FAQs answered for you.

For product recalls:

1. Identify affected serial numbers
2. Query EPCIS repository for current locations
3. Send ObjectEvent with disposition 'recalled'
4. Track return/destruction events
5. Report to regulatory portals as required

EPCIS provides full traceability for efficient recall execution.

To obtain a GS1 Company Prefix:

1. Contact your local GS1 Member Organization
2. Complete the membership application
3. Pay the membership fee
4. Receive your unique Company Prefix

MENA GS1 offices: GS1 UAE (gs1.ae), GS1 Saudi Arabia (gs1sa.org), GS1 Egypt (gs1eg.org)

Aggregation inference means deducing child contents from parent events without explicit disaggregation:

• Scan pallet → infer all cases and units inside
• Reduces scanning requirements
• Requires accurate aggregation data

Not all portals support inference.

No. While technically the SGTIN (GTIN + Serial) would be unique, best practice is to use unique serial numbers across all products to avoid confusion and simplify tracking.

Most serialization systems generate globally unique serial numbers.

EPCIS events should be reported in chronological order. Reporting out of order may cause:

• Validation errors on some portals
• Inconsistent product status
• Failed aggregation relationships

If events arrive late, ensure eventTime reflects actual occurrence time, not submission time.

Serialization software manages serial number lifecycle:

• Generates unique serial numbers
• Manages number pools
• Interfaces with packaging lines
• Reports to regulatory systems

Key vendors: SAP, TraceLink, Antares Vision.

API integration connects systems programmatically:

• REST or SOAP protocols
• Exchange serial/event data
• Automate reporting
• Enable system interoperability

An aggregation station creates parent-child relationships:

• Scans units going into cases
• Scans cases going onto pallets
• Creates aggregation hierarchy
• Prints parent labels

Print and verify is the serialization process:

• Print unique code on each unit
• Immediately verify with camera
• Reject if verification fails
• Record successful serialization

A vision system verifies printed codes:

• Camera-based inspection
• Reads barcodes and text
• Verifies print quality
• Rejects non-compliant items

Critical for serialization quality.

Level 3 is the site/plant level:

• Local serialization management
• Line-level coordination
• Serial number pooling
• Production scheduling

Examples: TraceLink, SAP ATTP.

Level 4 in serialization architecture is the enterprise level:

• ERP integration (SAP, Oracle)
• Business process management
• Cross-site visibility
• Regulatory reporting

Part of the ISA-95 hierarchy.

Cloud-based serialization uses cloud infrastructure:

• Centralized serial number management
• Multi-site visibility
• Easier regulatory reporting
• Lower infrastructure costs

Examples: TraceLink, SAP ICH.

A handheld scanner reads barcodes manually:

• 2D barcode scanning capability
• Used in warehouses and pharmacies
• Verification at point of dispense
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connected

Level 2 is the line controller level:

• Controls packaging line equipment
• Manages printers and cameras
• Real-time code verification
• Aggregation station control