Think You Have Supply Chain Visibility? Not Without GS1 Standards

Imagine needing to recall a single product only to realize you can’t pinpoint where a specific batch came from, when it was packed, or where it went. Now multiply that uncertainty across hundreds of suppliers, systems, and regions.  

That’s the visibility challenge many supply chains face today.  

Despite decades of technological advancement, most supply chains are still struggling with disconnected data, inconsistent tracking systems, and poor interoperability between partners. These silos create serious risks. 

GS1 standards offer a global system that unifies supply chain data and allows for true visibility.  

The Problem: Fragmented Supply Chain Data 

Organizations often rely on disconnected systems where each partner maintains their own data formats and protocols. A manufacturer might use one product coding system, while their supplier uses another. This creates a digital Tower of Babel where critical information becomes lost in translation. 

In practical terms, this means: 

• Delayed product recalls, risking consumer safety and brand damage 
• Inefficient inventory management, leading to overstock or stockouts 
• Inaccurate forecasts, due to misaligned data streams 
• Non-compliance risks, especially in regulated industries like pharma or food 

When systems can’t communicate, supply chains can’t perform at their best.  

What are GS1 Standards?  

GS1 is a non-profit organization that develops global standards to identify, capture, and share information about products, locations, assets, and more. You likely interact with GS1 standards every day without realizing it. Most barcodes on retail items are powered by them.  

For reference, here are some examples of GS1 standards you might use or see:  

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): Unique identifier for products (used in barcodes on retail items). 
• GLN (Global Location Number): Identifies physical or digital locations (like warehouses, stores, or departments). 
• SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code): Used to identify logistics units such as pallets or cases. 
• GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network): Enables standardized, real-time data sharing between trading partners. 

What GS1 Standards Bring to the Table 

The adoption of GS1 Standards does more than improve supply chain operations, it builds trust and collaboration across the entire value chain. According to GS1 research, 77% of companies that adopt GS1 Standards report higher confidence in managing supply chain disruptions, a critical advantage in a world where delays, shortages, and geopolitical shifts are becoming routine. 

That same confidence extends into long-term strategy. 70% of companies recognize the importance of improving sustainability in their supply chains, and GS1’s standardized data approach helps them measure and report progress more effectively.  

Trust in the data itself is another clear benefit. 60% of companies using GS1 Standards trust the accuracy and reliability of shared data, reducing errors and misunderstandings that can lead to costly inefficiencies. Perhaps most importantly, these organizations are also future-ready: they’re more likely to implement cutting-edge technologies like real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and RFID. GS1 isn’t just a standard—it’s a springboard for innovation. 

Enabling End-to-End Visibility Across Tiers 

What makes GS1 so powerful is its ability to connect data across every supply chain tier —from tier 3 suppliers all the way to retail shelves. 

Let’s say a pharmaceutical company manufactures critical medication. Using GS1 standards, they can trace each component: 

• The active ingredient, sourced from a chemical supplier in India (GLN + GTIN) 
• The packaging materials, shipped from a different region (SSCC for transport units) 
• The production events, logged using EPCIS at the factory 
• The distribution to hospitals and pharmacies, tracked with GS1 barcodes 

Visibility creates a digital thread of events and product identifiers. With this setup: 

• If a defect is discovered in a batch of packaging, it can be traced back to the origin 
• A product recall can be targeted for specific batches, not the entire product line 
• Regulators can be provided with tamper-proof data trails for audit purposes 

Practical Steps to Get Started 

Transitioning to GS1 standards might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a roadmap: 

Conduct a Data Audit: Review current systems, data flows, and identify where gaps or inconsistencies exist. 

Map Stakeholders and Systems: List internal departments and external partners involved in your supply chain and determine how they handle product/location data. 

Start with Priority Products or Locations: Apply GS1 identifiers and track a pilot product or category. 

Implement EPCIS for Event Sharing: Begin capturing and sharing supply chain events (e.g., shipping, receiving, processing). 

Engage with GS1 Member Organizations: These bodies provide resources, support, and certification programs to help organizations implement standards effectively. 

Collaborate with Solution Providers: Many ERP, WMS, and traceability solutions are already GS1-compatible and can move you forward.  

Final Thoughts: Shared Standards, Shared Success 

In a supply chain, visibility is everything. Whether you're managing global shipments, sensitive materials, or consumer goods, the ability to trace products across geographies and systems is non-negotiable. GS1 standards enable strategic clarity.  

CTG helps companies apply GS1 standards and manage their data for more effective operations while mitigating disruptions in their supply chain.  

Stay tuned for our next piece in the series, where we share CTG’s - and its parent company, Cegeka’s — long history of adopting and promoting GS1 standards.