TERM	DEFINITION
Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)	A technology used to automatically capture data. AIDC technologies include barcodes, smart cards, biometrics, and radio frequency identification devices.
Barcode	A symbol that encodes data into a machine-readable pattern of adjacent, varying width; parallel, rectangular dark bars; and pale spaces.
Batch/lot	The batch or lot number that associates an item with production information that the manufacturer considers relevant for traceability of the trade item. The data may refer to the trade item itself or to items contained in it.
DataMatrix	A standalone, 2D matrix symbology that is made up of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. DataMatrix symbols are read by 2D imaging scanners or vision systems.
Expiration date	The date up until which the drug manufacturer can guarantee that the medicine is fully potent and safe to take based on scientifically sound product testing.
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)	The GS1 identification key used to identify trade items. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, an item reference, and check digit.
GS1	A neutral, not-for-profit, global organization that develops and maintains the most widely used supply chain data standards in the world.
GS1 Application Identifier	The field of two or more digits at the beginning of an element string that uniquely defines its format and meaning.
Human Readable Interpretation (HRI)	Characters, such as letters and numbers, that can be read by persons and are encoded in GS1 AIDC data carriers confined to a GS1 standard structure and format. The HRI is a one-to-one illustration of the data encoded in a data carrier. However, start, stop, shift, and function characters, as well as the symbol check character, are not shown in the HRI.
Serial number	A numeric or alphanumeric sequence of a maximum of 20 characters, generated by a deterministic or a non-deterministic randomization algorithm.
Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)	The GS1 identification key used to identify logistics units. The key comprises an extension digit, GS1 Company Prefix, serial reference, and check digit.
Tertiary packaging	The highest level of packaging that may include a pallet that contains (one or usually) several cases or a case that contains (one or usually) several items in its primary or secondary packaging. Tertiary packaging may refer to either a logistic unit or a trade item.
Trade item	Any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve predefined information and that may be priced, ordered, or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.
Unique identifier	A numeric or alphanumeric string captured in a machine-readable data carrier and human-readable form on the label of the pharmaceutical package that is associated with a single product or product group.