ISWN overview in three steps: Summary - step 1 - step 2 - step 3

Step 2 a

Enriches and leverages existing low level barcodes ISWN is more than a unique product code, it is: §   a system that is compatible with and leverages existing barcodes. It integrates and connects different existing codes systems:           - wine specific codes             such as AP-NR (Germany), NL-HPA (Netherlands)           - universal product codes             such as GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), UPC (Universal Product Code),             EAN (European Article Number). §   a consumer-readable, information-oriented code, in strong contrast with all the above which are machine-level barcodes such as GTIN (EAN, UPC)

Step 2 b

Wine marketing: ISWN makes brand and category management work ISWN does more than a unique product code at product level (bottle), it is a wine marketing system: The ISWN code fills in the missing levels (ISWN-V and W) required to link existing lower level barcodes and connect with the needs of brand and category management §   The ISWN-W is the equivalent of a wine brand, integrating all product variants on the lower level (vintages, bottle volumes) §   The ISWN Wine Style Framework offers taxonomies and connects with universal product classifications such as GPC (Global Product Classification)