In the era of e-commerce and global trade, logistics efficiency has become more important than ever andlogistics label is a key component in this system: yes It is a fundamental element that plays a vital role in ensuring that goods are moved efficiently and accurately through the supply chain.
In this article, we'll explore what a logistics label is, why it's so important, and how it's used in the industry.
What is a Logistics Label?
A logistics label is a specific type of label used in the logistics industry to identify, track and manage the products (or logistical units) along the different phases of the supply chain path, starting from the producer, to the distributor, to the final consumer, and also involving intermediaries.
Contains key information about the product such as barcode, serial number, product description, expiry date, weight, place of production and other relevant information. This data is critical to ensuring that goods can be tracked accurately and moved efficiently, thus reducing the risk of errors and delays.
The mandatory or optional information to be included in each logistics label is defined by the specific type of logistics unit strong> (mixed, homogeneous, standard or non-standard), also taking into account the variable quantity.
There are several types of logistics label, including shipping label, pallet label, box label and product label, each with specific functions and information to ensure optimal management and precise traceability along the entire supply chain.
GS1-128: The universal code for logistics efficiency
The symbology used for the logistics label is the GS1-128.
GS1-128, formerly known as EAN-128, is a global standard for logistics labels developed by the GS1 organization. This standard uses the 128 Bar Code, a high-data-density code, to encode information in an easily machine-readable format. The information contained in a GS1-128 can vary, but typically includes details such as the product identification number, manufacturing or expiration date, lot number, and other specific data.
The peculiar and distinctive element of this type of code is the use of Application Identifiers (AI) to specify each information reported.
SSCC: safety and precision in logistics management
The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is a unique identification number that is assigned to each shipping container in a supply chain . As if it were a car license plate, it uniquely identifies the logistics unit created.
This code, which is made up of 18 digits, allows you to track and identify the physical movement of each individual container along the entire supply chain, and the information flow associated with it, from production to delivery. Thanks to SSCC, companies can track shipments, effectively manage inventory and facilitate the pickup and return process.
The only mandatory information on the logistics label is the SSCC code and the symbol containing the SSCC code must occupy the lower position of the label.
The anatomy of logistics etiquette
The logistics label reports the information both in plain text (i.e. in a readable format, such as characters, numbers), and in the form of code with GS1-128 bars.
The structure of a logistics label is divided into three sections:
·The Top Part: Contains free-form information, such as the name and address of the sender and recipient , and the manufacturer's logo. It may also include information about the logistics unit that is not encoded in the barcode.
·The Central Part: Known as the "variable data area", it contains plain text information relating to the logistics unit. This information can vary from one label to another and include details such as the serial number, lot code, production date or expiration date (essentially reproduces the contents of the barcode in plain text).
The Lower Part: Contains the barcode symbols and their plaintext interpretation, i.e. the Application Identifier and the data field that follows them . The barcode represents the information present in the other two zones in a format that can be easily read by a barcode reader.
The benefits of managing goods
Improved traceability and correct management of movements
Logistics labels provide an effective method for tracking products through the supply chain. They allow you to monitor the exact location of a product at any time, improving inventory visibility and efficiency.
Scanning the SSCC on the label allows you to track and trace individual units, providing a link between the physical movement of goods and the related information flow.
Error Reduction:
The information encoded in logistics labels reduces the risk of human error in the shipping and inventory management process.
Operational Efficiency and Economic Savings:
Logistics labels facilitate inventory and shipping management, as well as automating and simplifying the process of moving goods, saving time and resources. They also reduce the need for manual checks and speed up shipping and receiving operations.
In fact, thanks to the detailed information contained in the logistics label, companies can know the contents of each individual shipment in advance. This can help prepare unloading and storage operations in advance.
In general, each intermediary can access the information of operational interest contained in the logistics label and exploit it to optimize its activity.
Conclusion
Logistics labels have become an indispensable component in the efficient management of the supply chain in an era dominated by -commerce and global operations. These small stickers contain a wealth of information and allow precise tracking of goods along every stage of their journey.
Manually managing logistics labels can be complex and prone to human error. This leads to supply chain delays, loss of traceability and overall inefficiencies.
With our advanced logistics labeling solutions, we can simplify the process, reduce errors and improve visibility of goods along the entire supply chain.
If you want more information on our types of logistics labels and how we can optimize the management of your logistics labels, contact us.
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