Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

Definition

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a globally unique 14-digit number used to identify trade items, products, and services. It is the umbrella term for various common barcodes and product identifiers, including UPC (Universal Product Code) in North America, EAN (European Article Number) in Europe, and ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for books. GTINs are essential for unambiguous product identification across the supply chain, retail, and e-commerce, enabling efficient tracking and management of inventory and sales.

Why It's Important for E-commerce

For e-commerce, accurate GTIN management is fundamental. Marketplaces like Amazon and Bol.com often require GTINs for product listings to ensure uniqueness and prevent counterfeits. GTINs facilitate efficient inventory management, automated point-of-sale scanning, and seamless data exchange between trading partners. Without correct GTINs, products may fail to list on major channels, leading to lost sales opportunities and operational inefficiencies.

Examples

• An EAN-13 barcode on a physical product package in a European supermarket, also used for its online listing.
• A UPC-A code on a product sold in the US, required for Amazon's product catalog.
• An ISBN for a book listed on an online bookstore.
• A GTIN-14 used for a case of 24 soft drinks, distinct from the GTIN-12 for a single can.
• Identifying a product's global identity across different countries despite local variations in packaging or naming.

How WISEPIM Helps

• Centralized GTIN Management: WISEPIM stores and manages all GTINs (UPC, EAN, ISBN) in a single, accessible location, ensuring accurate product identification.
• Enhanced Marketplace Compliance: Easily syndicate correct GTINs to e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, meeting their stringent product identification requirements.
• Improved Data Accuracy: Validate GTINs to prevent errors and ensure each product has a globally unique identifier, reducing listing rejections and data inconsistencies.
• Efficient Product Tracking: Use GTINs as a key identifier within WISEPIM for seamless integration with inventory, logistics, and sales systems.

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