Barcode & automatic-identification glossary
Terms used across product identification, logistics labels, scanning, RFID and traceability.
| Application Identifier (AI) | A GS1 prefix that defines the meaning and format of the data that follows. |
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| Asset tag | An identifier attached to durable equipment for custody and lifecycle tracking. |
| Barcode | A machine-readable optical data carrier using bars, spaces, dots or modules. |
| Check digit | A calculated digit used to detect many common data-entry errors. |
| Data carrier | The physical or electronic means used to carry an identifier or structured data. |
| Data Matrix | A two-dimensional matrix barcode symbology. |
| Direct part marking (DPM) | Applying a machine-readable mark directly to a part instead of a separate label. |
| EAN | A familiar name associated with the EAN/UPC retail barcode family. |
| EPC | Electronic Product Code, used for serialized identification in RFID and visibility systems. |
| EPCIS | A GS1 standard for sharing visibility-event data about objects and processes. |
| GLN | Global Location Number, a GS1 key for identifying locations or parties. |
| GS1 DataMatrix | Data Matrix used with GS1 element-string syntax and Application Identifiers. |
| GS1 Digital Link | A standards-based URI syntax connecting GS1 identifiers with web resources and structured data. |
| GTIN | Global Trade Item Number, a GS1 identifier for trade items. |
| Human-readable interpretation | Text printed with a barcode so people can read key encoded information. |
| ITF-14 | A linear barcode commonly used on outer cases in distribution environments. |
| Lot / batch | An identifier for a group of items produced or handled together. |
| NFC | Near Field Communication, a short-range radio technology in the RFID family. |
| Quiet zone | Required clear space around a barcode symbol. |
| RAIN RFID | Common term for passive UHF RFID technology used in inventory and supply-chain applications. |
| RFID | Radio-frequency identification using tags and readers. |
| Serial number | An identifier intended to distinguish one individual unit from another. |
| SKU | Stock keeping unit, usually an internal organization-defined item identifier. |
| SSCC | Serial Shipping Container Code, a GS1 identifier for logistic units. |
| UPC | A familiar retail-barcode term, commonly associated with UPC-A and GTIN-12. |
| Verification | Formal measurement of barcode symbol quality against defined criteria. |