Why Standardized Codification with GS1 is Key?

Introduction

In today's interconnected supply chains and dynamic retail environments, unique and unambiguous product identification is no longer a luxury—it's a fundamental necessity. As businesses increasingly adopt RAIN RFID technology for enhanced visibility and operational efficiency, the underlying method of "codification"—how individual items are digitally named and identified—becomes paramount. This is precisely where global standards, particularly those meticulously developed by GS1, play a crucial role in ensuring your RAIN RFID solution delivers maximum, sustainable value.

At Decathlon RFID Services, as a leading member of GS1 and pioneers in large-scale RAIN RFID deployment, we understand that a successful implementation goes far beyond just tags and readers; it begins with a robust, globally standardized identification system.

What is an EPC?

The Digital DNA or your products

At the very heart of RAIN RFID's transformative capability lies the Electronic Product Code (EPC). It's best to think of the EPC not merely as a serial number, but as a unique digital identifier—a kind of "digital DNA"—for every single physical item. This code, securely stored on an individual RFID tag, is meticulously structured to provide highly granular information and, critically, to ensure that each item possesses a globally unique identity.

This isn't just an arbitrary string of characters. The EPC is a powerful syntax for unique identifiers, specifically designed for physical objects, logistical units, locations, or any other entity playing a vital role in your business operations. The globally recognized standards for this syntax are developed and maintained by GS1, the same organization responsible for the ubiquitous barcodes that streamline commerce worldwide. This robust GS1 framework empowers the EPC, ensuring that a tagged item's distinct identity can be consistently recognized, understood, and seamlessly shared across diverse systems, organizations, and international borders.


A Look Inside the Code

The GS1 EPC Tag Data Standard (TDS) is the cornerstone document that specifies the precise data format of the EPC. It also provides standardized methodologies for encoding various GS1 identification keys (which many businesses already utilize, such as GTINs for products) into an EPC for use on an RFID tag.

While different EPC schemes are tailored for various objects (e.g., SGTIN for trade items, SSCC for pallets and logistical units, GRAI for returnable assets), a typical EPC structure generally includes the following key components:

1. Header: This initial segment is crucial as it defines the specific EPC encoding scheme being used (e.g., SGTIN-96, SSCC-96), its version, and the overall length of the EPC. Essentially, it tells any reading system how to correctly interpret the subsequent parts of the code.
2. Brand Owner Identifier (GS1 Company Prefix): This integral part of the code uniquely identifies the organization responsible for assigning and managing the EPC. In most cases, this directly corresponds to the GS1 Company Prefix allocated to the brand owner or manufacturer. This ensures that all EPCs originating from a particular company can be clearly and unambiguously distinguished globally.
3. Item Reference: This segment identifies the specific type or class of the object being tagged. For instance, if the EPC is based on a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), this part would correspond to the item reference portion of the GTIN, specifying a particular product model (e.g., a specific style and size of a running shoe).
4. Serial Number: This part gives each physical item its own unique ID within its specific product group. So, even with millions of identical products, the serial number makes sure every single unit has a distinct EPC. This is key for true item-level tracking, a major benefit of RAIN RFID.

For example, an SGTIN-based EPC on a RAIN RFID tag for a specific pair of Decathlon running shoes would combine Decathlon's GS1 Company Prefix, the specific item reference for that shoe model and size, and a unique serial number that distinguishes that single pair from every other pair ever produced. The combinaison of the GS1 Company prefix, the item reference and serial number make the product really unique !

This globally standardized, hierarchical structure is fundamental. It allows RAIN RFID systems to capture unique identifiers from potentially hundreds of tags simultaneously, without needing direct line-of-sight, and to do so with remarkable speed and accuracy. This capability is the bedrock for transforming inventory management, enhancing supply chain visibility, and unlocking a multitude of other operational benefits.

Who is GS1?

GS1 is a neutral, not-for-profit, global organization that develops and maintains the most widely used system of standards for business communication. For over 50 years, GS1 has been working with industries, for industries, to make it easier for companies to do business efficiently and securely. They are perhaps most famously known as the organization behind the barcode, which revolutionized retail and supply chains starting in the 1970s. Today, GS1 standards extend beyond barcodes to other data carriers like RAIN RFID (through EPC) and 2D codes, and also cover data synchronization and business process standards. They operate through a network of Member Organizations in over 115 countries.

GS1's primary objective is to improve the efficiency, security, and visibility of supply chains across physical and digital channels globally.

Why using GS1 standard?

Leveraging GS1 standards within your RAIN RFID project is critically important for several key reasons:

• Global Interoperability: GS1-based EPCs ensure that your products can be identified and tracked seamlessly across different partners, systems, and geographical borders. If you're sharing data with suppliers, logistics providers, or retailers, a common, standardized language is absolutely essential for efficient collaboration.
  
  
• Data Accuracy and Integrity: Standardized codification significantly reduces errors that can arise from proprietary or inconsistent numbering systems. Reliable, accurate data is the foundation of any successful RFID application, from precise inventory management and streamlined logistics to effective loss prevention.
  
  
• Future-Proofing Your Investment: As new regulations and industry initiatives emerge, such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in the European Union, standardized identification will be crucial for compliance. GS1 standards are foundational to many of these upcoming requirements, ensuring your system remains relevant and compliant.
  
  
• Simplified Partner Collaboration: Onboarding new supply chain partners or integrating with the existing systems of established collaborators becomes significantly simpler and faster when everyone adheres to the same globally recognized identification standards.