Tesco Document title -...

Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC 1

Tesco Document title:

Tesco barcode quality standards

Document Summary:

This guide has been prepared to clearly communicate Tesco barcoding standards and to help Tesco suppliers to understand why barcode quality is so important to Tesco

Version: 9

Date of document: July 2016

Document owner: Prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited

Owner’s department: Barcode quality standards department

Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 2 -

Tesco Barcoding Department Contact Information

Diane Mellowship Tesco Barcoding Manager

Tesco Store Ltd Shire Park,

Kestrel Way, Welwyn Garden City,

AL7 1GA

Tel: 01707 914917 Mob: 07841 951679

Email: [email protected]

Alexandra Baker Karen Jaikens Tel: 01707 914919 Tel: 01707 914918 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]


CONTENTS PAGE

INTRODUCTION 07

BARCODE QUALITY STANDARDS 09

THE ELEMENTS OF QUALITY 10 • Pre-Design• Barcode Quality

NUMBER ALLOCATION 11 • Proprietary branded products• Tesco Own Brand Products

NUMBER CHANGE 12 • Consumer Units• Traded Pack Items

NUMBER NOTIFICATION 12

BARCODE SYMBOLOGY 13 • Consumer Units• Traded Units (outer cases)• 2D Barcodes• RSS Data Bars • Units of 1 (Items which are both consumer and traded pack items)• Break Down Label for Break Packs and Transport Units• Pallet Labels• Pallet Label Minimum requirement

PRINT QUALITY 20 • Introduction• Requirements• Process• Guidance• Verification

MAGNIFICATION AND OTHER PRINT CHARACTERISTICS 22 • Introduction• GS1 Standards for Consumer Units• GS1 Standards for Traded Units• GS1 Standards for Pallet Labelling• Bearer Bar Boxes / Bars• “H” Gauges

BAR HEIGHT 24 • Consumer Unit Barcodes• Traded Pack Barcodes and Pallet Labels

LOCATION AND NUMBER OF BARCODES 26 • Consumer Unit Barcodes• Traded Unit Barcodes• Barcoded Labels, hand-applied

Tesco Own Label Barcode Requirements for Variable Weight Retail Products 28

Branded Variable Measure Restricted Circulation Numbers 31 Verification How and Why 32


APPENDIX 1 – LABEL FORMATS 35 • Branded Variable Label 37• Tesco Fixed Weight Drop in Card (Green Trays) 38• Tesco Variable Weight Label 39• Tesco Specification for Blue Tray Drop-in Card 40• Tesco Outer Case Barcode Specifications 41• Tesco Outer Case Barcode Specifications - CHILLED 42• Break Down Label for Break Packs and Transport Units 44• SSCC Label 45• Pallet Label 46• Merchandising Unit Label 48• Unit of One Label 50• Tesco Outer Case Barcode Specifications (international sourcing) 51• Tesco International Sourcing Breakdown Label 52• Tesco Specification for Clothing Ratio Packs 53• Ratio Packs 54

APPENDIX 2 - Global Standards for Barcode Quality 55

APPENDIX 3 - Ink Jet Printing of Outer Cases 59

APPENDIX 4 - Summary of Best Practice 63


INTRODUCTION

The implementation of barcoding throughout the retail supply chain has helped revolutionise the shopping experience for our customers. It has provided them with many benefits that would otherwise have been impossible – a wider consumer choice, improved availability, fewer out-of-stock items and shorter queues, amongst many others and this has contributed to an altogether more enjoyable shopping experience.

Despite the barcode quality improvements already made, GS1 (UK) (formerly the e-centre) calculates that poorly printed barcodes continue to cost the U.K. grocery major retailers over £500 million per year. Both these costs and the delays which they represent hinder and restrict the services and improvements which Tesco would like to offer its customers.

Poor barcode standards can seriously affect our efficiency and the service we are able to provide our customers.

It is Tesco’s aim to offer the best possible customer service and to constantly exceed our customers’ expectations, which is at the heart of our philosophy.

This guide has been prepared to clearly communicate our standards and to help our suppliers to understand why barcode quality is so important to Tesco; to enable you to work effectively with us in a joint partnership to deliver improved customer satisfaction and service levels.

The standard that we specify is a clear subjective quality standard that we expect all our suppliers to meet. It is important to emphasise that this is already the recognised industry standard and is not Tesco specific.

It is the responsibility of the supplier to provide Tesco with a barcode that is fit for purpose. As stated below we intend to recover those costs that arise directly from the supplier’s failure to supply products with barcodes which fail to comply with the standards laid down in this guide and that of GS1UK.


BARCODE QUALITY STANDARDS

Many individuals and companies in the retail supply chain are still unaware of the barcode quality standard, even though these have been mandatory for a number of years.

This guide is not intended as a technical handbook (such things already exist), nor to provide an all-encompassing guide. It is an overview of the requirements and highlights key areas of concern. It also indicates sources of guidance and help.

The required quality of a barcode is clearly laid out in various international specifications (see Annex A). Some of these are specific Tesco requirements; the majority are global standards within the retail supply chain.

Tesco asks of its suppliers that they consistently meet or exceed the “minimum barcode quality” as defined by GS1 (formerly EAN.UCC).

Tesco validate both consumer and outercase barcodes before authorisation into their business and where barcodes fail to meet the required standards the launch of the product may be delayed or cancelled. This process is automated so it’s in the supplier’s interest to ensure their barcodes meet the standards in this document and that of GS1UK. Failure to do so may impact the launch of the product

In February 2005 the name of the EAN.UCC system was changed to GS1. This has resulted in changes to the name of some technical terms. UCC/EAN-128 barcodes are now known as GS1-128 barcodes, but the names of all the other barcodes remain unchanged.

Distribution barcode audit Axicon Auto Id carry out regular Audit checks within Tesco distribution centres. These audit checks are to maintain quality as it is not always possible for the depot to report each problem. Each Distribution centre within the UK & Ireland is audited at least once every 3 months to maintain quality control.

