Automated identification technology
Automated identification technology (AIT) is a method for the automatic identification of articles that has been used for cash register systems since the 1970s. The Federal Ministry of Defense has ordered the use of AIT for all supply items for the Bundeswehr. This process can support the control of internal goods in the production process and the system-supported storage and retrieval of goods can be optimized.
Types of identification
Various labeling methods are available for labeling articles, e.g. B.
- Labeling
- Inkjet lettering
- Laser marking
- Needle embossing
Areas of application
AIT has meanwhile found its way into all branches. In trade, industry, healthcare and administration, many companies rely on AIT to optimize and automate processes. By identifying and reading out machine-readable codes, many manual activities can be eliminated; this leads to workload relief and also to a reduction in errors that arise through manual recording processes.
armed forces
Since 2008, the technical delivery conditions (TL A-0032) have been extended to include AIT-compliant labeling. The GS1 standard is used here . According to the AIT procedure, supply items must be marked with a GS1-128 barcode or a GS1 data matrix code. These machine-readable codes contain encrypted information about the country, manufacturer, article number and possibly the serial number of the product.
Requirements for the introduction of AIT
Global location number (GLN)
Bundeswehr contractors must register with the responsible national GS1 organization for the purpose of assigning the globally unique company identification number, the global location number (GLN). For Germany this is GS1 Germany. The GLN assigned by GS1 is unique worldwide. The GLN contains a basic number which, depending on the application, consists of 7, 8 or 9 digits. In addition to the GLN, 2 other globally valid numbers are required for the AIT system of the Bundeswehr: the globally valid article number (GTIN) and a globally valid shipment number (SSCC).
Global article number (GTIN)
On the basis of the GLN, companies can generate the global article numbers (GTIN) required for AIT. A GTIN always consists of 13 digits. The GLN basic number is used for the first digits of the article number , the last digit is always a check digit that is generated using the modulo 10 method. Depending on the length of the basic number, companies can generate a GTIN for 1,000 to 100,000 article numbers.
Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)
The SSCC consists of 18 digits, with a so-called reserve digit with a value between 0 and 9 being used in the first place. This is followed by the basic number of the GLN with 7–9 digits and a sequential number with 7–9 digits to be generated by the sender, followed by a check digit.
Data identifier
The GS1 standard is based on a data identifier concept so that every data recipient can determine exactly which data has been encrypted in a data carrier. The data identifier concept is a globally coordinated concept. The following data identifiers are permitted for the Bundeswehr:
- (01) = Global article number (GTIN)
- (10) = batch number
- (21) = serial number
- (00) = Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)
Approved GS1 codes
- GS1-128 barcode
- Application : product labeling, packaging labeling, transport labeling
- GS1 DataMatrix
- Application : product labeling, packaging labeling
Requirements for suppliers
Product labeling
The labeling must be applied permanently to the product, d. that is, the shelf life should correspond to the life of the article. Stresses caused by handling, environmental influences and cleaning must not impair legibility and durability. In the case of the GS1-128 barcode , the GTIN and optionally the associated serial number or batch number must be listed in plain text below the data carrier. With GS1 DataMatrix, the GTIN must always be listed below the data carrier and optionally the serial number or batch number above the GS1 DataMatrix. If, for reasons of space, it is not possible to provide clearly written information, this can be omitted with the GS1 DataMatrix . Detailed information on product labeling is contained in the technical delivery condition TL A-0032, Part 1, Edition 7 of July 14, 2014.
Packaging labeling
All packaged products must be marked on the packaging with an AIT element in accordance with TL A-0032, Part 1. The technical delivery condition TL A-0032, Part 2, Edition 9 of July 14, 2014 contains detailed information on packaging labeling.
Transport labeling
In some cases, shipments must be marked with a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) for the transport process. Only the GS1-128 barcode is permitted for this. Anyone involved in the transport chain can use the SSCC for shipment tracking. Information on transport labeling is contained in the technical delivery condition TL A-0032, Part 2, Edition 9 of July 14, 2014.
Data transfer
For each delivery to the Bundeswehr, the contractor must provide the Bundeswehr logistics command with an Excel file in CSV format. The file is to be sent by email or on a data carrier by post. The data structure and data transfer is regulated in the technical delivery conditions TL A-0032, Part 5, Edition 1 of July 14, 2014.
Quality assurance conditions
The test of the conformity of the legibility and the data content according to the GS1 standard can either be carried out by certification from GS1 Germany or documented by a test device qualified for this test. The contractors are responsible for this.
Introduction of AIT
Various processes and systems are often affected by the introduction of AIT in companies. In particular, inventory management systems, ERP systems , PLM systems and their interfaces are affected.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ GS1 Network - The magazine for standards, logistics, supply and demand management magazine from GS1 for download
- ↑ Automated identification technology website of Avidok Engineering Support GmbH. Retrieved June 30, 2016
- ↑ GS1 Germany website of GS1 Germany. Retrieved June 30, 2016
- ↑ Technical delivery conditions Published technical delivery conditions of the BAAINBw