Barcode Types - Standard Symbology for Physical Distribution

There are several types of physical distribution (PD):

Supplying Distribution : from supply to stock
Sales Distribution : concerning with sales of products
Inhouse Distribution & Returning Distribution

On this page we will take a closer look at supplying distribution, from manufacturing to stock.

Supply Distribution

The method of managing these physical distribution is called Logistics. Logistics aims at the rationalization of physical distribution.

Rationalization of Distribution is the elimination of surplus stock, in each of the following flow steps:

Manufacturer and Dealer --> Physical Distribution Center --> Retail Shop

At the same time, logistics establishes readiness for instant delivery of necessary products.

The emergence of on-line Network Information Systems in recent years, has allowed for a greater, near flawless and, efficient inter-connectivity. Standard Symbology for Physical Distribution printed onto concentrated packaging (Cardboard case, etc.) allow computer systems to recognize the information of products automatically.

Barcodes used for the Standard Symbology for Physical Distribution

For printing the Standard Symbology for Physical Distribution, we usually use the binary-level barcode, Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF), because it is easy to read in rough conditions such as flexo printing. That's why it is generally called ITF, from the abbreviation of Interleaved Two of Five.

The code of ITF must have even length of figures. So the Extended Version of 15-digit (odd length) must affix a dummy zero at the beginning and fit its length to 16 (even) digits.

Barcode Types - Identification Code for Physical Distribution

In case of Standard Version

0	In case of packings of two or more sorts of products. * in this case, however, item code must be newly set up.
1 -- 7	Indicates difference of quantities among the same products. * if there is only one packing form, or of the largest quantities of shipment, set it to 1.
8	Prohibited (reserved)
9	Ordinally prohibited (indicates that the add-on version is attached)

In case of Extended Version

00	In case of packings of two or more sorts of products. * in this case, item code must be newly set up.
01 -- 08	Prohibited (because it cannot be distinguished from the standard version.)
X0 -- X8	Indicates difference of quantities among the same products. * if there is only one packing form, or of the largest quantities of shipment, set it to 10. * however, X is set to 1 -- 7
8X, 9X	Prohibited (reserved)
X9	Prohibited ordinally (indicates that the add-on version is attached)

A reference to assign the Identification Code for Physical Distribution

Identification Code for Physical Distribution can be set to any value except prohibited codes; but it may confuse if not deciding numbering system first.
Numbering rules often used in general are researched at the Distribution Systems Research Center, as follows:

Serial Number System
10 as standard package, and number different quantities or figure of packages serially.
Block System
1. By product distinction
  
  10 -- 38 ordinal products
  
  40 -- 48 seasonal products
  
  50 -- 58 for business use
  
  60 -- 78 prepared
2. Inner box / Outer box
  
  10 inner box
  
  50 outer box
  
  Head each of them, and number serially.

Distinguish the total quantities in the box

In case apparent distinction between inner/outer box is needed

1st figure set key to the total quantity of content.
for example, 1 as 20 pieces within, 2 as 50.
2nd figure 0 as separated contents, 3 as three inner box.

Distinctives for campaign products, seasonals, with free gifts, etc.

1st figure	set key to the total quantity of content. for example, 1 as 20 pieces within, 2 as 50.
2nd figure	0 as ordinal products, 1 as campaign products, 2 as seasonals and 3 as with free gifts, etc.

Distinguish the quantities of inner boxes
Indicates how many items in the inner box, if the quantities of contents in the inner box are fixed. For example, if there're 30 inner boxes of 20-item included, get the sum of them: 20 + 30 = 50.
Display quantities directly
The system that displays the quantities of content, such as, 12 pieces = 12, 30 pieces = 30, and so on. However, this system cannot display 00 -- 09, so the exceptional rule is needed, like 3 pieces = 73, etc.