Today’s supply chains are changing quickly. Keeping processes clear and visible is vital. The GS1 Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) standard is key to this. It allows easy data sharing, helping companies track products from start to finish. Whether you’re new to EPCIS or want to learn more, this guide is for you. It covers the benefits and key event types.
What is EPCIS?
EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) is a GS1 standard to track visibility events in the value chain. It allows companies to capture and share detailed event information. This includes product movement and status. This fosters a more transparent and traceable value chain.
What are the benefits of EPCIS?
EPCIS enhances value chain management by improving traceability, efficiency, and compliance. Here are its key benefits:
- Improved value chain visibility: Companies gain real-time insights into critical events, product locations and dispositions, enabling better decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Enhanced traceability: Tracking products back to their origin becomes seamless, which is invaluable during recalls or quality assurance checks.
- Increased efficiency: By automating workflows and streamlining communication among partners, businesses can eliminate bottlenecks and save time.
- Improved compliance: Meeting regulatory standards, such as the EU’s Deforestation Regulation, becomes simpler and more reliable.
- Reduced costs: Enhanced efficiency through improved processes, automated data collection and reduced manual effort, and minimise waste directly lead to lower operational costs and improved profitability.
EPCIS 1.2
The introduction of EPCIS 1.2 marked a significant step in enhancing supply chain visibility. This version supported the capture and exchange of standardized event data, enabling industries to track products effectively. However, challenges such as limited adoption outside regulated industries highlighted the need for further advancements.
EPCIS 2.0
Released in 2022, EPCIS 2.0 marks a significant leap forward in supply chain management. It addresses the limitations of EPCIS 1.2 and adds new features. One of the new features is support for the GS1 Digital Link standard. EPCIS 2.0 also includes the new How dimension for sensor data as well as a new event type, AssociationEvent.
EPCIS 2.0 is a major step forward in valuechain visibility. It is a powerful tool that can help companies to improve their supply chain operations.
EPCIS event types
At the heart of EPCIS are its event types. These event types allow organizations to record and share the “What, When, Where, Why and How” of events. The Core Business Vocabulary (CBV) ensures that each event type is interpreted uniformly across different platforms and organizations, enabling clear communication and understanding of event data. The five EPCIS event types include:
- ObjectEvent: Captures data about the presence or absence of one or more physical objects (such as products or containers) at a specific time and location.
- AggregationEvent: Captures the creation or disbandment of associations between products, such as packaging multiple items together.
- TransactionEvent: Records information about a business transaction related to the movement or handling of a product, such as a purchase order or invoice.
- TransformationEvent: Captures the transformation of input objects into output objects, such as when raw materials are combined to create a finished product.
- AssociationEvent: (Introduced in 2.0) Documents long-term associations, like connecting sensors to containers or other assets.
These event types provide comprehensive insights into the lifecycle of each product, facilitating better traceability, compliance, and decision-making.
By adopting EPCIS, businesses can transform their supply chain operations, unlocking efficiencies and ensuring traceability in an increasingly complex global landscape. Kezzler’s Connected Products Platform, built on EPCIS 2.0, ensures businesses stay ahead by providing unparalleled visibility, traceability, and efficiency.
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