What’s a global location number?

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A Global Location Number (GLN) is a 13-digit code used to provide location information for physical objects and entities such as personal or bank accounts. It is part of international standards established by GS1 to make it easier for companies to do business globally. GLNs can be used for tracking products, identifying specific offices or buildings, and providing quick reference in documents.

A Global Location Number (GLN) is a unique numeric code that provides universally accessible location information for physical objects, as well as entities such as personal or bank accounts. It is part of a set of international standards established by GS1, an organization that promotes the use of global standards for business communications to make it easier for companies of all sizes to do business on an international platform. Each global location number is 13 digits long and follows a standard code, allowing it to be read by anyone who knows the system.

The first seven digits indicate the company, while the next five provide information about the location referenced by the number. Finally, the global location number also includes a thirteenth check digit for verification purposes. The global location number can go on business cards, packaging, labels, statements and other business communications for easy reference by trade and business partners. It usually appears with the first 12 digits joined together and checks the digit offset to make sure people know it’s not part of the code.

In the case of a physical location, a global location can indicate a specific office within a company, a particular building, or another location. Global location numbers can also refer to entities within a company, such as departments. The global identification number could, for example, indicate that a statement came from the accounts payable department. People can also have their own global location numbers. Bank accounts and records may also have location numbers for easy search and reference.

In documents, this code can serve as a quick reference to provide information about where the document came from and where to direct any responses or correspondence. The global location number for a person will remain constant even if the person changes offices or positions. This can be useful for continuity when people want to stay in communication with the same person while working on a project.

Global location numbers can also be useful for tracking products. The number can provide information about the location of inventory and other objects. This can be useful with inventory tracking in warehouses and stores, where people need to know how many items they have and where they are. Identifier references can be as precise as individual shelves in a warehouse, allowing staff to determine exactly where an item is by looking at the global location number.

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