What is the difference between GTIN, LGTIN and SGTIN in the GS1 system of standards? These are identifier schemes that allow us to distinguish between products at different levels of granularity: "class" level, "batch" level and "item" level.
A global trade item number (GTIN) by itself allows us to distinguish between types or classes of products. When you scan a barcode that contains just a GTIN, you can find out attributes common to every single product of that class, such as the price, product name, net weight, and high level ingredient list. This is often known as "master data" or "reference data", as it changes slowly and rarely.
Combining a GTIN and a Lot Number (LGTIN) allows us to distinguish between different sets of products within a particular product type. All items within the set share a common set of attributes, but other items of the same type of product outside the set may not. Common attributes often include the day of manufacture, the location of manufacture, and the input ingredient batches that were consumed in the manufacturing of this set of products.
Combining a GTIN and a Serial ID (SGTIN) allows us to recognise a unique product item, separate from all others. From a data perspective, we could store exact attributes that apply to this unique item and may not apply to any other. This technique is often called "serialization". It is used in pharmaceutical industries to combat counterfeiting, as well as high value machinery and electronics. It can provide a basis for unique "Digital Product Passports".
