What is a GTIN?

A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a unique, internationally recognized product ID number of eight, twelve, thirteen or fourteen positions. The number of positions depends on the usage function of the number: articles, locations, shipping units or something else. After assigning, recording and sharing the meaning with trading partners, the meaning of the code is fixed.

The barcode is the most common appearance of the GTIN on the product packaging or book cover. A GTIN makes a product truly uniquely identifiable.

Global GTIN standard

The GTIN standard is managed by GS1, a non-profit organization that develops standards and solutions worldwide for a more efficient and visible supply chain in various industries. In the Netherlands, this role is fulfilled by GS1 Netherlands.

GS1 product code, GTIN or EAN?

The European Article Number (EAN) was merged into the current global GS1 product code a few years ago. The name EAN persists in the Netherlands but is actually the precursor of GS1. GS1 product code, GTIN, EAN: these are different names for the only unique identification code of a product.

How does Onetrail use GTIN?

Onetrail makes all product, price and availability data transparent for its customers in the Onetrail Product Data Index. All incoming data is cleaned and indexed and then classified by assigning it a unique product identifier, the Product Data Index number (PDI number). We use the GTIN as the basis for the PDI matching.

From MPN to GTIN

In the early days of our network, we used the Manufacturer Parts Number (MPN) as the basis of the PDI number. In 2020 we switched from MPN to GTIN because GTIN is guaranteed to be a unique number for each product. Over the years GTIN has become more and more the standard for many products and also the basis for complete logistics processes. If an article does not have a GTIN, we work with the MPN.