GS1 Application Identifier (AI)
GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) are prefixes used within GS1-based barcodes to encode specific information. A GS1 barcode consists of a string of numbers that can contain various elements such as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), serial number, expiration date, and many others. Each of these elements is identified by a specific GS1 Application Identifier.
GS1 Application Identifiers consist of a two-digit number that indicates the type of information contained in the barcode. This number is followed by a variable number of digits that encode the specific value of that information.
Some examples of GS1 Application Identifiers are:
- 01: GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- 10: Batch/Catch Number
- 17: Expiration Date
- 21: Serial Number
When a barcode is created, the different elements of product information are labeled with the appropriate GS1 Application Identifier to ensure that the data can be correctly interpreted. For example, a scanner that reads a GS1 barcode can recognize and interpret the expiration date code (AI 17) to ensure that the product is still valid.
The use of GS1 Application Identifiers allows companies to encode accurate and consistent product information in their barcodes, increasing efficiency in the supply chain and avoiding confusion or misinterpretation.