GS1 … A Common Language For the Health Care Industry

The Global Language of Business

There is currently a wave of change happening not only within the Medical Device industry, but throughout the entire healthcare sector.  Global standards are being pushed by the FDA that impact everyone in the supply chain.  If you have not been asked by your customers yet if your company is prepared, it is just a matter of time.  GS1 is a global organization with local offices in over 100 countries across the globe.  This body designs global standards and services to improve supply chains and is the most widely used standards system in the world today.  There are two critical components of the GS1 standard that you should familiarize yourself with.  First, there will be a globally unique number for legal entities, functional entities, and physical locations known as the GLN (Global Location Number).  Secondly, there will be a globally unique number for products & services known as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).