A unique identifier is a value assigned to an object, entity, or record so that it can be distinguished unambiguously from all others within a defined scope. Identifiers may be globally unique, such as universally unique identifiers, or unique within a namespace, such as a serial number combined with an issuer prefix. In supply chains, unique identifiers underpin serialisation, traceability, and data exchange across organisations.
Overview
- Uniqueness is always defined relative to a scope and an issuing authority. Centralised schemes assign identifiers from a managed registry to guarantee non-collision, whereas decentralised schemes such as universally unique identifiers rely on sufficiently large random or structured value spaces to make collisions negligible. In supply-chain settings, standards bodies such as GS1 allocate company prefixes that combine with item references and serial numbers to form globally unique product identifiers carried by barcodes and RFID tags.
Key aspects
- Uniqueness is scoped to a namespace or issuing authority.
- Centralised allocation guarantees non-collision via a registry.
- Random or structured value spaces enable decentralised uniqueness.
- Serialisation extends class-level codes to individual instances.
- Identifiers may be opaque or carry embedded structure.
Applications
- Item-level serialisation and product authentication.
- End-to-end traceability across supply-chain partners.
- Database primary keys and record linkage.
- Asset tracking and inventory management.
- Cross-organisation data exchange and interoperability.