What is a Global Location Number (GLN)?
A Global Location Number (GLN) is a unique identifier used to specify physical locations or legal entities within a supply chain. It is a standardized code that helps businesses accurately identify and communicate information about specific locations, such as warehouses, factories, or company offices.
In-Depth Explanation of Product Feeds
A Global Location Number (GLN) is a unique identifier assigned to physical locations, legal entities, or functional entities within a business or organization. This standardized 13-digit number is part of the GS1 system of standards, which aims to improve supply chain efficiency and visibility.
Why It Matters
GLNs play a crucial role in modern supply chain management and eCommerce operations. They enable businesses to accurately identify and communicate location information for various purposes, such as order processing, shipping, and inventory management. By providing a standardized way to represent locations, GLNs help reduce errors and improve overall operational efficiency.
How It Works
GLNs are structured similarly to other GS1 identifiers, consisting of a GS1 Company Prefix, a Location Reference, and a Check Digit. The GS1 Company Prefix is assigned by a GS1 Member Organization, while the Location Reference is determined by the company itself. Each GLN can represent different types of locations, including warehouses, stores, or even specific departments within an organization.
Key Benefits
Implementing GLNs offers several advantages for eCommerce businesses. They facilitate seamless communication between trading partners by providing a common language for location identification. GLNs also enhance data accuracy, reduce administrative costs, and improve supply chain visibility. Additionally, they support various business processes, including electronic data interchange (EDI) and efficient recall management.
Relevant Stats or Facts
According to GS1, over 2 million companies worldwide use GLNs as part of their business operations.
Importance of Global Location Numbers (GLNs)
Global Location Numbers (GLNs) play a crucial role in modern business operations, especially for companies involved in product data management and eCommerce. These unique identifiers streamline communication and enhance efficiency across supply chains by providing a standardized way to pinpoint specific locations. For businesses dealing with multiple warehouses, distribution centers, or retail outlets, GLNs offer a clear and unambiguous method to track and manage inventory, shipments, and other location-based activities.
In the context of eCommerce and product data management, GLNs are particularly valuable for maintaining accurate records and facilitating seamless data exchange between trading partners. By using GLNs, companies can ensure that product information, orders, and deliveries are associated with the correct locations, reducing errors and improving overall operational accuracy. This is especially important in today’s fast-paced digital marketplace, where consumers expect quick and accurate order fulfillment, and businesses need to maintain tight control over their inventory across multiple channels.
Furthermore, GLNs contribute to better traceability and recall management, which are critical aspects of product safety and quality control. In the event of a product recall or quality issue, GLNs enable businesses to quickly identify and isolate affected batches or shipments, minimizing potential risks to consumers and reducing financial losses. This level of precision in location identification also supports compliance with various regulations and industry standards, helping businesses maintain their reputation and meet the expectations of both customers and regulatory bodies.
Examples of Global Location Numbers (GLNs)
Fashion/Apparel Retailer
A fashion and apparel retailer uses Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to track and manage inventory across a network of physical stores and online distribution centers. For example, a retailer with multiple locations across the United States assigns a unique GLN to each store, warehouse, and e-commerce fulfillment center. This practice helps the retailer efficiently manage stock levels, ensure accurate shipment from the correct location, and simplify communication with third-party logistics providers and suppliers. When ordering from suppliers or shipping to stores, the GLN ensures precise logistics coordination, reducing misunderstandings and increasing operational efficiency.
HVAC Manufacturer
An HVAC manufacturer employs GLNs to streamline its supply chain and production processes across several production facilities and partner warehouses. Each factory, distribution center, and service hub is designated with a specific GLN, which aids in routing components and finished products accurately and quickly. For instance, if a part needs to be delivered urgently to a specific assembly line, the GLN ensures it reaches the correct destination without delay. This system also improves collaboration with suppliers and sales channels, enhancing both the velocity and accuracy of product delivery, resulting in better customer satisfaction and cost control.
Distributor of Auto Parts
A distributor of auto parts uses GLNs to manage complex logistics across multiple storage facilities and shipping destinations. With thousands of different parts in stock, keeping track of inventory is both challenging and critical to the distributor’s operation. By assigning each warehouse and service point a unique GLN, the distributor can optimize its inventory management, ordering, and shipping processes. When an order is received, the GLN ensures that the parts are dispatched from the closest or most appropriate location, reducing lead times and shipping costs while ensuring that customers receive their orders accurately and on time.
Brand Owner of Homewares Products Predominantly Selling on Marketplaces & Retailers
A brand owner of homewares products selling predominantly on marketplaces like Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Wayfair utilizes GLNs to align its physical and digital inventory management. Each marketplace distribution center, as well as key retail partners, is assigned a GLN, facilitating seamless inventory updates and order fulfillment. This system helps in synchronizing stock levels across various platforms, thereby preventing overselling or stockouts. Additionally, the GLN aids in the tracking of product shipments, returns, and replenishments, providing the brand owner with real-time data and insights critical for making informed supply chain decisions and cultivating efficient partnerships with retail giants.
Synonyms
Common synonyms for “Global Location Number (GLN)” include:
- Location identifier
- Site code
- Facility ID
- Business location code
Global Location Number (GLN) and PIM
Global Location Number (GLN) is a unique identifier used to pinpoint specific locations within a business or organization. This standardized system, developed by GS1, allows companies to accurately identify physical locations, such as warehouses, distribution centers, or retail stores. GLNs are crucial for efficient supply chain management, enabling businesses to track and manage the movement of goods with precision. In the context of Product Information Management (PIM) solutions, GLNs play a significant role in maintaining accurate and consistent location data across various systems and platforms.
PIM solutions integrate GLNs into their data management processes to ensure that product information is correctly associated with specific locations. This integration is particularly valuable for businesses operating multiple warehouses or selling through various channels. For example, a clothing retailer might use GLNs to differentiate between products stored in their East Coast and West Coast distribution centers. This level of detail allows for more accurate inventory management and helps streamline order fulfillment processes. PIM systems can leverage GLNs to provide real time updates on product availability at different locations, ensuring that customers receive accurate information about stock levels and expected delivery times.
Furthermore, GLNs are essential for companies engaged in eCommerce and omnichannel retail strategies. PIM solutions can use GLNs to manage product information across multiple online marketplaces, physical stores, and other sales channels. This capability enables businesses to maintain consistency in their product data, regardless of where the item is located or sold. For instance, a consumer electronics company could use GLNs within their PIM system to ensure that product specifications, pricing, and availability are uniform across their website, third party retailers, and brick and mortar locations. By incorporating GLNs into their PIM strategy, businesses can improve operational efficiency, reduce errors in order processing, and enhance the overall customer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a GLN for my business?
You can acquire a GLN through your local GS1 organization. In the United States, visit the GS1 US website and follow their application process. You’ll need to provide information about your company and pay a fee. Once approved, you’ll receive a unique GLN that identifies your business location or legal entity.
Can I use the same GLN for multiple locations?
No, each physical location or legal entity should have its own unique GLN. This ensures accurate identification and helps maintain data integrity throughout the supply chain. If your business has multiple locations, you’ll need to obtain separate GLNs for each one.
How does a GLN differ from a GTIN?
While both are part of the GS1 system, GLNs and GTINs serve different purposes. A GLN identifies locations and legal entities, whereas a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identifies specific products. GLNs are used for supply chain management and logistics, while GTINs are used for product identification in retail and e-commerce settings.
