Attachment B: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (continued):

Q: Where do I get the shipping unit serial number that is within the UCC/EAN 128 (SSCC)? We track pallet numbers within our inventory management system, can I use that number?

A: The shipping unit serial number is assigned by you. Its length depends on the length of the Company Prefix. If the Company Prefix is 7 digits long, the serial number will generally be 9 digits long. If the manufactuer’s id. is 9 digits long, then the serial number will be 7digits long. You can use your normal pallet number. The serial number should not repeat more frequently than once every year. If you have multiple production locations that ship to P&G, you will need to set up a process to insure the sites do not duplicate each other's unit serial numbers. It is not necessary to put information such as "1 of 14" etc. on the label in human readable form.

Q: How does this affect the C.O.A.(Certificate of Analysis) we are now providing?

A: The C.O.A. must include the same information as usual, including the GCAS#.PO#, Unit amount, Quantity, the Controlling Lot #, and Shipment #. Please contact the quality control team contact at P&G if you have further questions.

Q: Can I use my current dot matrix printer if I have a work process in place to insure that the ribbons are changed frequently?

A: Dot matrix printers are not prohibited, but are also not recommended because there is frequently a problem with low contrast print because the ribbon needs to be changed. Printers such as laser printers and thermal transfer printers require less maintenance to produce good print contrast. Dot matrix printers also produce print which does not have a sharp edge compared to laser or thermal transfer printers. This will also result in a lower quality bar codes.

Q: I have multiple plant sites that ship to P&G. How do I insure their UCC/EAN 128 bar codes are unique? Do I need to get separate UCC (EAN) MFG. I.D.'s?

A: One Company Prefix is okay even when multiple sites are involved. If you have multiple sites, assign the first 1 or 2 places in the serial number to a site. All serial numbers from that site should then begin with that assigned code.

Q: What is the difference between the Code 128 symbology and the UCC/EAN 128 standard?

A: The 128 symbology is the basic encoding of data using the series of bars and spaces called for in the specification. The UCC/EAN 128 standard is an application standard. It uses the 128 symbology. The application calls for the "Function Code 1" to be encoded immediately after the start character. The standard then uses a data identifier to identify the type of data being encoded. The UCC/EAN 128 application also calls for the calculation of the modulo 10 check character to be done just before the modulo 103 check character.

Q: What is the difference between the Serial Number and the Lot Number?

A: The Serial Number is a single unit ID. If you have 20 units per load, each unit must have its own Serial Number. The Lot Number represents all the unit numbers in that production run. This maintains raw material traceability.

Q: What is the purpose of the "Function Code 1" character?

A: The "Function Code 1" character used immediately after the start character indicates a UCC/EAN application standard is being used.

Q: What is the purpose of the modulo 10 check character?

A: It is used as a check to ensure the data in the bar code is entered correctly when key punched into the terminal. Key punching the data would be done when the bar code itself is not scannable.

Q: Is there an advantage to printing the UCC/EAN -128 bar code in 40 mil (1mm or 100% magnification factor) narrow bar width vs. 25 mils (0.6mm or 60% magnification factor)?

A: The larger bar code will scan from further distances and will allow for more tolerance in printing.

Q: Is there a difference when printing code 3 of 9 when an aspect ratio of 3:1 is used vs. 2.3:1.

A: The 3:1 ratio allows for more printing tolerance and will give better scanning results.

Q: Why do human readable characters need to be at least 3/8"(10mm) high?

A: Our operators in the warehouse will be trying to read them from 6-8 feet(1.8-2.4 meters) away in a dimly lit warehouse. If space allows, it is helpful if they can be made larger.

Q: What type of label stock should be used?

A: White label stock should be used. Contact your local supplier of printer and materials to find out the options which are possible. Standard copier paper is acceptable. Adhesive backed is not required. The labels must be attached to the pallet loads of material so they don't fall off. They can be taped to the pallet load. Clear tape can be used. Try not to put the tape over the top of bar codes which must be scanned. The tape may affect the scanning.

Q: Should a supplier own a bar code verifier?

A: Owning a verifier is not required. However, given the supplier’s accountablity for the bar codes scannability, we believe it would be a wise choice.

P&G will use a verifier to check bar code quality and will identify short comings in bar code quality. This does not replace your own capability to ensure labels are produced in the proper format, are clear, sharp and exhibit good scanning characteristics. P&G will also be scanning every label. Your printing process and inspection process must ensure that your label quality is robust and does not vary over time or allow a significant number of bad quality labels to be sent to P&G. We strongly encourage the suppliers to use a bar code verifier to do the appropriate internal testing required to meet this requirement. If the P&G sites you are supplying are requesting a certificate of analysis type data on bar codes, a verifier will become even more critical. (Attachment F provides recommended capabilities and suppliers of verifiers.)

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