Charging Tesco intend to recover reasonable costs associated with the management of these issues and the business disruption caused by non compliances that are due to supplier error. Should you have an enquiry related to Tesco Charging policy then please contact Diane Mellowship - Tesco Barcoding Manager on :

Tel: 01707 914917 Mob: 07841 951679


THE ELEMENTS OF QUALITY

There are different aspects to barcode quality – and all of these must be checked to ensure conformity with the appropriate standards.

PRE-DESIGN: • Number Allocation • Number Change • Number Notification • Barcode Symbology

BARCODE QUALITY: • Barcode Print Quality • Magnification of Barcode • Bar Height • Location

For barcode quality the first two points are clearly defined, non-negotiable standards. There are also clear standards for the last two but Tesco will allow some discretion when packaging constraints do not permit full compliance with the global standards.


NUMBER ALLOCATION

Product Numbers (or “GTINs” - Global Trade Item Numbers) are the unique identification of each product.

These numbers can be allocated through one of two routes:

• PROPRIETARY BRANDED PRODUCTS The manufacturer or brand-owner will allocate the item identification number.

• TESCO OWN BRAND PRODUCTS Tesco will notify the supplier of the number allocated to represent that product.

Barcode numbers should represent a unique product and therefore numbers will not normally be re-used, however it is acceptable to re-use a number after a period of four years from the date the last production run of an item was put into the retail supply chain.


NUMBER CHANGE

CONSUMER UNITS It is mandatory to change the barcode number when

• The shelf edge label legal name changes • The declared weight is different • Extra product is provided free (e.g. 10% extra) • Any change in the price as marked on the packaging • A multi-pack or twin pack • A free gift is attached to the packaging (as this affects the product size)

It is optional to change the barcode number when

• A free gift is included inside the packaging • There is a weight change on a non-weight marked product • Competition offer on the pack • When there is an artwork change • A different type of similar packaging material is being used

TRADED PACK ITEMS It is mandatory to change the barcode number when

• They contain a different number of the same consumer unit product • The products inside the traded unit have a different number • There is a significant change in the packaging style or weight of the consumer unit

products (for example if this would affect the logistics weight, size or shape of packaging.

It is optional to change the barcode number when

• When there is an artwork change • A different type of similar packaging material is being used

NUMBER NOTIFICATION

When a new product is introduced it is essential that all trading partners are notified of the GTINs (global traded item numbers – this is the barcode number) allocated as soon as possible. This must happen before the initial shipment of the product.

This applies to all packaging levels of the product.


BARCODE SYMBOLOGY

There are different barcode symbologies (structures of bars and spaces) suitable for different purposes.

CONSUMER UNITS A consumer unit supplied to Tesco must have one of the four following types of barcodes.

Suppliers wishing to use a UPC-E barcode must gain written permission in advance from Tesco Barcoding.

EAN-8 EAN-13

UPC-E UPC-A


TRADED UNITS (OUTER CASES) A Traded Unit would normally be marked with either and ITF-14 or a UCC/EAN-128 barcode. However, it is also permissible to use an EAN-13 barcode apart from stock which is delivered into frozen depots.

Where supplementary data to the product identification is required - for example short shelf life items where a “best before” or “use by” date should be included, then a GS1-128 barcode must be used. (“Short Shelf life” is defined as being a shelf life of 42 days or less).

For all other products the supplier may choose to either identify the products with an ITF-14 or a GS1-128 barcode, although Tesco would normally recommend that the supplier uses an ITF-14 barcode as it is more difficult to print a GS1-128 barcode accurately to some substrates (e.g. corrugated board).

ITF-14 BARCODE

UCC/EAN-128 BARCODE

EAN-13


2D BARCODES

Two-dimensional Matrix codes are quite different from the bar codes that have been used in the retail industry for many years. One particular, significant difference is that two-dimensional matrix codes cannot be scanned with a laser beam making it impossible to decode these matrix codes with most of the existing scanners in the retail environment. Matrix codes are scanned and decoded by camera based, or imaging, scanners and this also means that many smart phones can be used to scan matrix codes, if they have the appropriate software loaded. Most point of sale scanners are laser based, but new scanners have now been developed that use a hybrid of technologies that will enable matrix codes to be scanned and decoded some time in the future.

There are different types of matrix code, but the one that has been most widely adopted now, within GS1 applications, is GS1 DataMatrix. A variation on these codes has been in existence for many years, however, in order to use these codes within GS1 applications, they must contain a 'Function 1' character prior to the data that is being carried. The data must also be formatted using the GS1 rules for GS1 Element Strings which incorporates the leading digits, known as Application Identifiers, that define the type of data that is being encoded.

GS1 DataMatrix is a code that can carry variable length data and it is therefore capable of carrying exactly the same data as the GS1-128 and GS1 DataBar Expanded bar codes. Unlike those linear bar codes though, the GS1 DataMatrix code does not consist of bars, but instead consists of square elements arranged in a square (or sometimes a rectangular) format. As a result, it usually takes up much less space than any other linear bar code. It is also more forgiving of some of the less accurate methods of printing, partly because of the way that it is decoded and also because it is able to decode symbols that have suffered some damage or printing errors.

The dark and light coloured matrix elements that carry the data are contained within a boundary that consists of a pair of solid dark lines, known as the 'L' pattern, and alternating patterns of dark and light modules, known as the clock tracks. In addition to these fixed patterns, there also needs to be a clear area or quiet zone that must be at least another module width outside these patterns.

This sample image of a GS1 DataMatrix code is typical of one that might currently be seen used on pharmaceutical products in certain European countries. The data encoded in this particular code could be shown in human readable characters as (01)05012345678900(17)151200(10)ABC123 concatenating the product GTIN, the expiry date and the batch number. The size of the individual square modules in a GS1 DataMatrix would normally be larger than conventional linear bar code X dimensions in similar applications. For instance, pharmaceutical products are being marked with modules that are usually about 0.5 mm which would make the overall size (including the quiet zone) of the symbol above roughly 11 by 11 mm. This still leads to smaller overall symbol sizes than are possible with existing linear bar codes. RSS DATABARS

GS1 DataBar (formerly known as RSS or reduced spaced symbology) is a relatively new barcode symbology that is set to be adopted by the global supply chain by January 2010. The GS1 DataBar can carry all 14 digits of a manufactures GTIN and is more than 50% smaller than the currently used EAN & UPC symbols. Additionally, the GS1 DataBar symbol can carry GS1 Application Identifiers which allow additional information such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates to be encoded.

