Barcoding in the supply chain

enquiries@datalinx.co.uk

Tracking product through the supply chain

Many new acronyms:

GS1 – Global Standards for tracking product through

the supply chain

GTIN – Global trade item number

eCom – or EDI

Barcodes• Machine readable string of characters

• The benefit - High speed reading with few errors

• Dependant upon the symbology used- Typical linear barcode stores 30-40 character- Matrix code – 2000 characters

Symbologies• Comparable to a foreign language with syntax and

construction rules

• Fee format codes- code 39

• Industry standard defined codes – EAN / UPC

5 User definable012345 Company with first 2 characters being country67890 Product code0 Check digit

History1974 - 1st use of POS in the USA

1979 - 1st use of POS in Key Markets – Spalding, UK

1983 - Introduction of barcoding standards for outers Inc. manufacturer, Country of Origin, traded units

1989 - EAN application identifier standards Added weights, exp. dates, batch no.

2005 - EAN re-launched as GS1

eComeCom or EDIIt is the process of sending and receiving structured business messages, typically orders, dispatch advice, invoices, etc.

1990 - 46 different messages established for international trade

2000 - Internet influence and the use of XML messaging

GTIN – Global Trade Item NumberDifferent products have to have different GTIN’sIn general different sizes, colours and types of product, and each level of packaging will require different GTINS.

A new GTIN is required for:• New product• New product variant• Major product description change• Declared contents change• New packaging type• Declared changed weight or volume• Free gift attached• Price flash

A new GTIN is not required for:• Minor product description or ingredient change• Undeclared weight change• Competition offer• Money off next purchase• Send for offer• Change of label or packaging artwork• Free gift inside

The GS1 Logistics Label“Provides a standard means of presenting information at the level of individual transport units, and uses bar codes and the application identifier standards to represent both GTIN’s and extra information.”

It is designed for use on any items that are transported between companies.

The GS1 Logistics LabelBenefits include:• One label for use by suppliers, distributors and customers

throughout the supply chain

• Improved control procedures in warehousing and distribution

• A consistent link with electronic data interchange

• Minimised costs with the use of an international standard

The GS1 Logistics LabelPallets must be assigned unique serial shipping container codes (SSCC) which enables all parties to retrieve information relevant to the movement and content of the pallet.

The GS1 Logistics Label

|UK||COMPANY| |PALLET NUMBER| |CHECK DIGIT|

| SSCC |

Application Identifier02 - GTIN15 - Best before no.37 - Count of items in logistical unit00 - SSCC (serial shipping container code)

10 - Batch or lot number

RFIDGS1 have developed standards that link the EPC (electronic product code) or RFID tag number to the item that the tag is applied to.

At the moment no common standard has been agreed for the RFID tags.

The Goods receiving process

*ASN: Automated shipping notification

The futureThe drive is to reduce inter-company paperwork and the associated delays, errors and costs.

GS1 have stated that the SSCC (serial shipping container code) will be the primary identifier for tracking goods through the supply chain.

Barcodes in the supply chain