GLN
Global Location Number (GLN)
The Global Location Number (GLN) is a 13-digit number. The associated name, address, and class of trade are “tied” to each unique number which is specific to only one exact and very precise location within the world.
The Challenge:
Whenever an order is placed with a supplier, the supplier requires that each delivery point at a customer site is identified by using its own unique and proprietary number. This means:
- thousands of extra numbers are being maintained within both the supplier's and hospital's purchasing system
- hospitals spend significant time looking up their numbers before placing phone and other manual orders
- blind faith that the manufacturer and distributor have the correct price tied to each location before the order is placed
The Solution:
The assignment of a completely unique and commonly available number for each location where products
are shipped by suppliers is a more reliable alternative. Just as a social security number or tax ID
number is used in the business world, banking, and the U.S. Government, a single unique
number used with all suppliers when placing orders, resolving discrepancies, and other follow-on transactions
will be more efficient. Suppliers can always obtain information about facility locations from a central
database, so they know everything that they need to properly ship, deliver, and bill products.
News:
Industry Collaboration Offers GLN Implementation Workshop in Tampa on February 7
Healthcare provider, manufacturer, and distributor supply-chain professionals are invited to attend a free GLN Implementation Workshop on Tuesday, February 7, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, in Tampa, Florida. Space is limited to the first 60 registrants.
The workshop, co-sponsored by AHRMM, GS1 Healthcare US, the Healthcare Supply Chain Association (HSCA), and the Strategic Marketplace Initiative (SMI), will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.
Many healthcare entities are in the process of implementing the GLN, or GS1 Global Location Number, which allows them to consistently and accurately identify locations. The workshop is designed specifically for data managers, electronic data interchange (EDI) professionals, and other supply-chain professionals with front-line responsibility for implementing the GLN in healthcare organizations. Attendees will leave with the information and training needed to begin GLN implementation within their organizations.
The workshop features instruction from both provider- and supplier-based faculty who have implemented the GLN, and a GS1 Healthcare US expert will give a live tutorial on the GLN Registry for Healthcare®. Participants will also have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty experts to review their individual hierarchies, GLNs, and the GLN validation process.
The facility will be WiFi-ready, so that participants will have the opportunity to review and validate GLNs at the workshop. Participants will be provided with their current Registry data upon registration.
CEUs: Attendees may earn 4.5 Contact Hour or 0.45 Continuing Education Units.
This workshop will build on the success of highly rated workshops conducted in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Lansing, Michigan, in 2011.
Additional Resources:
Data Standards Adoption Survey Report (December 2011)
GLN Adoption Survey Report (November 2010)
Frequently Asked GLN Questions
Getting Started: Healthcare Provider Tool Kit - GLN
Hospital Checklist for Software System Readiness
Mayo Clinic/Cardinal Health GLN Implementation White Paper
GPO Roster Pilot:
Using GLNs in Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) Roster
Management
