What Are The Costliest Mistakes with SSCC Pallet Labelling and How Do I Fix Them?

In this blog, we outline the top SSCC mistakes (according to retailers) made in 2019 here in Australia, as well as how to fix them.

1. Incorrect SSCC Formats and Setup

The wrong data and format are one of the most common problems that retailers experience with SSCCs. And it’s easy to see why – SSCC labels include a lot of information, which can be overwhelming to get right.

We’ve pinpointed some of the most common mistakes that suppliers make when inputting SSCC formats into retailer distribution centres nationally. These mistakes contribute significantly to SSCC non-conformance around Australia.

• SSCC labels that feature incorrect barcode symbology. One common issue is that Supplier SSCC barcodes are Code-128 rather than GS1-128; this is a simple formatting error that occurs when using software to create the SSCC template.
• The date code doesn’t populate or the top product barcode of the SSCC features an incorrect date code. Were you aware that date-code fields are compulsory? A Use By Application Identifier (17) or Best Before Application (15) is encoded in the barcode, with the SSCC human-readable component written as DD/MM/YY. In the barcode, however, it must be in the form of YYMMDD.
• The quantity doesn’t populate. Just like the date code, the quantity of cartons on the pallet is actually compulsory. This is represented with Application Identifier – AI - (37) in the top product barcode. Leaving this field blank or having poor print quality is a big cause of SSCC non-conformance.
• The batch code doesn’t populate. The batch code is actually an option in the top product barcode of an SSCC label. Many suppliers, however, still print the Application Identifier – AI (10) in the top barcode but don’t print an actual batch code. If you don’t have a batch code on your SSCC, don’t print AI - (10) on the barcode.
• The SSCC number is already in the system. In the SSCC format, the bottom barcode is your SSCC number. In other words, it’s each pallet’s unique licence plate. The software should be designed to avoid repeating these numbers – there are several ways to achieve this, especially if your SSCC labels are printed at various locations around the country.

So how do you fix it?

Ultimately, take your time getting the SSCC right from the get go. As the company putting together the pallet, you are responsible for assigning the SSCC. We recommend talking to GS1 (who manage the standards for SSCC codes) or even your specific barcode software provider to ensure that the data has been entered correctly and that your data is correct.

Once your SSCC is set, you’ll be able to create your pallet label. It needs to include both human-readable text and scannable symbols (including supplier details, serial shipping container code – or SSCC, product description, product GTIN, carton quantity on the pallet, date code information – using the format of either Use By or Best Before, and the batch code – if applicable).

Now it’s time to familiarise yourself with the strict standards for SSCC labels. According to GS1 Australia, this is what makes a good SSCC label:

• It is unique for each pallet and hasn’t been used in the past 12 months;
• SSCC and product information barcodes have been printed using GS1-128 symbology
• Light margins (or ‘Quiet Zones’) haven’t been infringed;
• SSCC barcode magnification is between 48.7% and 92.5%;
• Product description barcode magnification is between 25% and 100%;
• Barcodes are at least 32mm in height; - And the human-readable information is located below the barcode symbology, is no less than 3mm in height, and is both clear and legible.

Tip: Pallet labels should comply with both your customers (the retailers) and GS1 Australia. Check supplier guides so that you know exactly what is required (if in doubt, use the GS1 verification service).

2. Poor Print Quality

Did you know that one in 10 labels actually has poor print quality? It means that either the top product barcode or bottom SSCC barcode don’t scan at major retailers. There are a number of reasons for this – it could be as simple as dirty or damaged printheads (or a lack of good housekeeping in general) causing fine line-breaks through the label.

If your SSCC barcode labels can’t be scanned, it can actually cause significant disruption when pallets are being receipted into distribution centres. With new (and highly automated) distribution centres coming online, print quality and barcodes not scanning is an issue that’s growing – leading to products being increasingly rejected.

So how do you fix it?

One of the best ways to ensure that your labels are consistently of high quality is to regularly check your printer.

Are your operators cleaning the rollers and printhead? Failure to clean them regularly is the biggest cause of bad print quality. The printhead elements may have failed or there might be build-up, which can cause lines in the final print.

Which printer are you operating – direct thermal or thermal transfer? Thermal printers operate via a series of tiny heating elements in the printhead, which cause the label to turn black when heated. Temperature changes can cause irregularities in the way images and lines are printed on the label. Thermal transfer is actually a great option for SSCC labels – the print can withstand long exposure to sunlight, friction, dampness and temperature changes. On the other hand, direct thermal is best suited to cold environments where the labels won’t be exposed to such extremes.

Tip: Whether you are using a picket fence or ladder orientation for printing barcodes is another consideration when it comes to print quality.

Printing in picket fence, as a general rule, gives a higher quality barcode than printing in ladder orientation does. It should also be noted that printing in ladder also impacts the size or magnification that you can print your barcode in. By printing in picket fence, the edges of the barcode tend to be crisper and straighter – this results in a much higher and more successful scan right as it travels through the supply chain.

3. Incorrect Label Locations

Whilst label location is critical, many manufacturers have a tendency to put SSCC labels in the wrong place. The GS1 standards in Australia are very clear – they outline the requirements of two SSCC labels on the fork-side entry sides of a pallet.

It should also be noted that additional 3PL or transport labels being applied to the pallet can pose a significant disruption to the inbound automated receipting of your pallets into distribution centres. One major retailer reported that having multiple labels on a pallet that lead to scanning issues is among the top 5 most reported issues when it comes to SSCC non-conformance.

So how do you fix it?

When it comes to location, it’s important that you check that both the SSCC labels have been positioned in the 400 to 800mm zone present on either side of the fork entry sides of the pallet. This zone is 400mm and 800mm from the pallet’s base, is no closer than 50mm and no further than 100mm from the right-hand vertical edge.

Tip: Whilst 3PL and transport labels are sometimes essential when it comes to getting your pallets through the supply chain and to the distribution centre on time, you need to make sure that they’re placed above 800mm on your pallet and on the left-hand side. This will prevent any barcodes present on the 3PL or transport labels being accidentally scanned – your pallets will be inducted first time around.

Are your internal review processes any good?

One way to help you make sure that your pallet labelling process runs smoothly and correctly is by using internal review processes.
We recommend creating a checklist to ensure that your internal processes are able to catch potential issues before your products leave the warehouse. GS1 and even many retailers have these checklists available.

Still not sure whether your processes are any good? The following questions will help: