May 2008
Basic principles of labelling and Electronic Data Interchange - Abridged version - REWE Group wishes to implement the electronic exchange of master data and messages with as many partners as possible. The provision of such data through SA2 World Sync (formerly SINFOS) and EDI (EANCOM ) is to be applied throughout Germany. In the area of RFID, REWE Group strives for generally implementing this technology in the area of tagging pallets. In order to be able to fully benefit from the potentials of measures resulting from the use of electronic master data and transaction data as well as RFID, the set up and use of international standards is a prerequisite. These standards are: Identification standards (GLN, GTIN, SSCC, etc.) Master data pool (SA2 World Sync) EDI messages GTIN/EAN128 transport label Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID More information is available at the REWE Supplier Portal (RSP). May 2008
1. Implementation principles 1.1 MASTER DATA SYNCHRONISATION In order to be able to exchange item master data more efficiently, REWE Group has become a member of the SA2 WORLD SYNC data pool. There, it is checked if data is complete and logic. The participating companies can retrieve all relevant item data and are automatically provided with the latest data and information. This also offers the possibility to exchange information such as product figures, safety data sheets, product descriptions and additional multimedia information (videos, audio files). For the consumer goods industry, the SA2 WORLD SYNC data pool offers data on the entire product range. Moreover, also information on returnable assets for the relevant merchandise groups can be linked with these data. 1.2 ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE EDI/EANCOM EDI or Electronic Data Interchange refers to the exchange of structured data between application systems. The aim is to reduce manual operations such as the registration of vouchers. The data is normally transmitted using Remote Data Transmission (RDT). In order to guarantee a smooth processing of the transmitted data, they need to be provided in a standardised, machine-readable format. The EANCOM standard with its different business process-related information was developed by the worldwide GTIN/EAN organisations in close cooperation with trade and industry. In Germany, GS1 Germany is the national representation of the GTIN/EAN member organisations; it can be contacted for all kind of questions concerning EDI and EANCOM (www.gs1-germany.de). From there, the corresponding data set descriptions (REWE Group adheres to the GS1 Germany application recommendations), implementation support, manuals as well as consultancy services can be obtained. The following message types are of relevance for REWE Group: ORDERS = Orders DESADV = Despatch advice (DESpatch ADVice) INVOIC = Invoices For participation in the RFID roll-out, the implementation of the message type DESADV is indispensable. EDI forms the basis for optimising the flow of information on merchandise. The labelling of merchandise deliveries and logistic units with identification standards is a prerequisite to allow an automated registration of merchandise. Therefore, the information on message types (such as the best-before-date und batch numbers) is binding and will be processed in our processes as the only valid information, regardless of GTIN / EAN 128 or article labelling. 3
1.3 GTIN / EAN 128 TRANSPORT LABEL Sample: GTIN / EAN 128 label for uniform pallets These details are not compulsory Supplier s Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) GTIN / EAN of the unit contained and of the number of units it contains Best-before-date and batch code (No best-before-date and/or batch code = void field) EAN of the consumer unit and gross weight of the despatch unit Barcode in GTIN / EAN 128 standard Barcode in GTIN / EAN 128 standard Information on the SSCC in the lowest barcode at the left side! For consumer GTIN / EAN = Identifier 95 Source: REWE Group Sample: GTIN / EAN 128 label for mixed pallets These details are not compulsory Supplier s Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) GLN of the consignee (in case of cross docking) Order number of the consignee and gross weight of the despatch unit Barcode in GTIN / EAN128 standard Barcode in GTIN / EAN 128 standard Information on the SSCC in the lowest barcode at the left side! Source: REWE Group 4
1.4 ELECTRONIC PRODUCT CODE EPC The term Electronic Product Code (EPC) encompasses both a globally valid data system and a standardised data carrier technology based on RFID. The data system is based on the already existing GTIN / EAN identification systems, which are currently shown using the GTIN / EAN 13, the GTIN / EAN 14 or the GTIN / EAN 128 barcodes (GTIN / EAN for the identification of articles, SSCC for the identification of consignment units, GLN for the identification of locations and the GRAI or GIAI for the identification of reusable transport packaging). The EPC Manager is assigned to a company by a national EPCglobal representation (GS1 member organisation) the serial number is assigned to an individual despatch unit by the company in charge. It is a prerequisite for using RFID with REWE Group. The data content on a RFID transponder is the SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) in a 96 bit format. 5
1.5 RFID LABELLING How to fix a transponder on a pallet: The RFID transponder is to be fixed on the pallet in a vertical direction (e.g. the tag is mostly in landscape format) in the centre of the long side of the pallet at a height between 400 mm and 800 mm measured from the lower edge of the pallet (from the ground). This placement complies with the provisions for GTIN / EAN 128 transport labels. Please note that, in contrast to GTIN / EAN 128 labels, only one RFID tag may be fixed per pallet. 6
[Abbildung 1] centred not possible possible optimal How to fix a transponder on bottles and metal bins: On bottles and metal packaging, a minimum space of 1-2 cm between transponder and merchandise is to be maintained. For that purpose it is recommended to use technical packaging gaps between merchandise and the packing material. [Abbildung 2] RIGHT WRONG 7