If your EDI trading partner has asked you to transmit ASN documents, it is likely that the UCC/EAN-128 barcode label is also required. The label, usually attached to each carton or the entire pallet, allows the shipping receiver to quickly determine the contents of the carton/pallet in conjunction with the ASN paperwork.  This is done by scanning the SSCC-18 bar code at the bottom of the label.

While it seems reasonable to the trading partner that these labels are used since they speed up shipment verification at the receiving dock, they can be a pain for the supplier to generate, particularly since they contain bar codes that need to match the corresponding ASN document.

The labels are typically 4″x6″ in portrait mode and usually need to be printed on thermal paper.  Let’s look at specifications for two different trading partners, Lowe’s and The Sports Authority.

As you can see, both labels contain the same basic information, the exact layout will vary by trading partner. Additionally, some trading partners are more strict than others about tolerances regarding font size, spacing, paper type, barcode density and so on.

The SSCC-18 (serial shipping container code) bar code is an 18-digit number that is usually found at the bottom of the label. The first 2 digits is the application identifier that identifies the barcode as a SSCC-18, the next digit indicates the container type (0=carton, 1=pallet), the next 7 digits is padded with leading-zeros and identifies the shipper (your company) and never changes, the next 9 digits are always unique per label (at least within a 12-month period) and identify the specific carton/pallet and the last number is a check-digit that is calculated automatically by the barcode software.

In order to ensure that there are no mistakes in creating the barcode and corresponding ASN, it is usually best that one system handles both functions.

The eBridge ASN module allows you to easily create and pack your shipment electronically which also generates the label or alternatively, a file that can be used with your existing label software if you already have the label templates created. The eBridge module will take care of this easily and accurately every time. Carton/pallet numbers are automatically incremented so there is no risk of duplication and all of the other data on the label can be pulled from your accounting system, stored in the eBridge database during the order posting process or entered directly into the ASN module itself.

Trading partners that always require the ASN and corresponding labels include:

• Bed, Bath & Beyond
• Lowes
• Walmart
• Target
• JC Penney

eBridge has almost 20 years’ experience integrating EDI, so let us help take the pain out of your ASN and barcoding requirements. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section.

Article by Mike Catalfamo

Mike Catalfamo has over 10 years' experience delivering integrated eCommerce and EDI solutions and is the Technical Sales Engineer at eBridge Software Inc. When not chasing around his toddler, a few of Mike's interests include playing music, photography, reading, practicing GTD and exploring ways to make the most of technology to integrate and automate information and systems.

General EDI, Technology Corner