Appendix
EP9224-0037
61
Version: 1.0
5.3
General note on the introduction of the Beckhoff
Identification Code (BIC)
General
In future you will increasingly find machine-readable information on Beckhoff products in the form of a Data
Matrix Code (DMC, ECC200). This helps us to improve the quality assurance process, beyond which you
can use it for better identification of our products.
The introduction of the Data Matrix Code (called BIC [
B
eckhoff
I
dentification
C
ode] at Beckhoff) is taking
place gradually across all product groups.
The information in the BICs is oriented to the ANSI standard MH10.8.2-2016
Representation and contents of the BIC
The BIC can be found in the following places, depending on the product:
• on the packaging unit
• directly on the product (if space suffices)
• on the packaging unit and the product
The BIC is readable and contains information that you can use for your internal handling and administration
of the products. When scanning the BICs you will find the following information:
Coded information on the BIC
Item no.
Type of information
Explanation
1
Beckhoff order number
Beckhoff order number
2
Beckhoff Traceability Number
(BTN)
Unique serial number, see note
below
3
Article description
Beckhoff article description, e.g.
EL1008
4
Quantity
Quantity in packaging unit, e.g.
1, 10, etc.
5
Batch number
Optional: Year and week of
production
6
ID/serial number
Optional: Present-day serial
number system, e.g. with safety
products
7
Variant number
Optional: Product variant number
on the basis of standard products
8
Date code
internal
9
Job/batch number
internal
10
Serial number
internal
...
Each item of information is clearly identifiable on the basis of the data identifier (ANSI MH10.8.2-2016). The
data identifier is followed by a character string. Both together have a maximum length according to the
following table. If the items of information are shorter, they are replaced by spaces. The data under positions
1-4 always exist (temporary restriction, see BTN below).
