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Bar Code Requirements - FAQs
Table of Contents
How do I know which bar code symbology to use?
Each bar code symbology has an intended usage or purpose. You must evaluate your product's packaging and its assigned Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN) in order to choose the appropriate symbology based on the intended purpose of the bar code. For more information and examples of the correct symbology structures to use, click here to see our GTIN Example. Additionally, a more detailed explanation on building the GTINs for each packaging hierarchy, see the power point presentation on GTIN Fundamentals (PowerPoint Presentation).
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Where can I find more information on bar coding products?
To learn more on this subject, contact the GS1 US or click on one of these web sites.
Why doesn't my bar code scan for Ace?
Do your bar code(s) and GTIN assignment(s) follow the recommended GS1 US guidelines? Have you established minimum bar code quality printing standards? Do you test your bar codes with specifically designed verification equipment to measure the symbologies parameters in accordance with adopted ANSI/ISO criteria? Ace highly encourages you produce the bar codes to the highest possible quality standards. As a general rule, Ace recommends that all bar codes entering our distribution system strive to meet a minimum ANSI/ISO quality printed grade "C" or higher.
A reoccurring comment, often expressed to the Bar Code Team, is, "..only Ace is having problems scanning my bar codes". Quite the contrary, Ace's scanning programs and processes, are highly accurate and leading edge. Ace utilizes the same scanning equipment commonly found globally in a variety of logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, industrial, and retail environments The scanners utilized in Ace's Retail Support Centers are manufactured by several leading providers of Automatic Information and Data Collection (AIDC) equipment and were specifically selected to be robust enough to withstand the constant daily use in our supply chain.
It is very probable, if Ace Hardware has problems efficiently scanning your bar codes, your other customers are experiencing similar issues. At Ace, your bar code needs to be scannable every time. The unique feature of Ace's scanning environment and program, is our internal processes and procedures do not permit material handlers to "key" or "manually enter" the numerical data at the remote terminals during Order Fill Scanning of Ace retailer's orders.
This means, unlike many of your other customers, Ace has adopted the approach in our scanning process of a Pass/Fail or Go/No Go method and philosophy, to insure the highest accuracy possible for our retailer's orders. All instances of unscannable bar codes become an exception at the time of scanning, requiring additional handling and expense in filling our retailer orders.
For examples of the most common unscannable causes, see our Power Point presentation: What Causes Unscannable Bar Codes
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Who is the person to contact if I need more information on bar codes?
Click here: Bar Code Team
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What is Bar Code Verification?
Bar Code verification is the act of testing and measuring the bar code symbology against established industry adopted standards for quality bar codes.
At its most basic level, verification assures you that your bar code will scan first time at all levels in the supply chain, thus enhancing your supplier/customer relationship. Click here for a detailed explanation on why you should verify your bar codes using the proper equipment.
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What Standards or Rules should I most consider in bar code applications?
Generally, the primary symbologies UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14, and UCC/EAN-128 are recommended to adhere to the standard guidelines published by the GS1 US. Some of the more common characteristics are:
What Size Bar Code Symbology should I use?
Bar Code size or dimensions are based on a value termed ‘Magnification'. When the correct value is selected, most bar code software will generate a bar code to the proper height and width for the symbology selected and desired. Most common unscannable failures occur when the computer generated bar code graphic is then altered or cropped when placed into the printing medium to be used and thereby changing the dimensional and spatial characteristics. The biggest error made in generating a scannable bar code is truncation - ‘Shortening in Height'. Generally, the smaller the size the poorer performance the code(s) will be in the scanning environments. Click these links to see examples of what the correct size dimensions are for these symbologies:
A good rule of thumb is to use the nominal or 100% magnification value. If the product's packaging will not allow it, then use the largest sized bar code possible to fit the label or packaging. The UCC-12, EAN/UCC-8, EAN/UCC-13, and the ITF-14 have a minimum and maximum size recommended. Larger or smaller sized bar codes, than those recommended, will require more stringent quality control to prevent discrepancies.
The human readable text below the bar codes also has standard font type, size, and placement specifications and should not be altered. See the detailed specifications on this GS1 US Solutions Center. You will require a subscription and a login to access.
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What Label Format Should I use?
The format and design of your bar coded retail product and inner/master carton labels is at your discretion. Ace does not specify the bar code(s) label's design or layout. Often this question is derived as a result of the confusion between the standard requirements established for the logistical shipment or transportation labels and Ace's requirement for non-retail product shipping cartons bar codes. The logistical or transportation label is commonly referred to as the SSCC-18 shipping label or the shipment's "license plate". This label does have a standard design or format stipulated by the GS1 US, but isn't currently scanned by Ace.
Often suppliers attempt to use the SSCC-18 logistical label and format to perform "double duty" to bar code both a product package level and as a logistical unit for the product's shipping carton. In accordance with GS1 US guidelines and standard, this practice is highly discouraged.
The act of utilizing the same label for two different purposes with two different bar codes, often leads to mis-scans, confusion, additional handling, and added expenses. The general rule is to use the appropriate GTIN and symbology for intended scanning use. In those rare occasions, the shipping carton is also a Logistical Shipping Unit (LSU), two labels are needed; one for each intended scanning purpose.
Recommended and commonly used labeling designs would include the Ace Sku Number for Ace Private Labeled products, Manufacturer's number, descriptive text, and case quantity. Remembering that any additional information, text, and designs, must not infringe on the bar code or impair in any way, the successful scanning of the code. Most common mistakes include the batch or lot numbers being printed in the bar code's quiet zone. As the bar coded label size will be dictated somewhat by the product's packaging, be sure the bar code's dimensions are correctly selected by the application program to fit the label stock used. Do not shrink or enlarge the bar code "graphics" framework to fit the label stock. The final answer to this question is to make all of your bar code labels the same standard format or design throughout all of your product lines.
Ace is not currently scanning at the highest package hierarchy or Logistical / Container unit at this time. If a future program application would be implemented, the GS-1 US labeling format guidelines established for the SSCC-18 would be adopted. If you would like more information on this particular question, please feel free to contact one of the Bar Code Team members.
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What do you do if you've received a bar code charge back from Ace?
Follow this simple checklist to help you determine why and how to keep the charge backs from reoccurring.
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