Enhancing Packing Efficiency with GS1 Application Identifier 02 in NetSuite 2026.1

In the ever-evolving landscape of inventory management, accurate item identification is crucial for operational efficiency. The introduction of the ability to scan GS1 Application Identifier (AI 02) barcodes in NetSuite 2026.1 marks a significant enhancement for users of Ship Central. This feature optimizes the packing process by enabling the automatic recognition of the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) for contained trade items, which facilitates smoother shipping operations.

How It Works

When packing items, the scanning functionality actively reads item barcodes containing GS1 AI 02. This allows Ship Central to automatically apply critical information such as lot numbers, serial numbers, and quantities, directly from the barcode into the system. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors that can occur during manual entry, enhancing overall accuracy and efficiency.

Configuring the Preference

To take advantage of this feature, administrators must enable the "Use AI 02 as preferred for GS1" setting in the preference records of the application. By doing so, NetSuite prioritizes the use of AI 02 for item identification during the packing process. If a barcode does not contain AI 02, the system will fallback to using AI 01, ensuring that your operations remain uninterrupted despite variations in barcode formats.

Steps to Enable the Preference:

Navigate to the preference records for Ship Central.
Locate the GS1 preferences section.
Enable the "Use AI 02 as preferred for GS1" setting.
Save your changes.

Best Practices and Gotchas

Verify Barcode Listings: Always ensure that the barcodes you’re working with are compliant with GS1 standards to avoid scanning issues.
Training for Staff: Provide thorough training for packing and shipping teams to familiarize them with the new scanning process for optimal results.
Regular Updates: Ensure that your NetSuite version is updated regularly to leverage new features and improvements, as each release may bring enhancements that can benefit your workflow.

Conclusion

The ability to scan GS1 Application Identifier 02 is a powerful tool within NetSuite 2026.1, designed to streamline packing processes by making item identification quicker and more reliable. By enabling this feature and following best practices, businesses can experience reduced errors and increased productivity in their shipping operations.

Key Takeaways

GS1 AI 02 scanning allows for automatic identification of GTIN during packing.
Administrators can set a preference in Ship Central to prioritize GS1 AI 02.
Proper training and compliance with GS1 standards are essential for effective implementation.
Always ensure your NetSuite application is up to date for the best operational efficiency.