Global Returnable Asset Identifier
The Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) is a number from the GS1 system (formerly EAN system ), which enables the clear and non-overlapping identification of any type of asset or asset .
The GS1 basic numbers required for this are assigned by the GS1 organizations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
General
GS1 provides a globally unique identification system and is widely used in business to identify goods, services, locations, transport units, etc. The GRAI can serve as a database key to refer to specific information related to reusable transport containers that are required repeatedly. The use of structured, globally unique identification numbers makes it possible to reduce input errors and increase efficiency.
Every company or organization can license a so-called GS1 basic number from a GS1 member organization and assign GRAIs for its assets and assets, etc.
The GS1 basic number is a unique sequence of four to twelve digits that is required to assign a GS1 identification key. The GS1 base numbers are assigned by GS1 member organizations. For Germany this is GS1 Germany, for Austria GS1 Austria, for Switzerland GS1 Switzerland.
The GRAI consists of a 13-digit numeric key with an optional 16-character alphanumeric serial number. The key is made up of the GS1 base number, the container type and the check digit .
| GS1 base number
─────────────── › |
Container type
‹─────────────── |
Check digit
|
Serial component |
| N 1 N 2 N 3 N 4 N 5 N 6 N 7 N 8 N 9 N 10 N 11 N 12 | N 13 | X 1 variable to X 16 | |
Areas of application of the GRAI
The GS1 identification number of the asset is assigned in order - together with the GS1 basic number - to clearly identify a certain type of reusable transport container. A reusable transport container is a reusable container or reusable transport equipment with a certain value, such as a beer keg, a gas bottle, a plastic pallet or a crate. The Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) enables the tracing and recording of all relevant data.
The Global Returnable Asset Identifier remains the same for all identical goods. The optional serial number can be used to distinguish individual containers within a given type of shipping container.
A typical application that relies on this data element is in returnable beer kegs. The owner of the beer kegs uses a permanent marking technique (barcode, RF tag) to mark each keg with the Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI). This barcode is read as soon as the keg is delivered "full" to a customer and read again when it is returned "empty". This simple reading process allows the owner of the beer keg to automatically record the life cycle of a particular beer keg and, if necessary, to operate a "deposit system".
Use of the GRAI
- In goods distribution processes, companies use reusable shipping containers to pack, protect and transport goods. Examples are pallets, boxes, baking trays or even beer kegs. These reusable transport containers can be owned by a trading partner or rented from a pool in which various companies are involved.
- The GRAI can be encoded in a barcode or an EPC / RFID tag and can therefore be read more easily in order to record the bookings of the reusable transport container, for example when goods are dispatched or the containers come back empty.
- The GRAI (with serial number) can also be used to record regular maintenance work or repairs.
EDI
- If the GRAI is used in information systems, companies can more easily assign movements and better control the use of their containers. Clear identification also supports companies in terms of increased transparency. If a company knows which articles are contained in which returnable transport units, it can link the containers with the articles and track deliveries of goods.
- In business processes, the identification numbers are linked to the properties of the assets and fixed assets. These properties should be set as part of master data management.
See also
literature
- ECR , Efficient Consumer Response; Standards, processes and implementations; with technical articles by Univ.-Prof. Dr. H. Kotzab, Dr. AC Steinbrecher, Univ.-Prof. Dr. P. Schnedlitz, Dr.Ch. Holweg; ECR - Efficient Consumer Response - is the collaboration of all companies involved in the value chain in order to meet the needs of consumers better, faster and more cost-effectively.