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Introduction

The Solidsoft Reply GS1 AI parser is a standards-compliant validating parser for keys and data elements associated with different business applications (e.g., Trade Items, Logisitics Units, Assets, etc.) defined in the GS1 General Specifications - Standards | GS1. Each key or data element is identified by a sequence of 2 to 4 digits called an Application Identifier (AI). For example, 00 represents a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), used as the key identifier for logistics units. 01 represents a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), used as the key identifier for trade items. 10 represents a batch (lot) number associated with a GTIN.

AIs are placed as prefixes to each key or element value. Each AI/Value pair is delimited using a special code or character, except for a small number of fixed-width values where the delimited is omitted. Barcodes generally use the designated FNC1 code as the delimiter. However, these codes are represented as ASCII 29 (Group Separator) control characters when communicated to application software. The parser expects the use of ASCII 29 control characters.

Update Policy

The parser supports the full set of AIs. GS1 General Specifications are updated on an annual basis (normally in mid-January) and may adopt new AIs from time to time. Occasionally, GS1 publishes an interim (mid-year) update to General Specifications, although this is rare. On a best-endeavours basis, we aim to update the code to incorporate new AIs shortly after they are published in General Specifications. We do not generally support new AIs while they are at the General Specifications Change Notifications (GSCN) stage, but may make exceptions from time to time. GSCNs represent ratified changes which are intended for inclusion in General Specifications in the next publishing round.