GS1 is an international non-profit association offering global standards to improve supply chain management. Thanks to the neutral structure of the GS1 standards, process participants are able to use them independently of individual market segments and enterprises, and even without their central banks to be involved. The leaflet GS1 Standards for Cash Handling lists the general principles and the benefits of the GS1 Standards in the cash cycles.

For further information, please contact your national GS1 organisation or www.gs1.eu

The GS1 standards entail a system of standardised, non-overlapping numbers for the global identification of places, products and packaging units. This numbering system is supplemented by bar code and communication standards.

GS1 numeric system

The GS1 Organisation provides a wide set of numbers to support logistic processes. Currently the following numbers are used in the cash cycles of the Central Bank GS1 User Group:

GLN (Global Location Number)

The GLN identifies professional cash handlers involved in the cash cycle. For tracking and tracing purposes GLNs can be related to ATMs, cash points or cash processing systems.

GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier)

Reusable cash containers can be identified by a GRAI which enables tracking of the contain-ers as well as recording relevant data. The GRAI remains the same as long as the container exists.

GSIN (Global Shipment Identification Number)

A GSIN helps to identify a logical grouping of logistic units. E. g. several lodgements and withdrawals of one CIT (cash in transit) company can be united to one process. Each of the containing single transactions within this combined process is identified by a SSCC.

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

Banknote and coin packaging units (e.g. banknote packets and bundles) are allocated a GTIN by the local central banks. In the Eurosystem, the ECB provides a harmonised list of common articles. The GTIN is not printed on the unit concerned, but is used to identify the products during electronic data transfer.

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)

In order to clearly identify cash containers they are given an SSCC. This number enables the participants in the cash cycle to track their money en route from or to a specific central bank branch.

Bar code

The SSCC can be reproduced in machine readable form in the bar code GS1 128. The bar code enables faster processing at counters in the central bank branches and allows you to optimise your internal transfer processes.

Communication Standards

The cash processes are supported by an electronic data exchange. The Central Bank GS1 User Group opts for GS1 XML as standard for communication and has harmonised several messages for deposits, withdrawals and bulk-transfers to allow both national and international data transfer. In addition, a sub-group of the Central Bank GS1 User Group (SG Cash Handling Machines) developed new messages for cash processing.