One for fans of bar codes now. Come on, you know who you are. The BPI and the Association Of Independent Music yesterday announced a partnership with global data standards body GS1 aimed at streamlining the process of assigning unique numbers to album and single track releases for the benefit of British independent record companies. Those numbers are used in bar codes on physical releases, and are also used as identifiers by most online services. The new scheme should mean it is less hassle for smaller record companies to access and use the unique numbers.
Announcing the partnership, Gary Lynch, COO of GS1 UK, told CMU: "We want to make the process of getting music sales identified correctly as simple as possible to allow musicians to focus on making great music, not assigning it unique numbers. The initiative will streamline the distribution process and give visibility into where and how music is being bought and sold".
AIM Head Of Business Affairs Michael Fuller added: "This is a great deal for AIM members as it will make the acquisition of bar codes more accessible. AIM is pleased to be involved in the new initiative which will improve access to new digital markets and allow independent labels to compete more effectively".
Jon Webster, who heads up independent member services for the BPI, added: "The GS1 deal makes it simpler and more cost effective for our members to get the necessary bar codes; we'll always do what we can to make life easier for our members to get on with what they do best - making records".