Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
A globally unique 14-digit number used to identify trade items, crucial for product identification in e-commerce and logistics.
What is Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)? (Definition)
A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identification code for products and services. It acts as a digital fingerprint for every item sold worldwide. This term includes common barcode types like UPC in North America and EAN in Europe. Businesses use these numbers to track items through the supply chain. The code ensures that no two products share the same identity. This prevents errors when you manage stock in a warehouse or list items on an online store. Retailers rely on GTINs to process sales and manage inventory accurately. A PIM system like WISEPIM stores these codes to keep your product data consistent across all sales channels. This helps you avoid shipping the wrong item to a customer.
Why Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is Important for E-commerce
A GTIN is a unique number used to identify a product worldwide. You often see these numbers printed under a barcode. Marketplaces like Amazon and Bol.com require a GTIN for every product listing. These codes help platforms group identical items and stop the sale of fake goods. Using these codes makes it easier to track your stock and manage sales. They allow you to share accurate data with partners and retailers quickly. Without a correct GTIN, major shopping sites might block your products. This leads to lost revenue and more manual work for your team. A tool like WISEPIM helps you store and manage GTINs for all your items. This ensures your product data stays organized and ready for any sales channel.
Examples of Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
- 1A European supermarket uses an EAN-13 barcode to track a product in stores and on its website.
- 2Amazon requires a UPC-A code for every product listed in its US store to ensure unique identification.
- 3An online bookstore uses an ISBN as a special type of GTIN to identify and track specific book titles.
- 4A case of 24 sodas uses a GTIN-14 code, while a single can uses a different GTIN-12 code.
- 5Companies use GTINs to identify the same product across different countries, even if the local name or packaging changes.
How WISEPIM Helps
- WISEPIM stores all your GTINs, such as UPCs and ISBNs, in one central location. This helps you find the correct ID for every product.
- Send accurate GTINs to marketplaces and webshops to meet their requirements. This prevents platforms from rejecting your product listings.
- WISEPIM checks your GTINs for errors to keep your data accurate. This ensures every product has a unique code and prevents listing mistakes.
- Use GTINs to track products across your inventory and sales systems. WISEPIM connects these codes to keep your business data organized.