Encoding GTIN, Expiry date and Batch number


GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional Half the Height of an EAN/UPC Barcode symbol. 14 Numeric characters. Only carries the GTIN GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN- 14 Omni-directional. Recommended for use at retail POS.

GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional Half the width of an EAN?UPC barcode symbol. 14 Numeric characters. Only carries the GTIN GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14 Omni-directional. Recommended for use at retail POS.

GS1 DataBar Expanded Can carry up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric data characters in a single row. Can carry a SGTIN (GTIN + serial number) in about the same space as an EAN/UPC barcode symbol. Recommended for use at retail POS.

GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked About the same size as an EAN/UPC barcode symbol. Can carry up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric data characters in a single row. Can carry a SGTIN (GTIN + serial number) in about the same space as an EAN/UPC barcode symbol. Recommended for use at retail POS.

GS1 DataBar Truncated Designed for very, very small products. 14 numeric characters. GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14 Not Omni-directional. Not recommended for use at retail POS, suitable for use with hand held scanners.

GS1 DataBar Stacked Designed for very, very small products. 14 Numeric characters. GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14 Lead digit 0 or 1 only. Not Omni-directional. Not recommended for use at retail POS, suitable for hand held scanners only.

GS1 DataBar Limited Designed for very, very small products. 14 Numeric characters. GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14 Not Omni-directional. Not recommended for use at retail POS, suitable for hand held scanners only.


UNITS OF 1 (Items which are both consumer and traded units) Some items, such as a case of beer or a large item such as a big television maybe both a consumer pack and a traded unit pack. Also the majority of clothing lines are delivered in single units.

These can be barcoded in the following ways:

• An ITF-14 and an EAN-13 barcode, (both containing the same information)

• EAN-13 barcode

BREAK DOWN LABELS FOR BREAK PACKS AND TRANSPORT UNITS In addition to traded units, items may also be transport or logistical units. The most common form of these units is pallets or break packs. The difference is that these units are not ordered and explicitly invoiced between trading partners; they are simply a convenient means of transporting goods between participants in the supply chain. A barcode is not required on the break pack as there will be barcodes present on the cases within the break pack

If delivering in break packs, the tops of the cartons must be opened prior to delivery.

Break packs must be marked with a break down label (B/D label). No barcodes must be applied to the outside of the breakdown unit

On this shipping outer, any legal notice or warning must be displayed. If the product must be physically handled in a special way, this must also be clearly marked on this outer.


PALLET LABELS – For Fresh

• SSCC Pallet labels are now mandatory on all pallets going into depot.

• These should always carry a GS1-128 barcode. No other barcode type is permitted for pallet labelling.

• Standard label size is A5

• It is essential that the 18 digit SSCC number is unique for each pallet.

• You may add additional information in barcode form for your own internal purposes.

• Please ensure that pallet labels are stuck to at least 2 sides of each pallet.

• Suppliers who already have a GS1 company prefix number used to create GTIN’s (also known as EAN-13) can use the same number to create SSCC numbers.

• Suppliers that produce Tesco own brand label and consolidators who merge supplier pallets will be required to obtain a unique company prefix from GS1.

Minimal Pallet Label Information

An example of a pallet label that meets the minimum specification is given below.

NB: The SSCC Bar code must always be the lowest bar code on the label NB: The SSCC set of bar codes must be unique to the pallet


Minimum information required for Pallet labels – Fresh, Non Food and Grocery.

An example of a pallet label that meets the specification for Fresh/Non Food and Grocery suppliers is given below. Note – this is the minimum amount of information that Tesco require, however it is fully acceptable to format pallet labels according to the GS1UK standards and that on page 36 of this document.

ABC Farm Food Customer Tesco Stores Ltd Destination Hinckley Delivery Day Tuesday Delivery Date 14/08/2007 Ship via Cool chain Window 2 Temp +3

Products 4 Qty 54 Pallet No 2 of 5 SSCC Code 006141411234567890


PRINT QUALITY

INTRODUCTION Historically many suppliers to the retail supply chain have mis-understood the requirements and have worked on the basis of “if the customer doesn’t complain it must be O.K.”. However, in many cases complaints are made but do not get beyond the supplier’s Tesco account manager until Tesco start rejecting product.

Suppliers are obliged to ensure that the barcode meets or exceeds the “minimum quality specification” as defined by GS1. Tesco staff and procedures are not intended to check, evaluate or dispute barcode quality but simply to confirm that the supplier has met all of the requirements.

It is part of the conditions of supply between Tesco and the supplier that the barcode should at the very least meet the GS1 “minimum quality specification”. Tesco can and will take action against suppliers who fail to deliver product with suitable quality barcodes.

Tesco will advise the supplier if their barcodes are of an unacceptable quality and will seek to work with them to achieve an acceptable quality within an agreed timescale.

Tesco will also recover full costs arising from the failure to supply products that fail to comply with the objective quality standard laid down in this document.

REQUIREMENTS It is the responsibility of all companies involved in the retail supply chain to check the barcode quality using an ISO grade barcode verifier - a barcode quality control instrument which takes accurate measurements of a barcode and provides an independent, objective barcode analysis and grading.

GS1 specify the use of a barcode verifier as mandatory because it is simply not possible to accurately assess whether a barcode is “good enough” by any other means.

If you have quality control equipment in place please check that it is certified by the manufacturer as meeting the latest ISO-15416-1 and ISO-15426-1 standards.

PROCESS • Printers, packagers, brand owners should all have barcode verification equipment

which meets the required standard (see annex 2).

• Barcodes should be tested at all relevant stages in the production process — from artwork through to the final package configuration.

• An appropriate statistical sample of each and every batch should be tested to ensure conformity.


GUIDANCE Consumers do not like to purchase products with bad barcodes - they feel guilty that they are holding up the queue at the checkout (even if it is only one person in the queue) - if it happens too frequently they will switch to an alternative product.

• Design the barcode into the packaging — don’t think of it as an afterthought.

• Don’t reduce the size of the barcode and place it in an obscure location.

