What is a GLN code? Global Location Number (GLN)
GLNs identify physical locations, legal entities, and operations centers.
What is a GLN code?
The GLN (Global Location Number) or Operational Point is a global code that identifies a location, i.e., an electronic address. Its mission is to facilitate the exchange of information between companies within the supply chain. The objective is to be able to identify a location uniquely and unambiguously.
The GS1 standard specifies that each company must create multiple GLNs to identify all physical locations, legal entities, or operations centers involved in its business transactions.
GLN and EDI
The use of a GLN is key to any exchange of information within the supply chain and is the first step in communicating via EDI with business partners.
Each company involved in an EDI communication must be previously identified with a GLN code. The GLN code travels with the information in the EDI message structure and avoids location duplication since each business partner has its own identifier. The GLN code can also be used for internal communications within the same company.
GLN Functionality
The GLN, like the GTIN, consists of 13 digits. The information associated with the GLN is the company name, VAT number, location, type of place, address, telephone, email, contact persons, invoicing data, etc.
Its purpose is to simplify the exchange of information and goods, assigning a code to different companies.
Benefits of GLN use
Unequivocal identification of business operation points
Enables efficient flow of goods between business partners
Fully automated EDI communication
Prevent human errors in shipments
Global and multi-sector coding
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