Ultimate guide to SSCC labels

With millions of pallets and other units transported across the globe every day, accurate identification is vital to efficient delivery. Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) labels are utilised in the logistics industry to trace and identify these assets throughout the journey, helping to ensure seamless distribution.

Clear, durable and industry-compliant SSCC labels are key to successful shipments, with even a minor mistake having potentially massive consequences for your supply chain. At BCP Media, we offer premium-quality SSCC label printing to businesses across Australia. Learn more about these labels below.

Similar to the registration plate on a car, an SSCC label is a unique identification code for a transport unit. The SSCC itself contains several different pieces of information.

The SSCC numerical field includes: an Extension Digit (any number 0-9) given by the SSCC constructor; the sender’s GS1 Company Prefix number (7 or 9 digits in length); a Serial Reference which is unique to the specific transport unit; and a Check Digit, which validates the integrity of the whole code.

The SSCC barcode is usually formatted as a GS1-128 barcode, which allows for extra data to be captured in logistics such as batch number, quantity, weight, etc., which can increase distribution efficiency. Other formats that are encoded sometimes include: GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code, Electronic Product Code (EPC) and/or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.

Automation helps companies maintain simple yet efficient logistical processing. SSCC labels allow for the automated identification of logistical units resulting in many benefits.

• Reduce human error
• Allow for quick identification of products being transported
• Allow for fast and efficient processing for logistical units
• Allow for better tracking of units across a distribution network
• Allow for increased data capture such as batch number, quantity, etc.
• SSCC labels can be quickly and easily printed, applied and removed
• SSCC labels can be standardised to global transport standards

In the Logistics industry, every GS1 transport label must include an SSCC. This information is required to be displayed in both barcode and text forms. The GS1 system is considered the global standard for the logistics and transport industry. GS1 system allows for the accurate identification, traceability and tracking of units throughout a distribution network. An accurate SSCC barcode on a logistical unit enables it to be cross-referenced with the electronic information assigned to it.

Non-compliant SSCC labels can result in delays in your goods getting to their destination. To avoid supply chain disruption, it is important to keep vigilant in the following areas:

The right type of label is required to achieve optimum print quality. Using inferior labels will result in poor print quality, poor scanning of the data on your SSCC label and inefficient processing of your logistics label. Selecting the right type of label is also critical to ensure it can endure external factors such as sunlight, temperature, moisture, etc.

SSCC labels are generally encoded with the GS1-128 barcode format. While other encoding formats may be applicable, to avoid incorrect barcodes it’s important to implement a labelling software that can provide a GS1 standard barcode, such as BarTender. The SSCC is encoded by a GS1-128 barcode.

By ensuring that label information is unique via serialisation and a barcode, you can reduce the risk of duplication and distribution errors. Having a database of label information provides another way in which label information can be checked to further reduce such errors.

At BCP Media, our SSCC labels are printed in line with your requirements and industry standards. We understand that any errors can significantly impact the efficiency of processing incoming transport units.

Choose from a range of premium materials and adhesives to ensure your transport unit is delivered successfully without the hassle of human error.

With BCP Media’s pre-printed SSCC labels, you can:

• Transfer and record data more accurately.
• Minimise human error in your logistics.
• Ensure compliance with GS1 standards.
• Improve the precision and efficiency of inventory distribution.
• Accelerate shipment processing speed.

Simply supply your data in a CSV, excel spreadsheet or text file format and BCP Media will print the SSCC labels your business requires.

• Premium-quality – BCP Media only uses high-quality materials to ensure clear and accurate SSCC labels for successful scanning.
• Industry standard compliance – Our SSCC labels are always formatted and printed to comply with GS1 standards.
• No duplication errors – We ensure you receive the exact quantity and range of labels requested, with zero label waste due to erroneous duplication.
• Pre-production proofing – Enjoy peace of mind knowing our pre-production quality assurance procedures guarantee every label is printed as intended.

Equipped with over 30 years of industry experience, BCP Media are experts in variable and sequential barcode label printing. Our premium-quality SSCC labels guarantee compliance and reduce the risk of human error.

Available for Australia-wide delivery, we offer permanent or removable SSCC labels manufactured from high-grade materials. To learn more about SSCC labels for your unique requirements, request a free quote and one of our experts will be in touch as soon as possible.