What does a product’s code actually identify?
A product code can identify a type of item, a batch code can connect items made together, and a serial number can distinguish an individual item. Those levels answer different questions. None of them alone tells the full story of where an item has traveled; that requires linked records.
Questions you could explore
- Which identifier would matter when tracing one faulty item versus a whole batch?
Start reading
- GS1How does 'serialisation' differ from 'unique identification' in the GS1 System?
GS1 explains product identification and the addition of a serial number.
- GS1 USWhat is a GS1-128 barcode?
GS1 US explains barcode application identifiers, including product and batch information.
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