One system for all

You know it, the beep at the checkout. The GS1 barcode has sparked a digital revolution and forever changed the way the world does business. With a simple scan you can identify a product and link it to a computerised system. There is no need to enter the price at the checkout or manually record and pass on product information to the manufacturer or distributor.

Companies of all sizes use barcodes to correctly identify and efficiently sell their products in stores or online. The data thus automatically captured and exchanged helps to solve complex industrial challenges and can even save lives.

Consumers, patients, business partners, and regulators are demanding more and better product data than ever before. However, complex and costly data exchange processes result in a flood of low-quality data. GS1 supports the digital transformation of industry by enabling companies to create a digital version of a product that is as good as the physical product. As a result, industry, retailers, consumers, and patients benefit from greater product transparency.

The GS1 standards are the most widely used standards system in the world. The best-known elements are the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and the EAN/UPC barcode. They enable the exchange of reliable quality data and tell the story behind the products - where they come from, what they contain and where they have been on their journey through the supply chain. This prevents communication gaps between business partners and improves performance and safety throughout the supply chain.

GS1 is a neutral, global platform that brings together industry representatives, regulators, academia, and associations to develop standards-based solutions to address the challenges of data exchange. GS1 Switzerland works with experts in numerous national and international committees to identify business needs for standards early on, feed them to those involved and develop solutions.

The professional field of logistics and supply chain management in Switzerland is demanding and urgently needs well-trained professionals. Functions and responsibilities may differ depending on the business unit. Accordingly, a wide range of continuing education courses and federally recognized degrees is available.