It’s time again to take a closer look at a bar code symbology! 

SCC-14, also known as the Shipping Container Code, is used for fixed-content shipping containers.  This 14-digit symbology has two different representations, UCC/EAN 128 format or the ITF-14 format which is based on Interleaved 2 of 5.  The most widely used bar code representation is the UCC/EAN 128 with Application Identifier (AI) 01 pictured at right.  SCC-14 consists of 14 digits, including a check digit that is calculated the same way as a UPC/EAN check digit. 

SCC-14 bar codes include the following pieces of data:

• Digit 1- Package Indicator (PI)
• Digits 2-3- UPC numbering system/EAN country prefix
• Digits 4-8- Manufacturer code
• Digits 9-13- Item identification number
• Digit 14- Check digit

Because SCC-14 is used for marking and labeling containers that hold products marked with UPC-A or EAN-13 bar codes, these codes are included in the SCC-14 code.  The digits from position 2-13 are the UPC-A or EAN-13 code that is encoded on the products within the case.

The packaging indicator is determined by what is in the container.  A PI of 0 is used to indicate a container that doesn’t have similar items or items without the same UPC or EAN.  PI’s of 1-8 differentiate between cases with different quantities of the same item.  And a PI of 9 indicates that the number of items in each case varies and isn’t fixed.

Unlike a UPC or EAN, you don’t have to register for an SCC-14 number.  It can be produced following the rules above and created with bar code label software.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about bar code labeling software that supports SCC-14.

It’s been awhile since we provided a post about a bar code symbology, so today we’re going to take a look at GS1 DataBar.  The GS1 DataBar family of symbols was formerly known as RSS symbols or Reduced Space Symbols because of their ability to carry more information and identify small hard-to-mark products.  In addition to promising more data in less space, GS1 DataBar has some unique features that support product authentication and traceability.

GS1 DataBar enables Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification and supports Application Identifiers (AI).  This enables the symbol to hold additional information such as expiration date, lot numbers and serial numbers.  The primary focus for GS1 DataBar is to provide a solution that supports traceability and authentication to improve the quality of fresh products scanned at POS.  GS1 has set a target date of 2014 for this family of symbols to be available for use in an open environment.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about GS1 DataBar.

Aztec Code is a high-density 2D matrix symbology built on a grid with a bull’s-eye pattern at the center.  Data is encoded in a series of layers that encircle the bull’s-eye, with the most critical data normally placed in the center.  The Aztec Code:

• Can encode up to 3750 characters
• Provides orientation independent scanning
• Includes built-in error correction
• Requires no white space around symbol boundaries

The Aztec Code is the symbology of choice for Mobile Ticketing because critical data is placed in the center of the symbol and this where mobile display screens are brightest.  Having data in the brightest area of the screen ensures the best reads possible.  In addition, the sophisticated error correction makes it a great symbology for paper tickets as well and ensures that even wrinkled or stained codes can be read accurately.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about 2D imagers that can read the Aztec Code.

There are two main categories that 2D bar codes fall into- stacked 2D codes and matrix 2D codes.

Stacked 2D Codes

Stacked symbologies resemble a set of linear bar codes literally “stacked” on top of each other.  The most common stacked symbology is PDF417, pictured at right.

Matrix 2D Codes

Matrix symbologies like the Data Matrix at right, are made up of a pattern of cells that can be square, hexagonal, or circular in shape.  In most cases, matrix bar codes offer higher data densities than stacked bar codes.

Although different in many ways, the intent to encode more information in a smaller space is the same and so are the following benefits:

• Capacity- 2D codes allow you to store more data in a smaller space than 1D codes
• Portability-  2D codes don’t require database access for decoding, instead data travels with the item
• Flexibility- compact matrix 2D codes can be read on curved surfaces
• Increased efficiency- increased data capacity and flexibility make goods move more quickly
• Emerging standards- new standards set the stage for millions of new products to be marked by 2D symbols in the coming years

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about bar code imagers and label software that support 2D bar codes.

It’s news to no one that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is facing tremendous challenges.  In 2003, the Postal Service drafted the Intelligent Mail Corporate Plan, which described the vision for Intelligent Mail in part to  “…place an information-rich code on all mail, aggregates of mail, and business forms, enabling end-to-end visibility into the mailstream.”   Recent progress is making this vision a reality. 

Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB)has been implemented to support expanded visibility into the postal network.  The Full-Service option provides a significant enhancement to that infrastructure.  As part of Full-Service, customers submit electronic documentation that provides details about the mailpieces and aggregates in their mailings, including the unique Intelligent Mail Barcodes applied.

Three key priorities were identified in 2003 that set the direction for achieving the Intelligent Mail Vision: 

• Strategy 1: Uniquely identify mail and aggregates.  The introduction of IMB has enabled unique identification of pieces, handling units, and containers.  Each bar code is mailer-applied and has a common customer identifier called the Mailer ID (MID) and serial number identifying a piece within a single mailing .  IMB is used by mailers and the Postal Service to uniquely identify mail and increase visibility of movement across the network. 
• Strategy 2: Develop and deploy enabling infrastructure.  In May 2009, the Postal Service launched the Full-Service option for mailers.  The systems deployed to support Full-Service provide enhanced visibility into the mail supply chain and facilitates the exchange mailing data between customers and the Postal Service.  Systems and enhancements are also being deployed to enhance mail quality by linking information about mailers to mailpieces.
• Strategy 3: Enhance address quality. The Postal Service spends over $1 billion dollars each year handling mail that is undeliverable-as-addressed.  IMB implementation has improved address quality by improving new address correction options and the change of address process, and identifying further Undeliverable-as-Addressed mail and Address Management System improvements.

