Parsing GS1 Application Identifiers with Dynamsoft Barcode Reader

Understanding GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs)

GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) are two to four digit numeric prefixes embedded within the barcodes, followed by actual information that the barcode contains. They provide context to the information encoded in the barcode to ensure that barcode data such as GTIN, weight, dimension, expiration date etc. are universally understood. GS1 AIs were introduced to ensure consistent data interpretation across industries like retail, healthcare, logistics etc. For example, in retail, GS1 AIs help tracking inventory with unique product identification while in logistics, they enable traceability throughout the supply chain. Healthcare organization rely on them for precise medication tracking and patient safety, while in manufacturing, GS1 AIs facilitate process automation by embedding production details into barcodes.

Barcode Formats Supporting GS1 Application Identifiers

GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) are used in several barcode symbologies across different industries. Some of the barcode formats that support GS1 AIs include:

  • GS1-128 – Widely used in logistics as shipping labels, warehousing, and supply chain as it can encode extensive alphanumeric data.
  • GS1 Data Matrix – Popularly used in healthcare because of its high data density in a compact space. It is ideal for encoding serial numbers, manufacturing dates, expiration dates in pharmaceutical packaging.
  • GS1 QR Code – One of the most popular format because of their versatility. These can be used to let consumers scan the barcode and access product details online.
  • GS1 DataBar – Commonly used in retail point-of-sale systems for encoding weight, price or expiration dates on fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, and meat products.

Let’s take a look at few example barcodes with embedded GS1 AIs

gs1-databar-expanded-stacked

The above image is a GS1 Databar Expanded Stacked with GTIN (01) and Weight (3202)

GS1-128-barcode

This is an example of GS1-128 barcode with GTIN (01), Production date (11) and Batch number (10).

GS1-composite-code

This is a GS1 Composite code with AIs (17) Use by date, (10) batch or lot number and (01) GTIN.

These examples clarify how GS1 Application Identifiers are integrated within barcodes, making the encoded data structured and meaningful.

Parsing GS1 AIs with Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK

Dynamsoft Barcode Reader (DBR) offers robust functionality for parsing GS1 Application Identifiers, simplifying the extraction of data from various barcode types. Dynamsoft Barcode Reader recognizes GS1 formats and automatically parse the embedded AIs, providing a structured output that separates the AI prefixes from their corresponding data values. This ensures that the extracted information is not just a continuous string of characters but a well-organized set of data points, each with a defined meaning. Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK’s algorithm is designed to handle the complexities of different GS1 barcode formats, including GS1-128, GS1 Data Matrix, GS1 QR code or GS1 DataBar, ensuring consistent and reliable parsing across various applications.

Here is an example of GS1-28 barcode containing multiple Application Identifiers and how Dynamsoft Barcode Reader would parse it:

GS1-128

01 Identification of trade item (GTIN) 01234567890128
10 Batch or lot number 654321
21 Serial number 98765

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