Standards
The Global Location Number (GLN) can be used by companies to identify their locations, giving them complete flexibility to identify any type or level of location required.
GLN is a GS1 identification key. This key is a 13-digit identifier for a:
This location identification diagram illustrates a Global Location Number (GLN) assignment hierarchy for a fictitious organization.
GLNs can have parent/child relationships.
For example:
As an organization expands, additional parties and locations can be allocated new GLNs.
If a party or location is discontinued, it can be removed from use with minimal impact to other GLNs as the information associated to the GLNs are designed to function independently.
A GLN in a barcode can help to route products to their destination or capture where they came from. Use of EPC®/RFID (radio frequency technology) and readers identified with GLNs can support automatically capturing the movement of goods without the need for line-of-sight scanning or other manual intervention.
Sharing information relating to parties and locations using GLN within GS1 Standards like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) will enhance transitional data and physical event data.
GLN is fully compatible with ISO standard 6523.