Global Traceability Framework Glossary
Definitions of the key terms and acronyms used throughout the Global Traceability Framework, including CTE, KDE, EPCIS, CBV, GS1 Digital Link, GTIN, GLN, SSCC, event data, and master data.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| API (Application Programming Interface) | A software interface that allows disparate systems to “talk” to each other. An API defines a set of rules or protocols that software applications can use to exchange information. |
| Batch/Lot Number | A unique coded identifier that unites products/items that have undergone combination, transformation, or manipulation of one or more products. The lot number corresponds to a specific grouping of product. “Batch” and “lot” are considered synonyms by some firms. |
| CBV (Core Business Vocabulary) | A GS1 standard specifying a standardized set of terms for describing supply chain events and processes. Designed to be used alongside EPCIS to ensure consistent communication across entities and systems. |
| CTE (Critical Tracking Event) | Events in a supply chain where data capture is necessary to maintain traceability, usually at points of transfer or transformation. |
| Data Validation | Processes that ensure data accuracy and validity. Methods range from manual verification to automated system checks. |
| End-to-End/Full Chain Traceability | The ability to track a product and its components through the entire supply chain, from origin to endpoint. |
| EPC (Electronic Product Code) | A set of data elements that define a product instance. Used to identify a specific case, pallet, lot, container, or other product grouping. Typically combines GTIN with a lot number. |
| EPCIS Capture Interface | The API of an EPCIS server that allows internal recording of events. External events may also be pushed here, though this practice is unorthodox. |
| EPCIS Query Interface (Control & Callback) | The API of an EPCIS server that allows external parties to request traceability information. |
| Event Data | Information generated by a product as it moves through its supply chain. |
| External Traceability | Data exchange and business processes between trading partners that enable accurate product identification and tracking. |
| GLN (Global Location Number) | A GS1 identifier used to identify a location in a supply chain. GLNs can be assigned to physical locations, or sub-units such as departments. |
| GS1 Digital Link | A GS1 standard that connects identifiers to the internet, enabling secure and rapid access to product information by consumers and trading partners. |
| GS1 Digital Link Resolver | A service that interprets GS1 Digital Link URIs and redirects users to online product information, such as origin, ingredients, or authenticity. |
| GS1 Digital Link URI | A GS1 identifier expressed as a resolvable URI following the GS1 Digital Link standard. |
| GS1 EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information System) | A GS1 standard for event-based traceability. |
| GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) | A GS1 identifier used to identify a specific trade item or product. Universally unique and globally recognized as a product code. |
| ILMD (Instance/Lot Master Data) | Data associated with all products derived from the same lot, such as expiration date, harvest date, or origin. |
| Internal Traceability | The ability to follow a product unit or batch within a company—from receipt, through internal processes, to outbound shipment. |
| Interoperability | The ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make effective use of information. |
| KDE (Key Data Element) | Specific data points that must be captured at each CTE to trace a product and its components through the supply chain. |
| Logistical Unit | An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that must be managed through the supply chain. |
| Master Data | Key information about an organization, its products, suppliers, and customers that remains consistent over time (e.g., product descriptions or facility locations). Serves as a foundation for business operations and transactions. |
| Party Global Location Number | A GS1 identifier used to identify a trading party, business, or organization. |
| Product Identification | A reference value, typically numeric, that represents product formulation and packaging characteristics assigned by the supplier (e.g., SKU or GTIN). |
| SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) | An identifier assigned to a shipping container. |
| Traceability Framework | A common set of shared practices for industry- or sector-wide traceability implementation. |
| Traceability Identifier | An alphanumeric code used to consistently identify a product, party, or location in a supply chain. |
| Traceability Solution | The software system an organization uses to manage traceability data. |
| Traceability System | The complete set of resources (hardware, software, infrastructure, labor, etc.) an organization uses to maintain supply chain traceability. |
| Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) | A general term for identifying a resource, encompassing both URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) for location (how to get it) and URNs (Uniform Resource Names) for persistent naming (what it is, regardless of location). |
| Uniform Resource Name (URN) | a URI that identifies a resource by a location-independent name in a particular namespace. |
| UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) | An identifier used to uniquely distinguish an object or entity. No two entities share the same UUID. |
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