Barcoding in the supply chain

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 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 definable Company with first 2 characters being country Product code 0 Check digit

History st use of POS in the USA st use of POS in Key Markets – Spalding, UK Introduction of barcoding standards for outers Inc. manufacturer, Country of Origin, traded units EAN application identifier standards Added weights, exp. dates, batch no EAN re-launched as GS1

eCom eCom or EDI It is the process of sending and receiving structured business messages, typically orders, dispatch advice, invoices, etc different messages established for international trade Internet influence and the use of XML messaging

GTIN – Global Trade Item Number Different products have to have different GTIN’s In 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 Label Benefits 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 Label Pallets 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 Identifier 02 - GTIN 15 - Best before no Count of items in logistical unit 00 - SSCC (serial shipping container code) 10 - Batch or lot number

RFID GS1 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 future The 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