Digital imaging
When you present your new product to GS1 Australia for Barcode Verification
, membership entitles you to a product imaging service, as well as product measurement and recording in GS1's online retail product catalogue,
GS1net™.
With industry assistance, image specifications have been designed to assist retailers in shelf-space management, as well as online product presentations. They can also be used for other purposes such as electronic cataloguing.
Imaging can be requested when sending product samples to GS1 Australia for barcode testing. Items submitted to the Sydney office will be forwarded to Melbourne when images are requested, adding to the time taken for testing.
Our Imaging Technicians will capture product images digitally, using views from a variety of orientations to match industry space management specifications. The images are stored on GS1net or alternatively on disk, CD-ROM or transmitted via email depending on the size of the files. Members who have registered for access to GS1net can source their product images from the online catalogue.
Product measurements adhere to the measuring guidelines developed by the 'Food Marketing Institute/Grocery Manufacturers of America Measurement sub-committee'.
It should be noted that correct measurements cannot be taken if the packaging is not complete, if it is damaged, or if the absence of contents in any way alters the product's actual dimensions.
When sending your products in to GS1 Australia it is recommended that products be submitted as they would appear on the shelf. This will enable accurate product dimensions to be recorded.
Checklist
The following checklist should be should observed to ensure best results from GS1 Australia's verification, imaging and measurement services.
- Submit a sample of each product to be tested. It may seem logical, but it's surprising how often it doesn't happen.
- Present a filled retail pack, along with spare packaging for each item. Images can only be taken on complete, filled retail trade items and the number of images per item is dependent on the type of package. Mock-ups and unfilled products cannot be properly imaged.
- Images are sent out by email as zipped JPEG files with a resolution of 96dpi. They can also be supplied on disc when specifically requested.
- A covering letter is essential and must accompany any submission imaging. It should specify:
- - to whom images should be addressed to
- - where invoices should be directed - for example if a printer submits a product on behalf of a member, this submission must be accompanied by a letter from the member accepting charges
- - if products are to be returned, this must be specified in the covering letter, otherwise samples are disposed of seven days after imaging
Currently, imaging turnaround is approximately one week.
Fees
- Members - are charged a flat fee $20 per GTIN.
- Non members - are charged a flat fee of $50 per GTIN.
