based on Code 128, which supports 128 ASCII characters. However, it includes Application Identifiers (AIs), which offer context for the data (e.g., product codes, batch numbers, expiration dates).
• Application: Used in logistics and supply chain operations to identify products, shipping units, and healthcare items. It is governed by the GS1 standard, which maintains consistency across industries worldwide.

 Structure: It begins with a Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1), distinguishing it from conventional Code 128. Following the FNC1, it contains specific Application Identifiers (AIs) that specify the meaning and format of the encoded data.

• Data Handling: GS1-128 needs tight formatting rules based on GS1 standards for global supply chain activities.

Key Differences:

Aspect	Code 128	EAN 128 (GS1-128)
Encoding Scheme	Supports all ASCII characters	Same as Code 128 but with GS1 standards
Purpose	General-purpose	Supply chain, logistics, healthcare
Data Structure	Flexible, no specific format	Structured with GS1 Application Identifiers
FNC1 Character	Not used	Mandatory, distinguishes from Code 128
Standards	No specific industry standard	Follows GS1 standards
Applications	Shipping labels, product IDs, general use	Product identification, shipments, healthcare items

To summarize, Code 128 is a versatile barcode symbology for general usage, EAN 128 (GS1-128) is specifically developed for standardized data encoding in supply chain and logistics contexts, adhering to GS1 standards and structured data via Application Identifiers.

Creating a GS1 barcode (particularly a GS1-128 barcode) entails a few important stages, including getting a GS1 Company Prefix, building the barcode content using Application Identifiers (AIs), and utilizing proper software or tools to generate the barcode itself. This is a detailed guide:

Step-by-Step Process to Generate GS1-128 (EAN 128) Barcode

1. Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix

• Register with GS1: To generate a GS1-compliant barcode, you need to obtain a GS1 Company Prefix from your local GS1 organization. This prefix uniquely identifies your company and is the foundation of all your product codes.
• You can register through GS1’s official website.
• Once registered, GS1 will assign a Company Prefix that can range in length (typically 6 to 10 digits).

1. Identify the Data to Encode Using Application Identifiers (AIs)

GS1-128 barcodes are built using Application Identifiers (AIs), which indicate the meaning of the data following them (e.g., product codes, lot numbers, expiration dates).

Here are some common AIs:

• (01): Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
• (10): Batch or lot number
• (17): Expiration date (YYMMDD)
• (21): Serial number

Example: If you want to encode a GTIN, batch number, and expiration date, you will use the AIs 01, 10, and 17.

• You can find the full list of AIs on GS1’s Application Identifiers webpage.

To get GS1 std code in form , you need to follow below steps:

• Go to SE73 
• Select System Bar Code Create 
• Enter the name and description of the bar code 
• create Barcode with below details
• Assign barcode to style and character

And then to a value maintain |>;>8| and your value (0012345...) as shown below 

This will generate Barcode in EAN 128 standard