• Do not assume that others are checking the barcodes. It is your responsibility to check the barcodes.

• Remember to check barcodes in final packaging configuration. Check that: - all outer cases are marked with correct barcode

- shrink wrap seal is not obscuring barcode - Tape (even clear tape) is not obscuring barcode - Pallet wrap has not caused damage to barcode

VERIFICATION Verification (Quality Control) of the barcode is essential if Tesco are to receive barcodes which are “fit for purpose”.

The human eye cannot detect faults which may appear small but render the barcode difficult or impossible to scan, also use of a scanner to check that the barcode is readable gives no assurance that the barcode will be scannable in a different environment. The use of verification equipment is essential as being the only valid way of assuring that the print quality is acceptable.

Your verifier must be certified as • measuring in accordance with ISO/ANSI standards. (ISO-15416-1, ANSI X3.182)

• meeting the ISO-15426-1 standard.

• Results must be displayed in the following format: 4.0/10/660 – Grade/Aperture/Wavelength of light

You should have a written QA procedure covering barcode quality. This should not only cover use of verification equipment but also encompass some visual checks which are not carried out by all verifiers. This includes:

• Magnification • Bar Height • Barcode Type • GS1-128 data content • GTIN is correct for product • In-store and branded variable measure format

In addition, the QA procedure should include an audit trail for both scanned information and calibration records


MAGNIFICATION AND OTHER PRINT CHARACTERISTICS

INTRODUCTION The size of a barcode on both retail and traded units is important for a number of reasons:

• A smaller barcode has a reduced depth-of-field (the range of distances from which it can be read). An unnecessarily small barcode requires more attempts before it can be read, even if it is of a good print quality.

• Smaller barcodes have significantly tighter print tolerances than larger barcodes. For an EAN-13 barcode the print tolerance at 80% magnification is almost one-third of that of a barcode printed at 100% magnification.

• Not all substrates are suitable for printing reduced sizes of barcodes. Although the GS1 standards specify a range of acceptable sizes, not all of these are capable of being used with particular print processes and substrates.

GS1 STANDARDS FOR CONSUMER UNITS GS1 specify that a consumer unit barcode should be between 80% magnification and 200% magnification. (X dimensions ranging from 264 microns to 660 microns).

Tesco preferred sizes for Consumer Units are:

• Up to 100% magnification should only be used on paper labels or cartons.

• 120% magnification is advised for plastic labels and flexible packaging.

• 75-80% thermal/thermal transfer printers only.

GS1 STANDARDS FOR TRADED UNITS GS1 specify that a Traded Unit barcode (ITF-14 or GS1-128) should be between 48.7% magnification and 100% magnification. (X dimensions ranging from 495 microns to 1016 microns).

Tesco preferred sizes for a Traded Unit are:

• Codes of less than 62% magnification should only be on thermal/thermal transfer printed labels.

• Pre - printed corrugated board should use barcodes in the range of 80% to 100%.

• The target size for Ink Jet printing is 80%.


GS1 STANDARDS FOR PALLET LABELLING GS1 specify that a Pallet Label barcode (this must be a GS1-128 barcode) should be between 48.7% magnification and 100% magnification. (X dimensions ranging from 495 microns to 1016 microns).

• When required, pallets should be labelled using a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) to uniquely identify the pallet.

• Where supplementary data such as product identification, quantity, best before dates etc. is included in the label, these should be encoded using an X dimension in the range of 250 microns to 1016 microns.

WITHIN THE GS1 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SIZES PERMITTED A SUPPLIER IS FREE TO CHOOSE TO PRINT AT ANY MAGNIFICATION SO LONG AS THE PRINT QUALITY CONSISTENTLY MEETS THE MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE STANDARD ACROSS ALL BATCHES.

BEARER BARS The box surrounding the barcode on traded units is referred to as bearer bars.

All traded unit barcodes printed by a flexo process to corrugated board must have a full bearer bar box around the barcode. This is to even the pressure on the printing plates and to ensure more consistent bar dimensions.

All traded unit barcodes printed by any other means should have a box or solid horizontal lines above and below the barcode to eliminate the risk of short scans and, in the case of thermal/thermal transfer printing, as a quick visual check of pixel damage.

“H” GAUGES These are a legacy of earlier and more primitive ink-spread checks. Although earlier GS1 standards mention these, they have been dropped from all current global standards.

“H” gauges are therefore optional, but Tesco recommends that all suppliers to eliminate “H” gauges from all artwork and instead keep the space to provide a larger quiet zone/ light margin.


BAR HEIGHT

Bar height has a direct effect on the scannability of a barcode. Scanners generally need to be able to read a barcode from somewhere on the left to somewhere on the right (or vice versa) in a single line path.

Truncated barcodes (reduced bar height) can take longer to scan — even if the barcodes are printed to a high quality standard.

CONSUMER UNIT BARCODES GS1 standards specify the required bar height for consumer unit barcodes with height being proportional to the magnification of the barcode.

GS1 also specify an absolute minimum symbol height of 20.73mm (measured from the top of the bars to the bottom of the human readable numbers).

Tesco require that all of their suppliers meet this standard. However, we do recognise that in the case of very small products this may not always be possible. Tesco will, therefore, allow a lower symbol height — down to an absolute minimum of 16mm for the height of the shortest bar. Where possible the supplier must use a full height barcode unless agreed with Tesco barcoding department.

There may be instances where it is not possible to achieve even the lowest symbol height (for example a pencil or small cosmetics items). Where this is the case the supplier should submit a sample of the product for approval in writing.

All scan lines pass through barcode No scan lines pass through and the barcode can be read the barcode. The barcode is unreadable.


TRADED UNIT BARCODES & PALLET LABELS GS1 standards specify the required bar height for all traded unit and pallet label barcodes as being a minimum of 32mm

Tesco requires suppliers to meet this standard. We recognise that there are certain packaging types/formats where this is not possible, e.g. where the packaging involves items which are shrink-wrapped onto trays.

Whenever possible, a full height barcode must be used. If packaging constraints do not allow a full height barcode, the use of a barcode down to a minimum size of 25mm is acceptable.

The bar height for traded unit and pallet labels barcodes is always measured as being the actual height of the bars. This does not include any bearer bars or human readable characters.