Four new strategies have been identified for 2009 that update and enhance the original vision: 

• Strategy 4: Measure and improve commercial mail performance
• Strategy 5: Drive product innovation
• Strategy 6: Sharpen Operational Insight
• Strategy 7:  Enrich the customer experience

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the Intelligent Mail Vision and for assistance complying with Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) requirements and to help your business fully benefit from it.

Item Unique IDentification (IUID) is an asset identification system instituted by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to uniquely identify an asset or component by assigning a unique identifier.  All government property, contracts and deliverables are required to be marked with a unique number. 

Compliance requires that all IUID labels, marks or tags use a two-dimensional (2D) Data Matrix symbol with the data formatted in accordance with syntax and formatting standards necessary to ensure accurate scanning and tracking.  The Commercial And Government Entity Code (CAGE Code) is a unique identifier assigned to suppliers. The IUID is comprised of the CAGE Code, serial number and part number.

The Data Matrix marking can be applied in one of the three following ways, but must remain permanent through the lifecycle:

• Direct Part Marking:  Symbol is permanently placed directly on an asset using laser etching, dot peening, chemical etching, laser bonding, or ink jet printing. 
• Data Plates:  Plates are attached to assets with screws, adhesive or bolts. 
• Adhesive Labels:  Labels are typically made from polyester or foil and attached to the asset with adhesive .

The U.S. Federal Government maintains an IUID Registry data system to store records for all assets delivered to the government or in the custody of contractors that have UID marks or have been assigned an IUID in anticipation of future possible UID marking.

As other government agencies recognize the benefits of the DoD’s IUID mandate, it’s expected they will institute their own IUID programs.

Linear or one-dimensional (1D) bar codes are limited in the amount of data that can be encoded.  This limitation led to the development of a two-dimensional (2D) symbology composed of rows of data arranged in a rectangular or square pattern. The rows of data are stacked onto each other to encode an array of data. 

One example of a a two-dimensional (2D) bar code symbology is Data Matrix (also known as datamatrix).  As you can see in the sample image at the right, the Data Matrix symbol consists of light and dark square data modules representing zeroes or ones.  In addition, a Data Matrix has an L-shaped border called the “finder pattern” which is used to locate and orient the symbol.  The other two borders consist of alternating dark and light cells called the “timing pattern” which provides a count of the number of rows and columns. Within the borders are rows and columns of cells of encoded data.   As more data is encoded in the symbol, the number of rows and columns will increase ranging from from 8×8 to 144×144.  Data Matrix can encode up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters and has built-in error checking and correction algorithms that enable reconstruction of encoded data when the symbol is damaged.  By the way, the above sample contains the text “Get mobile with DecisionPoint”.

The most popular application for Data Matrix is marking small items.  Data Matrix is used for the Item Unique Identification (IUID) asset identification system instituted by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) because it can encode item details such as manufacturer ID, serial number and part number. 

The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB)—also known as OneCode and the 4-State Barcode—is a height-modulated barcode that encodes a 31-digit string of mail data into 65 vertical bars. 

In 1980 the Postal Service invented a unique barcoding method called POSTNET, for POSTal Numeric Encoding Technique for encoding ZIP+4 code information.  The Intelligent Mail initiative was announced by the USPS in 2003, became available in 2006, and was expanded upon and enhanced in 2007.The Intelligent Mail Barcode replaces the POSTNET and PLANET barcodes.  This barcode will be required starting in fall of 2009 for companies looking to receive the maximum USPS automation discounts.

With IMB, businesses can track their mail through the entire mail system, both internally and externally. A database is created by using IMB to create a mail tracking system. Supplemental data can be added to this database and data mining techniques can be implemented.  Another major benefit for businesses is enhanced address corrections which should reduce Undeliverable As Addressed (UAA) mail. Electronic Address Change Service (ACS) are free for First Class Mail when companies use the Full-Service Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Use of IMB is currently optional.  Originally, the USPS planned to switch over from the POSTNET bar code to IMB in January 2009, but now businesses can continue using POSTNET until May, 2011. However, as of the fall of 2009, mailers will be required to implement the Full-Service Intelligent Mail Barcode to qualify for maximum postal discounts.

At first glance, the new IMB looks similar to POSTNET, but IMB has both ascender and descender bars as well as full bars and half bars. The new code can hold much more data in the same space. The  old POSTNET code held only zip code and routing information while the new IMB indicates sorting level, class of mail, optional services requested, the Mailer ID, an optional serial number identifier for the piece, and all the  zip and routing information that was in the original POSTNET code.

The USPS assigns Mailer IDs based on mail volume. A 9-digit ID will be assigned to mailers with an annual volume less than 10 million pieces while those mailing more than 10 million pieces will be assigned a 6-digit ID.  Both Basic and Full Service IMB are available.  The Serial Number/Piece ID field is the primary difference between the Basic and Full IMB. In Basic IMB, a business can pad this field with zeros or assign an internal value. With Full Service IMB, businesses must ensure each Serial Number issued is unique for at least 45 days.

To facilitate adoption of the Intelligent Mail Barcode, the USPS developed and is making available at no charge a number of tools and resources available from the Rapid Information Bulletin Board System (RIBBS) Web site at: http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSolution

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for assistance complying with Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) requirements and to help your business fully benefit from it.