FAQs answered for you.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Print and verify is the serialization process:

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

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.

Level 3 is the site/plant level:

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

Examples: TraceLink, SAP ATTP.

A vision system verifies printed codes:

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

Critical for serialization quality.

An aggregation station creates parent-child relationships:

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

API integration connects systems programmatically:

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

Level 2 is the line controller level:

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

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