LOCATION AND NUMBER OF BARCODES

CONSUMER UNIT BARCODES The barcode should be located where it is easy to scan. No product should be barcoded with two barcodes of the same, or different number unless agreed with the barcoding team, neither should the single barcode be visible as part of a multipack configuration. You should also take the final package configuration of the product into consideration.

The barcode should be a minimum of 8mm from any creases seams or folds and that the barcode should be located either on a flat surface (best) or a consistently curved surface.

Cartons: • Ensure that the barcode is not located too close to a corner of the pack, otherwise

with normal handling the corner of the carton may get damaged and infringe the light margins (quiet zones).

Cans, jars, bottles etc.: • Ideally the barcode should be positioned in ladder format up the side of the product.

This will ensure that when the barcode is scanned all bars are an equal distance from the scanner and that an optimum scan rate can be achieved. Positioning the code round the circumference of the bottle or jar will always degrade the scannability of the barcode. Poor scan rates are achieved on smaller diameter products.

Flexible Packaging (cellophane, and film-wrapped products): • Please ensure that the barcode will be on a flat surface once the product is filled and

that it is well away from where the packaging will be sealed. Ideally when a cellophane pack is sealed the packaging process will ensure that the package flap is folded away from the barcode. If it is not possible to control this direction then a suitable clearance should be left to ensure that the flap cannot infringe the bar height.

Blister Packs: • Barcodes on blister packs should be positioned well away from the blister and for

these products it is essential that verification take place “in the final packaging configuration” to allow for a test of the code as it will be presented to the scanner.


TRADED UNIT BARCODES The barcode should be in picket fence format on the side of the pack when in its normal standing position. The ideal location for a barcode is with the base of the bars 32mm from the base of the packaging (+/-3mm). The nearest bar should be no closer than 19mm from the nearest vertical edge of the packaging.

BARCODED LABELS (hand-applied) • Where hand-applied barcoded labels it is important that the barcode is in a straight

position. Labels applied at a significant angle may result in an inability to scan the barcode through an automated distribution centre.

Scan Line

Correct orientation—barcode scanner Badly positioned barcode clearly sees the barcode - scanner cannot see the full barcode clearly

• The barcode(s) should be positioned where scannability will not be adversely affected by the application of sealing tape, strapping, shrink wrap material, pallet wrap etc.

• For direct print onto corrugated board, the requirement is for a minimum of two barcodes on traded units.

• Barcode LabelsUNITY DEPOT: Suppliers are requested to apply two scannable labels on different sides to each outer case label. ALL OTHER DEPOTS: Only one scannable label is required.

• If delivering to Dry Grocery or Non-food distribution centres, please ensure that at least one scannable traded unit barcode is visible on the front of each pallet and MU at the top right hand side.

• It is not permissible for traded unit barcodes to be placed on the top of traded units.

• Any lines delivered through our Fresh depots must be barcoded using the GS1 - 128 format with the use/sell by date encoded mixed pallets need to have product identifiers seen in the fresh label example on page ?. Further information can be found in the 'Fresh supplier' delivery manual on Tesco link.

Unity Daventry depot is a fully automated operation so all barcodes must be printed onto a while label, pass verification at grade A and not be obscured in any way or form by tape or seals. Failure to achieve this may need to the stock being rejected.


The below information has been developed to guide you on variable weight or catchweight barcodes as printed on retail packs. These barcodes are the most technically complicated that we use in Tesco and unfortunately they have resulted in some problems in store for our customers. The aim of this document is to show you the problems that can arise with this type of barcode and also to show you how to ensure the problems never happen again.

1. Correct STRUCTURE of a variable weight barcode and CHECK DIGIT calculations. 2. Ensuring that the PRINT HEAD is not burnt out. 3. What are LIGHT MARGINS and why must they be correct. 4. VERIFCATION how and why.

1. Structure of an Variable Weight Tesco Branded Barcode

A variable weight barcode is defined as a consumer unit who’s price in continuously dependant on the weight of the pack.

The EAN prefix is fixed with a 02. The Instore item reference will be communicated by the Tesco buyer in writing. The price verifier is calculated over the following five price digits. See GS1 guidelines. The item price is calculated from the weight of the pack by the scale and the unit price and expressed in Sterling £££pp. The check digit is calculated by using the modulo 10 algorithm. See Gs1 guidelines.

Please note it is vital that all of the above points are correct. If any of these are calculated incorrectly then the barcode will fail at the checkout and it is very likely that the product will be withdrawn. Please see the section on verification to find out how you can ensure these calculations are valid and correct.

Tesco Own Label Barcode Requirements for Variable Weight Retail Products


2. Ensuring That the Print Head is not Burnt Out

Too many failures to scan are occurring in-store and this is usually caused by the faults that should have been picked up with a print head. If any electrode in the head fails then it is likely that the head will be affected. Supplier must ensure that they have adequate checks in place to identify when this occurs, and the print head must be changed immediately.

If you do not have the check line look If there are any breaks in the text or Obvious breaks in the bars. (Fig1)

Ensure that the manufacturers cleaning Programme is followed correctly.

This extends head life, improves print quality And is a good discipline to follow. (Fig 2)


3. What Are Light Margins and Why They Must Be Correct

Light margins are the clear area to the left and right of the barcode. They are used by scanners to locate the start and finish of the barcodes; they must be free of any interruption whether it be text, colour, or even the edge of the label.

If the light margins are incorrect scanners can either mis-read or no read the barcode which can lead to incorrect charging of our customers which is clearly unacceptable.

Suppliers MUST ensure that light margins are correct on all packs. 4mm on the left and 3mm on the right are absolute minimums.

Allowance must be made for the print head to wander slightly. The print area for a variable weight barcode must be a minimum of 41mm wide.


Branded Variable Measure Restricted Circulation Numbers.

Creating branded variable measure restricted circulation numbers (RCNs)

Products which are not fixed in weight and are sold at a retail point of sale are bar coded using branded variable measure prefix numbers which are available on request from GS1 UK. These special prefixes are only used on items which vary continuously in any measure that affects their price, and this will often be their weight. These 13 digit RCNs include their price in sterling and cannot be used in other currency areas. Companies exporting these products should contact GS1 UK for details of the equivalent systems used abroad. These numbers are constructed as above.

