Tesco barcode quality standards

Transcription

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 1

2 Tesco Barcoding Department Contact Information Diane Mellowship Tesco Barcoding Manager Tesco Store Ltd Shire Park, Kestrel Way, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1GA Tel: Mob: Alexandra Baker Karen Jaikens Tel: Tel: Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 2 -

3 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 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 3 -

4 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 4 -

5 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 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 5 -

6 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 6 -

7 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 7 -

8 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 8 -

9 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: Mob: Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC - 9 -

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

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

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

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

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

15 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 twodimensional 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. Encoding GTIN, Expiry date and Batch number 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) (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 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

16 GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional GS1 DataBar Stacked 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. 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 GS1 DataBar Truncated GS1 DataBar Stacked GS1 DataBar Limited 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. 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. Designed for very, very small products. 14 Numeric characters. GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14 Lead digit 0 or 1 only. Not Omnidirectional. Not recommended for use at retail POS, suitable for hand held scanners only. 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

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

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

20 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 and ISO 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

21 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 , ANSI X3.182) meeting the ISO 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 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

22 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 % 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%. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

24 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 and the barcode can be read No scan lines pass through the barcode. The barcode is unreadable. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

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

27 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 clearly sees the barcode Badly positioned 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 Labels UNITY 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

28 Tesco Own Label Barcode Requirements for Variable Weight Retail Products 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 Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

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

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

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

33 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 Standards For Use On & Off Line Sequential/Duplicate Label validation Multiple Barcodes per Label Scan File & Spreadsheet Reporting Tools Data Content and Format Checking Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

35 APPENDIX 1 Label Formats Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

37 Branded Variable Weight Label CASE LABEL Box No. CC04A 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 Supplier number allocated by the GS1 UK Item number allocated by manufacturer unique to each product 3 Check digit (17) Application Identifier: (17): Use by date Date YYMMDD ( ) (3102) Application Identifier: Weight in kg and decimal point space Weight ( kg) Barcode Type = GS1 128 Magnification = 50 % Bar Height = 32 mm Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

38 TESCO FIXED WEIGHT DROP-IN CARD (GREEN TRAYS) NUMBER EXPLANATION (01) Application Identifier (01): GTIN Product Identifier Item number ( to make code up to 13 digits) 2 Check digit (17) Application Identifier (17): Use by date Date YYMMDD ( ) Barcode Type = GS1-128 Magnification = 50 % Bar Height Card Dimensions = 20 mm 57mm x 129mm Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

39 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 (01) Application Identifier (01): GTIN Product Identifier Item number ( to make code up to 13 digits) 2 Check digit (17) Application Identifier (17): Use by date Date YYMMDD ( ) (3102) Application Identifier: Weight in kg and decimal point space Weight ( kg) Barcode Type = GS1-128 Magnification = 50 % Bar Height = 32mm Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

40 TESCO SPECIFICATION FOR BLUE TRAY DROP-IN CARD PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND QUANTITY OF TRADED UNITS NUMBER EXPLANATION (02) Application Identifier (02): Contents Identification 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 Magnification = 50 % Bar Height = 25 mm Card Dimensions 57mm x 129mm Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

41 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 GS1 company prefix 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 Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

42 TESCO/BRANDED OUTER CASE FRESH DEPOT BARCODE SPECIFICATIONS FIXED WEIGHT 1 TESCO 4 TPND: CHILLI CON CARNE & RICE 5 SITE CODE: X 450G 6 DISPLAY UNTIL: ) # 7) ** EXPLANATION (01) Application Identifier (01): Contents Identification Traded unit barcode allocated to the product tpnd Application Identifier (15): Best before or Display until AI of 17 for (15) Use By Date YYMMDD ( ) 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 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

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

44 BREAKDOWN LABEL FOR BREAK PACK AND TRANSPORT UNITS SUPPLIER NAME YOUR 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

45 SSCC LABEL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT - FOR FRESH, NON FOOD AND GROCERY BUT NOT FROZEN TEXT REFERENCE EXPLANATION SSCC Human Readable barcode number Below SSCC Barcode Barcode Type GS1 128 Magnification 48.7 % Bar Height 32mm NUMBER EXPLANATION (00) Application Identifier (00): Unique Pallet Identifier SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code = Unique Pallet Number) Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

46 STANDARD PALLET LABEL REQUIREMENTS FOR FROZEN OR WHERE REQUIRED SUPPLIER NAME YOUR ADDRESS TEL.: YOUR NUMBER, FAX: YOUR NUMBER 3 SSCC Content Count Use by TPND Batch No. 25/12/ AB Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

47 UPPER BARCODE PALLET LABEL CONTENT NUMBER EXPLANATION (02) Application Identifier (02): Contents Identification Traded unit code (GTIN) of the cases on the pallet (17) Application Identifier (17): Use by date Date YYMMDD ( ) (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 SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code = Unique Pallet Number) (10) Application Identifier (10): Batch Number 1234AB Supplier s internal reference TEXT REFERENCE EXPLANATION 1 Supplier name 2 Address etc. 3 SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code = Unique Pallet Number) 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 Magnification 48.7 % Bar Height Label size 32mm A5 Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

48 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. 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 Best Before Date (02) (15) (37) 0110 (00) (20) 05 (10) 1234 AB 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

49 MERCHANDISING UNIT LABEL OR OFF FIXTURE DISPLAY TESCO KITCHENROLL X 4 WHITE QUANTITY: 300 UNITS CONTENT Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

50 NUMBER EXPLANATION GTIN of the traded unit TEXT REFERENCE EXPLANATION 1 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 Magnification 62.5 % 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. Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

51 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 GS1 company prefix Item reference 0 Check Digit Barcode Type EAN-13 Magnification 150% Bar Height 32mm Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID Limited for Tesco PLC

52 TESCO OUTER CASE BARCODE SPECIFICATIONS (International Sourcing) TEXT REFERENCE TPNB + TPND Product Description Unit size Supplier code Barcode EXPLANATION Tesco product numbers Description of product provided by Tesco and must be used on supplier invoice Quantity in unit Provide your supplier code 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 Limited for Tesco PLC

53 TESCO INTERNATIONAL SOURCING BREAKDOWN LABEL Application Identifier (02) (37) EXPLANATION Application identifier (02) (never changes) Use existing Outer Case Code (OCC) allocated to product (per PO) 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 Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID for Tesco PLC

54 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 TEXT REFERENCE Sub department Brand Product Description TPND PO NO Style NO No. of pieces in case Season code Barcode EXPLANATION Labels maybe colour coded to reflect sub department Tesco Brand (e.g. Cherokee) Description of product provided by Tesco on purchase order Specific to product and country of destination (e.g. UK/ROI =9 digit number & CE = 13 digit number) Country of destination purchase order number (e.g. UK/ROI = LMPO & CE = ORMS) Specific to product and country of destination Number of store retail units per case Indicates the buying season Barcode to be scanned at point of sale Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID for Tesco PLC

55 RATIO PACK INFORMATION Tesco Barcode Quality Standards V9 prepared by Axicon Auto ID for Tesco PLC