What is BS EN 1573 - Bar code — Multi industry Bar coded transport label about?
BS EN 1573 specifies the general requirements for the design of transport labels containing linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols for use by a wide range of industries.
BS EN 1573 provides for traceability of transported units via a unique transport unit identifier code or 'licence plate', and supplemented where necessary by other identified data presented both in bar code and human-readable form.
BS EN 1573 also:
- Provides a choice of linear bar code and two-dimensional symbologies
- Specifies quality requirements, classes of bar code density
- Provides recommendations as to label material, size and the inclusion of free text and any appropriate graphics
BS EN 1573 draws considerably on the content of ISO 15394:2009. As such, common material will not be repeated here but detailed references will be provided to that standard. However, BS EN 1573:
- Defines some features in a more precise manner for use in the European context
- Provides additional advice possible since the publication of ISO 15394:2009
BS EN 1573 can be used as the single source, sufficient for an overview and to enable information flows to be incorporated into business systems.
Who is BS EN 1573 -Multi industry Bar coded transport label for?
BS EN 1573 on Bar code — Multi industry bar coded transport label is useful for:
- Transport and logistics industry
- Manufacturers of bar coded transport labels
- Members of distribution channel
- Tracing systems of goods
Why should you use BS EN 1573 - Multi industry Bar coded transport label?
The use of electronic data interchange (EDI) in association with the physical transport and handling of goods requires a clear and unique identifier linking the electronic data and the transport unit. Bar coded transport labels are in widespread use in European industry. There exists a number of different standards many designed to meet the requirements of the specific industry sector. For effective and economic use within, and between, industry sectors a common multi-industry standard is a necessity.
The bar code information on the transport label may be used to access the appropriate database that contains detailed information about the transport unit, including information transmitted by electronic messages.
The purpose of BS EN 1573 on bar code label specifications is, apart from unique identification of the package- to facilitate the automatic exchange of data among all members within a channel of distribution, e.g. supplier, carrier, purchaser, other intermediaries.
In addition a transport label may contain other information relevant to the trading partners, either encoded in bar codes or printed in a human readable format.
This edition of EN 1573, Multi Industry Standard Label (MITL), expands on the 1996 edition by providing advice on usage of a modularized multi industry transport label that fulfils both product related requirements as well as transport requirements.
BS EN 1573 also includes additional alternatives for 2D symbols and informative samples of modularized MITLs.