The first seven digits of this number will be notified to the retailer selling these items, and are known as the short identification number. The price verifier is calculated according to an algorithm explained in the GS1 General Specifications and uses the four digits representing the price. The check digit is calculated in the normal way. The EAN-13 bar codes representing these RCNs must be printed online and the selling price per unit of measure must be known before the labelling can begin.


Verification How and Why Variable weight barcodes by their very nature are more prone to error then pre-printed fixed weight barcodes. Therefore to ensure that we can scan accurately and charge customers correctly it is vital that verification to the following standards is carried out for all variable weight barcodes.

Type of verification required:

Full CEN/ANSI grade C or traditional pass.

Or

Online verification including validation of price verifier

1.) Overall check digit correct. 2.) Price verifier check digit correct

(Please note this is likely to be an option in The software and must be switched on)

3.) The light margins are correct.

Ideally the verifier should be on-line but if this is not achievable then an off-line check at the start, middle and end of every production run is acceptable. Records of checks made must be kept and be available for inspection for six months.


In-Line Barcode Verifier

Automatic Verification for Thermal Printers

Specifically designed for use with thermal printers, the Axicon In-line Verification System utilises CCD imaging technology to provide full ISO grade verification. Identifying common problems such as damaged or dirty printheads, media movement, ribbon creasing light margin, infringements, data content & format errors. A report on the quality of every barcode is displayed instantly on-screen alerting the operator to any deterioration in quality.

A range of reporting tools come as standard including the ability to save the scan file of each and every barcode, or just those that fail; a spread sheet of the results and a summary of every print-run. Easy to use tools providing full auditable traceability - an integral part of any ISO9000 Quality Management system.

ISO/ANSI Verification StandardsFor Use On & Off LineSequential/Duplicate Label validationMultiple Barcodes per LabelScan File & Spreadsheet Reporting ToolsData Content and Format Checking


APPENDIX 1

Label Formats


Branded Variable Weight Label CASE LABELBox No. CC04A0053037

PACK DATE

25JUN06 BEST BEFORE

25DEC06

Net

2.50 kg

TARE

0.3 kg

YOUR COMPANY NAME / YOUR PRODUCT NAME)(UNIT QUANTITY) e. g. 8 x 300 g Approx

NUMBER EXPLANATION

(01) Application Identifier (01): GTIN

9 Indicates variable weight

5012345 Supplier number allocated by the GS1 UK

67890 Item number allocated by manufacturer unique to each product

3 Check digit

(17) Application Identifier: (17): Use by date

061225 Date YYMMDD (25.12.06)

(3102) Application Identifier: Weight in kg and decimal point space

000250 Weight (0002.5 kg)

Barcode Type = GS1 – 128

Magnification = 50 %

Bar Height = 32 mm


TESCO FIXED WEIGHT DROP-IN CARD (GREEN TRAYS)

NUMBER EXPLANATION


0021234 Product Identifier

000000 Item number (000000 to make code up to 13 digits) 2 Check digit (17) Application Identifier (17): Use by date 061225 Date YYMMDD (25.12.06)

Barcode Type = GS1-128


Bar Height = 20 mm

Card Dimensions 57mm x 129mm


TESCO VARIABLE WEIGHT LABEL

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION PACK DATE: 15/06/05 USE BY: 25/12/06 TARE WEIGHT: 0.5 Kg. NET WEIGHT: 2.95 Kg.

NUMBER EXPLANATION


0021234 Product Identifier

000000 Item number (000000 to make code up to 13 digits) 2 Check digit (17) Application Identifier (17): Use by date 061225 Date YYMMDD (25.12.06) (3102) Application Identifier: Weight in kg and decimal point space 000295 Weight (0002.95 kg)

Barcode Type = GS1-128


Bar Height = 32mm


TESCO SPECIFICATION FOR BLUE TRAY DROP-IN CARD

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND QUANTITY OF TRADED UNITS

NUMBER EXPLANATION

(02) Application Identifier (02): Contents Identification

05012345678900 Traded unit code from the case in the tray

(37) Application Identifier (37) for quantity

06 Quantity of traded units inside the tray. (Must be 2, 4, 6 or 8 characters)

Barcode Type = GS1–128


Bar Height = 25 mm

Card Dimensions 57mm x 129mm


TESCO / BRANDED FIXED WEIGHT OUTER CASE

BARCODE SPECIFICATIONS

SUPPLIER NAME TOMATO SAUCE 300G UNIT SIZE: 12

BEST BEFORE END: DD.MM.YY

NUMBER* EXPLANATION

0 Filler character

5012345 GS1 company prefix

67890 Item reference 0 Check Digit

Barcode Type ITF-14

Magnification 62.5 %

Wide to narrow ratio 2.5:1 Bar Height 32mm

* Typical Format, can vary.


TESCO/BRANDED OUTER CASE FRESH DEPOT BARCODE SPECIFICATIONS – FIXED

WEIGHT

1 TESCO 4 TPND: 85038222 CHILLI CON CARNE & RICE 5 SITE CODE: 12343 6 X 450G 6 DISPLAY UNTIL: 25.12.07

7

EXPLANATION


05012345678900 Traded unit barcode allocated to the product tpnd

(15) Application Identifier (15): Best before or Display until AI of 17 for Use By

071225 Date YYMMDD (25.12.07)

TEXT REFERENCE EXPLANATION

1 Supplier Name

2 Name of product as on pack (as clear and large as possible)

3 Pack weight and quantity of units per case

4 TPND (Tesco Product Number Depot)

5 Supplier Site Code if available

6 Display Until Date

7 Unique 2 or 3 digit number for each product you supply *

8 Single letter category code – e.g. Vegetables -- > V ** Barcode Type GS1–128

Magnification 50 %

Bar Height Minimum 32mm

8) # 7) **


* A two or three digit number is to be added to the bottom right hand side of the barcode label. For each product line you supply the number should be unique, so different product lines can be easily distinguished at a glance.

