Global Location Number (GLN)
A Global Location Number provides a standardized way to identify a pharmacy or another location within the pharmaceutical supply chain. Learn how GLNs are used for EPCIS data exchange, how to locate or obtain one, and how InfiniTrak communicates your designated GLN to suppliers.
GLN stands for Global Location Number. It is a globally unique 13-digit identifier used to identify an organization, business function or physical location.
For pharmacies, a GLN functions like a digital address. It allows suppliers, wholesalers and electronic systems to identify the correct pharmacy location when exchanging pharmaceutical supply chain data.
A GLN identifies the parties and locations involved in a pharmaceutical transaction. When EPCIS data is transmitted, the GLN can identify where a product was shipped from, where it was shipped to and which trading partners were involved.
FDA recommends EPCIS as a standard for interoperable electronic DSCSA data exchange. The pharmaceutical industry commonly uses GLNs to identify locations within EPCIS transactions.
Every pharmacy location is required to have a GLN for EPCIS in November.
To receive and process electronic transaction data for prescription drugs, pharmaceutical distributors and suppliers require every pharmacy location to have a Global Location Number (GLN)
GLNs can be purchased through the GS1 website. For single pharmacies, purchase a single GLN. If you have multiple pharmacies, check out the section on prefixes and see if the cost of a prefix is more beneficial.
Yes, the pharmacy can use the GLN assigned by the wholesaler. A couple points to note:
- Only the wholesaler can update anything associated with the GLN such as address.
- The wholesaler may have supplied more than 1 GLN or multiple wholesalers may have supplied a GLN. You will need to decide which GLN you want to designate as the GLN to use.
This has occurred because wholesalers are assigning multiple GLNs. You need to designate which GLN you want to use for your pharmacy. It is not necessary, but you can contact your wholesaler and ask them to use the designated one and deactivate the other GLNS.
No, you do not have to use the GLN assigned by your wholesaler. You can purchase a GLN for the pharmacy.
Once the pharmacy designates a GLN to be used, InfiniTrak’s implementation team will add the GLN to the InfiniTrak portal. We will also create a Master Data list which includes the GLN, sGLN, buyer & ship to information. This Master Data will be sent to all of the suppliers listed on the pharmacies InfiniTrak account.