Complete Guide to EDI Labeling: GS1-128, UCC-128, and Compliance

 


What Is EDI Labeling?

EDI labeling refers to the automated creation of standardized shipping and product labels—especially UCC-128 or GS1-128 labels—as part of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) processes. These labels are critical in supply chain management for identifying, tracking, and verifying shipments with major retailers and logistics providers.

 

Real-World Use Cases of EDI Labeling

EDI labeling plays a critical role in industries like retail, logistics, and manufacturing. For example, suppliers to companies like Walmart, Target, or CDW must comply with strict GS1-128 and UCC-128 labeling standards. These barcodes ensure that every product or carton can be tracked from warehouse to store shelf.

Without proper EDI labeling, shipments may be rejected, delayed, or penalized with compliance fines. That’s why businesses rely on automation to ensure each label matches the Advanced Ship Notice (ASN) and Purchase Order (PO) documents associated with the shipment.

In the electronics sector, vendors must include accurate serial numbers and barcodes in their shipping labels to integrate with inventory systems. In the food and beverage industry, expiration dates, lot numbers, and storage instructions must also be included in the label data to maintain safety and compliance.

Ultimately, accurate EDI labeling is more than just a compliance requirement—it’s a competitive advantage. It reduces time at the dock, improves inventory accuracy, and ensures a seamless supply chain experience.

Why Is EDI Labeling Important?

Many retailers and distributors require EDI-compliant labels to ensure shipping accuracy, streamline receiving, and maintain inventory control. Without these labels, your shipments may be rejected or delayed.

What Information Do EDI Labels Include?

  • Purchase Order Number (PO)
  • Ship-to Location
  • Carton or Pallet ID (SSCC)
  • Item Quantity and Description
  • Carrier and Shipping Method
  • Barcodes (GS1-128/UCC-128 formats)

How Does EDI Labeling Work?

  1. A buyer sends a Purchase Order (EDI 850).
  2. The supplier prepares and packs the shipment based on the PO.
  3. An Advance Ship Notice (EDI 856) is sent, detailing the contents and shipping data.
  4. The label is auto-generated and applied to cartons or pallets using thermal printers.
  5. Retailers scan the barcode upon receipt to match shipments with EDI documents.

What Are GS1-128 and UCC-128 Labels?

These labels are standardized formats created by GS1 and are used to uniquely identify shipping containers. Each label includes a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) within a scannable barcode, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.

Benefits of EDI Labeling

  • Improved Accuracy: Reduces manual data entry errors.
  • Faster Processing: Speeds up order fulfillment and receipt.
  • Retailer Compliance: Meets requirements from partners like CDW, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
  • Automation: Saves time and labor through label generation based on EDI documents.

How ActionEDI Simplifies Labeling

ActionEDI makes EDI labeling effortless by automating label creation directly from purchase orders and shipments. Features include:

  • ZPL shipping label generation for UCC-128/GS1-128 formats
  • Pre-configured compliance for CDW, Amazon, Target+, and more
  • Instant print-ready labels for thermal printers
  • Integrated EDI and label flows with QuickBooks, Sage, Shopify, and Shipvine

Whether you’re an e-commerce seller, distributor, or supplier to major retailers, EDI labeling is crucial to stay compliant and competitive.

Start Automating Your Labels

If you’re spending hours manually creating shipping labels or struggling with compliance, ActionEDI can help. Book a demo today to see how automated EDI labeling can save you time, reduce errors, and speed up your supply chain.

For more information on global EDI barcode standards, visit GS1 US.

If you’re ready to eliminate manual steps and streamline your GS1-128 or UCC-128 label creation, explore our automated UCC-128 labeling solution. ActionEDI helps suppliers simplify EDI compliance and reduce chargebacks with fast, reliable label automation.



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