** For products shipped in trays only *, add a single letter category code to the bottom left of the OCC label. This will support in replenishing your stock. The following category codes should be used:

V = Vegetables P = Pork M = Morning Goods

S = Salads B = Beef R = Ready Meals

F = Fruit C = Chicken X = Christmas

L = Lamb T = Turkey

* Please note if your stock is not shipped in trays or is not part of one of these categories there is no need to add a single letter category code.

Please note the minimum requirement for a break back configuration is 4 units


BREAKDOWN LABEL FOR BREAK PACK AND TRANSPORT UNITS

SUPPLIER NAMEYOUR ADDRESS

TEL.: YOUR NUMBER, FAX: YOUR NUMBER

Quantity

Description

Tesco Product Number

Tesco Specification for Transport Units & Break Packs

In addition to traded units, items may also be transport or logistical units which often take the same format as traded units e.g. a pallet or break pack. The significant difference is that transport units are not ordered and explicitly invoiced between trading partners, they are simply a convenient means of transporting good between participants in the supply chain. If delivering in break packs, the tops of the cartons must be opened prior to delivery.

Break packs must be marked with a break down label (B/D label). No barcode must be applied on any break down or Transport units .


SSCC LABEL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT - FOR FRESH, NON FOOD AND GROCERY

BUT NOT FROZEN

TEXT REFERENCE EXPLANATIONSSCC Human Readable barcode number Below SSCC Barcode

Barcode Type GS1–128


Bar Height 32mm

NUMBER EXPLANATION

(00) Application Identifier (00): Unique Pallet Identifier

006141411234567890 SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code = Unique Pallet Number)


1 2 1 2 1 2 1

2

STANDARD PALLET LABEL REQUIREMENTS FOR FROZEN OR

WHERE REQUIRED

SUPPLIER NAME YOUR ADDRESS

TEL.: YOUR NUMBER, FAX: YOUR NUMBER

______________________________________________________

SSCC050123450000234564

Content Count 05012345678900 110

Use by TPND Batch No. 25/12/07 8503822 1234AB

_________________________________________________

3

4 5

6 7 8


PALLET LABEL – CONTENT

UPPER BARCODENUMBER EXPLANATION


05012345678900 Traded unit code (GTIN) of the cases on the pallet (17) Application Identifier (17): Use by date 131225 Date YYMMDD (25.12.13) (37) Application Identifier (37) for quantity 0110 Number of traded units on pallet

LOWER BARCODE (should always be SSCC)NUMBER EXPLANATION

(00) Application Identifier (00): Unique Pallet Identifier


(10) Application Identifier (10): Batch Number 1234AB Supplier’s internal reference


1 Supplier name

2 Address etc.


4 GTIN of traded units on pallet (see above)

5 Number of traded units on pallet

6 Use by Date

7 TPND (Tesco Product Number Depot)

8 Supplier’s internal reference

Barcode Type GS1–128


Bar Height 32mm

Label size A5


SSCC Pallet Label GS 1 Format

Label format below is the standard pallet label require by Tesco suppliers to be applied on the outside of the pallet wrap. This is to be the only means of indicting a pallet load of product into DHL Unity operation. This achieved with ensuring that all the highlighted in the “RED” and “BLUE” sections are scanned.

NOTE: ALL THE HIGHLIGHTED BLUE AND RED SECTIONS MUST BE SCANNED TO ALLOW THE PALLET LOAD TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE DHL UNITY OPERATION.

PALLET’S SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED INTO DHL UNITY OPERATION IF ANY OF THESE HIGHLIGHTED REQUIREMENTS DO NOT SCAN.

A SAMPLE LABEL MUST BE PLACED ON THE REJECTION LABEL FORM, INDICATING PRODUCT, TESCO SUPPLIER, CONSOLIDATOR AND NUMBER OF PALLETS AND SENT TO DHL OPS SUPPORT FOR INVESTGATION.

HIGHLIGHT THE REASON FOR THE LABEL REJECTION AS TESCO WILL USE THIS AS EVIDANCE TO CHALLENGE AND CHARGE SUPPLIER FOR THE LABEL FAILURE.

Best Before Date

(02) 15012345679807 (15) 061225 (37) 0110

( 00 ) 050123450001234563 ( 20 ) 05 ( 10 ) 1234 AB

DHL Unity would prefer this to be “Best Before Date”, but this could be “Display Date” if SSCC label and pallet content packaging indicates this then add 3 calendar months


MERCHANDISING UNIT LABEL OR OFF FIXTURE DISPLAY

1 2 3 TESCO KITCHENROLL X 4 WHITE QUANTITY: 300 UNITS

CONTENT 5012345000015 4


NUMBER EXPLANATION

05012345678900 GTIN of the traded unit

TEXT REFERENCE EXPLANATION1 Supplier name 2 Product name, size/weight/quantity. 3 Identifies traded unit as a merchandising unit 4 GTIN of retail unit

Barcode Type ITF-14


Wide to narrow ratio 2.5:1

Bar Height 32mm

If delivering to Dry Grocery or Non-food distribution centres, please ensure that at least one scannable traded unit barcode is visible on the front of each pallet and MU at the top right hand side. This is a secondary label to the pallet label, this can either be encoded on the pallet label and clearly marked as outer case code or a secondary label should be applied to the pallet itself.


UNIT OF ONE This type of barcode can be used when the line is delivered in a single unit, meaning that this format of barcode can be scanned at both depot and store levels. The barcode must be of the same number and be located in an area which is easy scannable when presented to either level.

TESCO Wide Screen Television x 1

NUMBER EXPLANATION

0 Filler character

5012345 GS1 company prefix

67890 Item reference

0 Check Digit

Barcode Type EAN-13

Magnification 150%

Bar Height 32mm


TESCO OUTER CASE BARCODE SPECIFICATIONS

(International Sourcing)


TPNB + TPND Tesco product numbers

Product Description Description of product provided by Tesco and must be used on supplier invoice

Unit size Quantity in unit Supplier code Provide your supplier code Barcode ITF is provided by Tesco for Tesco brand products. ITF is

provided by supplier for branded products.

Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID for Tesco PLC - 53 -

TESCO INTERNATIONAL SOURCING BREAKDOWN LABEL

Application Identifier EXPLANATION

(02) Application identifier (02) (never changes) Use existing Outer Case Code (OCC) allocated to product (per PO)

(37)

Application identifier (37)(never changes) The number of cartons within the break pack carton. Must be entered as 2 digits, i.e. “06”, “08”, “24”.

Barcode Specifics:Barcode type GS128 (EAN-128) sub-set C Magnification minimum 50% Bar height minimum 32mm Barcode length 80mm (1st to last bar)

Checklist: • 2 (two) barcodes for ALL break packs to be placed on adjacent sides of carton (see

above diagram). • Cartons MUST be loaded with a barcode facing the container doors. • This label is in ADDITION to current Breakdown Pack labelling/markings.


TESCO SPECIFICATION FOR CLOTHING RATIO PACKS

RATIO PACKS ARE WHERE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF GARMENTS OF DIFFERENT SIZE OR A COLLECTION OF UNSIZED GOODS


Sub department Labels maybe colour coded to reflect sub department

Brand Tesco Brand (e.g. Cherokee)

Product Description Description of product provided by Tesco on purchase order

TPND Specific to product and country of destination

(e.g. UK/ROI =9 digit number & CE = 13 digit number) PO NO Country of destination purchase order number

(e.g. UK/ROI = LMPO & CE = ORMS) Style NO Specific to product and country of destination

No. of pieces in case Number of store retail units per case

Season code Indicates the buying season

Barcode Barcode to be scanned at point of sale


RATIO PACK INFORMATION


APPENDIX 2

Global Standards For Barcode Quality


GLOBAL STANDARDS FOR BARCODE QUALITY

“General EAN.UCC Specifications” Published by GS1 and available on the GS1 website. This is the technical handbook on barcode use within the retail supply chain.

ISO-15416-1 Barcode Print Quality Test Specifications Published by ISO and available to purchase through the local ISO offices. This standard covers the methodology by which a barcode is measured and graded for print quality.

ISO-15426-1—Barcode Verifier Conformance specification Published by ISO and available to purchase through the local ISO offices. This standard covers the method of assessing the accuracy of the verification instruments.

ANSI X3.182 The U.S. equivalent to ISO-15416-1 The grading system uses alpha characters rather than numeric ones but otherwise the standards are synonymous.


APPENDIX 3

Ink Jet Printing of Outer Cases

Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC 62


INK JET PRINTING OF OUTER CASES

Overall Principles:-

In line with other retailers, Tesco are happy to accept barcodes printed using this technology as long as the print quality consistently meets the minimum acceptable standard across all batches. The minimum print quality requirements are identical to those expected on pre-printed cases and are outlined in Appendix 3.

It is expected that suppliers adhere to the guidelines laid out in the best practice document created by GS1 UK and are able to evidence this. This includes the requirement to put in place quality assurance procedures and equipment to assess and maintain compliance in this area.

Tesco monitor the scanning performance of all outer cases in our depots. Suppliers who fail to consistently supply barcodes which conform to the minimum requirements may be requested to revert to labels or pre-printed boxes.

Guidance and Advice:-

Experience has shown that in a well managed, well controlled and well serviced environment ink jet printing is capable of delivering consistently good quality barcodes of a high standard. However it is also well known that badly positioned equipment, or lack of servicing can lead very quickly to poor quality unacceptable barcodes.

As such it is strongly advised that before embarking on the use of ink jet printed barcodes (or as soon as possible if the technology is already in use) potential users should read and familiarise themselves with the guidance provided in the GS1 document “Ink Jet printing GS1-128 and ITF14 bar codes on to Fibreboard cases”. This document is available from GS1 in electronic form, alternatively if you are already in contact with the Tesco Barcode Helpdesk they are able to supply you with a copy of this document on request.

Special attention should be paid to page 5 in which it states that:- “100% online scanning and off-line verification equipment must be used to monitor the quality of barcodes being produced and highlight to the operator a problem either with the quality of bar codes being printed or with the printing, scanning or verification equipment. Both processes, when used in combination, will provide reassurance and increase confidence that if bar codes pass this process they will be able to be read within retailers’ distribution depots and within the supply chain(subject to case damage at a later date). If they reveal problems, action to resolve the problem can be initiated immediately to prevent poor quality printed outer cases entering the supply chain.”

In particular the use of off-line verification equipment (meeting the ISO-15416 standard) as part of the equipment set-up process is essential to ensure optimisation of the set-up, as is having a robust quality control procedure based around the GS1 and ISO standards.

Please remember that the ability of this technology to deliver consistently good quality barcodes is dependent upon the regular servicing of the equipment and therefore servicing arrangements should be reviewed to confirm that they are appropriate.

Tesco Barcoding team are available to provide additional guidance on request.


APPENDIX 4

Summary of Best Practice


TESCO PREFERRED BEST PRACTICE SUMMARY TABLE

Pallet Labels Traded Packs Consumer Units (EAN-8/13, UPC-A/E) Unit of

One

Barcode type and print method

UCC/EAN-128 on a

label

EAN-13 on a label

EAN-13 on board

ITF-14 or UCC/EAN-128 on a

label/Card

ITF - 14 on board

UCC/EAN-128 on board

UCC/EAN-128 InkJet

Thermal Labels

Flexible Packaging

Other Packaging EAN-13

Number of barcodes 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 2

Target magnification 50% 150% 150% 50% 100% 100% 80% 100% 120% 100% 150%

Magnification Range

48.7% - 100% 150% - 200% 150% - 200% 48.7% -

100% 80% - 100% 80% - 100% 80% - 100% 75% - 120% 120% 80% - 120% 150%-200%

Target bar height 32mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 26mm 26mm 26mm 32mm

Absolute minimum bar

height 25mm 25mm 25mm 25mm 25mm 25mm 25mm 16mm 16mm 16mm 25mm

Optional bearer bars YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO

Optional light margin

indicators* YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

Minimum verification grade C C C C D C C C C C C

For further information or guidance please contact.

Diane Mellowship

Tesco Barcode Manager

Tel: 01707 914917 Mob: 07841 951679

[email protected]

or

Brian Robarts Axicon Auto ID Limited

Tel.: 01869-352 448

Mobile: 07739 977 602

[email protected]

www.axicon.com

July 2016

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