How do I use a Global Location Number to identify a physical location?

Modified on Wed, 28 Aug at 7:29 PM

A Global Location Number (GLN) may be used to identify a location or a party involved in a transaction. Compared with a plain-language description of the location a GLN is more suitable for use in databases, in barcodes and in electronic messages.GLNs are very important in transport and logistics processes: see GS1 Transport and Logistic sector (GS1 T&L).

When the GLN is been represented in a barcode, it is important to use appropriate Application Identifier (AI) to ensure that the scanning system knows what the GLN means.

For example, a GLN can be shown on a logistic label to indicate where the logistic unit should be delivered. In this case AI (410), which means ‘Deliver to’ location, is used to prefix the GLN.

A GLN can also be physically marked with a barcode at a location, for example on a dock door or on a storage location. In this case AI (414) must be used, which means ‘Physical Location’. AI (414) is only allowed for location marking.

A list of AIs that may be used with GLNs is provided below:

'Deliver to' location AI (410)
'Invoice to' location AI (411)
'Purchased from' location AI (412)
'Ship to - Deliver to - Forward to' location AI (413)
Physical Location AI (414)
Location Number of the Invoicing Party AI (415)
GLN of the production or service location AI (416)
Party GLN AI (417)