Sharing GLN Information And Master Data
It is essential to share GLN master data with trading partners prior to commencing business communications. If GLNs have been allocated in a hierarchical structure, this hierarchy should be shared. Communication of GLN information will take the format that is best suited to the trading partners involved, whilst ensuring the information exchanged is accurate and complete. There must be a mechanism in place to keep GLN information aligned between all parties at all times.
In some countries, GS1 Member Organisations manage national GLN databases known as GLN registries. These registries provide a common list of GLNs registered within that country. The company issuing these GLNs is responsible for keeping business partners informed of all GLNs related to the trading relationship.
Why use GLNs?
The GLN not only identifies a specific party or location, but also provides the link to the information pertaining to it (i.e., a database holding GLN master data such as company name, and billing address). This is a key advantage of using a shared, globally unique identifier because all information can be held and maintained centrally in a database reducing the effort required to maintain and communicate information between multiple parties on a national or global basis. The unique identification number enables supply chain partners to simply reference a GLN in supply chain communications, as opposed to manually entering all of the necessary party/location information. Using a GLN to reference party/location information promotes efficiency, precision and accuracy in communicating and sharing location information.
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