FAQs answered for you.

A location not found error means the GLN is not registered. Solution:

1. Verify GLN format and check digit
2. Register location master data
3. Ensure GLN is approved before use

A schema validation error means the EPCIS message doesn't match expected format:

• Invalid XML/JSON structure
• Missing required elements
• Incorrect data types

Use an EPCIS validator to check message format before submission.

API (Application Programming Interface) enables system-to-system communication. In track and trace:

• Submit EPCIS events to portals
• Query product status
• Retrieve master data

REST and SOAP APIs are common.

Serial number validation involves:

1. Format validation: Check length and character set
2. Check digit validation: Verify GTIN check digit using Modulo 10
3. Uniqueness check: Ensure no duplicates exist
4. Database lookup: Verify against regulatory portal

Use our Barcode Decoder tool to validate barcodes.

Barcode verification is the process of grading barcode quality using ISO standards. Verification checks:

• Symbol contrast
• Modulation
• Decodability
• Defects

Grades range from A (best) to F (fail). Grade C or better is typically required.

Disaggregation is the reverse of aggregation - breaking parent-child relationships:

• Unpacking cases from pallets
• Unpacking units from cases
• Reported with AggregationEvent action DELETE

Required when products are repackaged or split.

A sandbox environment is a testing system that mimics production without affecting real data. Use it to:

• Test EPCIS message format
• Validate integration
• Train users
• Debug issues

Always test thoroughly in sandbox before production.

DataMatrix size depends on the application:

• X-dimension: Minimum 0.254mm recommended
• Module size: Based on scanning distance
• Overall size: Varies with encoded data

Follow GS1 General Specifications for exact requirements.

GS1 DataMatrix is a 2D barcode format used for pharmaceutical serialization. It can encode the GTIN, serial number, batch/lot number, and expiry date in a small space.

DataMatrix barcodes are required on pharmaceutical packaging in most regulated markets.

Learn about DataMatrix requirements

For pharmaceutical serialization:

• Unit level: GS1 DataMatrix 2D barcode
• Case level: GS1-128 linear barcode or GS1 DataMatrix
• Pallet level: GS1-128 linear barcode

The barcode must encode: GTIN (AI 01), Serial (AI 21), Batch (AI 10), and Expiry (AI 17).

Decommissioning removes a serial from active status:

1. Send ObjectEvent with action DELETE
2. Set appropriate disposition (destroyed, sample, etc.)
3. Include reason code if required

Decommissioned serials cannot be used for further transactions.

Common authentication methods:

• OAuth 2.0: Token-based authentication
• Certificate-based: Digital certificates
• API Keys: Unique access keys
• Username/Password: Basic authentication

Check specific portal documentation for requirements.

For product returns:

1. Receive products with receiving event
2. Verify serial numbers against expected data
3. Update disposition (returned, sellable, destroyed)
4. Report appropriate events to portal

Returns workflow depends on country regulations.

A line-level system manages serialization on the production line:

• Serial number assignment
• Barcode printing
• Verification and inspection
• Aggregation at packaging

It interfaces with enterprise systems for data exchange.

In EPCIS events:

• readPoint: The specific location where the event observation occurred (e.g., a scanner at dock door 3)
• bizLocation: The business location where objects are after the event (e.g., the warehouse)

Both are typically identified by GLN.

Key differences between EPCIS versions:

• EPCIS 1.2: XML format, widely adopted, CBV 1.2
• EPCIS 2.0: Adds JSON-LD support, sensor data, CBV 2.0

Most MENA portals currently accept EPCIS 1.2, with 2.0 support being added progressively.

Aggregation is the process of recording parent-child relationships between packaging levels - for example, which unit-level products are packed into which case, and which cases are on which pallet.

Aggregation is recorded using EPCIS AggregationEvents with ADD (packing) or DELETE (unpacking) actions.

Read aggregation best practices

A barcode scanner reads and decodes barcode data. Types include:

• Handheld: Portable, manual operation
• Fixed mount: Automated line scanning
• Camera-based: 2D barcode capability

For DataMatrix, you need an imager (2D scanner), not a laser scanner.

An enterprise serialization system manages track and trace at the company level:

• Serial number pool management
• Aggregation data storage
• EPCIS event generation
• Regulatory portal connectivity
• Reporting and analytics

EPCIS queries retrieve event data from repositories:

• SimpleEventQuery: Search events by criteria
• SimpleMasterDataQuery: Retrieve master data

Query parameters: eventTime, GTIN, serial number, location, etc.