The importance of SSCC labelling compliance
SSCC labelling continues to be one of the biggest areas of non-compliance for producers supplying into major retailers. The slightest error such as print quality can cause a major upset in the supply chain. Behind pallet issues, it’s the 2nd highest cause of delay and rejection, with 2,200 non-conformance issues caused by SSCC labels being recorded over a 30-day period. Is this something that is affecting you? The good news is you’re not alone, and many suppliers are in the same position.
insignia's Strategic Business Parternship with GS1 Australia
SSCC Labelling Format Explained
Areas of Non-Compliance
When it comes to SSCC labelling, there are four main areas of non-compliance that can result in delays in the supply chain or rejection of the shipment.
1. Print/label quality
a. Regular printer maintenance: Print quality can have a big impact on the supply chain; if a barcode or other information on the label isn’t printed correctly, it can make challenging for scanners to read. Poor print quality can be easily avoided through regular printer maintenance.
b. Choosing the right label stock for the environment: this goes for any label application, but to ensure the label will last the required length of time, the right label stock needs to be chosen for the environment i.e. if exposed to direct sunlight a thermal transfer label will be required, as a thermal direct label will blacken with the exposure to heat.
2. Incorrect barcode type
a. Labelling software: 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.
3. Missing/incorrect information
a. Locking down serialisation and barcode information: Through locking down the barcode information it ensures that barcodes cannot be duplicated, therefore ensuring shipments won’t be rejected.
b. Databasing labelling information: Databasing the labelling information helps to eliminate the chance of labelling errors that can be made by manual data entry.
4. Mismatched labels
a. Automation of label application: Using automated print and apply labelling solutions ensures the label is applied in the correct position every time.
b. Scanning solutions: One of the best ways to ensure 100% accuracy is through implementing a scanning solution. It can either be manual scanning or an automated solution that is can be integrated into the print and apply solution. This will ensure the correct label is applied to the correct product.
Solutions made simple
As a GS1 Strategic Alliance Partner, insignia’s team are equipped with the knowledge to provide expert advice on SSCC labelling. To help you get started and achieve compliance we’ve put together a SSCC labelling starter pack which contains everything you’ll need.
insignia also offer a range of complimentary solutions to help you ensure compliance, such as automated print and apply and scanning solutions. In addition to the SSCC Label Starter Pack, these solutions will make sure the right label is correctly applied every time, eliminating chance of errors made by manual data entry and application.
To make sure these solutions are running at optimum efficiency insignia can provide maintenance solutions and contracts to avoid downtime and shipment delays or rejections.