Glossary

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Term
Definition
Add-On Symbol A bar code symbol used to encode information supplementary to that in the main bar code symbol.
addressable imaging resolution The maximum number of image positions along a straight-line one inch in length that can be addressed by the designer. This resolution would exclude further resolution-enhancing techniques performed by the imaging device or software that are beyond the control of the designer.
Advance Ship Notice (ASN) Notification of product due prior to receipt. (see Ship Notice Manifest (856))
AI Abbreviation for Application Identifier.
AIDC Abbreviation for Automatic Identification and Data Capture.
AIM International An international organization whose mission is to grow a worldwide market for Automatic Identification and Data Capture products and services through concerted action to set international standards, increase global awareness of AIDC solutions, and identify and educate current and potential new users on effective application of the technology.
alphanumeric (an) Describes a character set that contains alphabetic characters (letters), numeric digits (numbers), and other characters, such as punctuation marks.
American National Standard (ANS) Designation conferred by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) upon standards submitted by ANSI-accredited Standards Development Organizations (SDO). The ANS designation is awarded after the opportunity for public review and comment, and a certification by the SDO that due process was followed in the development of the standard.
ANSI Abbreviation for American National Standards Institute.
ANSI standard A document authorized by ANSI that has been approved through the consensus process of public announcement and review. Each of these standards must have been developed by an ANSI accredited committee and must be revisited by that committee within five years for update.
ANSI Symbol Grade A symbol grade per the ANSI X3.182 Guideline.
ANSI/UCC1-2000: U.P.C. Symbol Specification Manual The predecessor of UCC Quality Specification for the U.P.C. Printed Symbol. This Uniform Code Council (UCC®)-developed publication, approved by ANSI in January 1995, provides specifications for U.P.C. Symbols.
ANSI/UCC4-2000: UCC/EAN-128 Application Identifier Standard A dictionary of data structures and definitions for UCC/EAN-128 Application Identifiers. This Uniform Code Council (UCC®)-developed publication, originally approved by ANSI in January 1995, also provides important background on printing UCC/EAN-128 Symbols.
ANSI/UCC5-2000: Quality Specification for the U.P.C. Printed Symbol This Uniform Code Council (UCC®)-developed publication, approved by ANSI in December 1995, provides the dimensional and encodation specifications for the U.P.C. Symbol, as well as details the method for assessing its quality after it has been printed. Also see UCC Quality Specification for the U.P.C. Printed Symbol.
ANSI/UCC5-based verifier An instrument designed to measure the various characteristics of the printed bar code symbol to determine if it meets the requirements of a parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416
ANSI/UCC6-2000: Application Standard for Shipping Container Codes This Uniform Code Council (UCC®)-developed publication, originally approved by ANSI in June 1996 and updated in 2000, that provides the identification codes used within UCC and EAN shipping applications, details the symbols used to encode them, and gives symbol specifications for size, location, and quality.
ANSI-based verifier An instrument designed to measure the various characteristics of printed bar code symbols to determine if they meet the requirements of the ANSI X3.182-1990 Bar Code Print Quality Guideline.
aperture A physical opening that is part of the optical path in a device such as a scanner, photometer, or camera. Most apertures are circular, but they may be rectangular or elliptical.
Application Advice (824) An EDI transaction set that is used to notify a sender about application errors generated in the receiver's application system.
Application Identifier The field of two or more characters at the beginning of an Element String that uniquely defines its format and meaning.
ASC x12 Accredited Standards Committee X12. ASC X12 is responsible for developing American National Standards for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
Asociación Mexicana de Estándares para el Comercio Electrónico (AMECE) The EAN Member Organisation (MO) that administers the EAN.UCC System in Mexico.
Asset Type A number assigned by the owner of an asset to uniquely identify a type of asset.
attribute A piece of information reflecting a characteristic related to an identification number (e.g., Global Trade Item NumberT (GTINT), SSCC).
Audio/Video Selection Number A five-digit number assigned by the owner or controller of the label, to identify individual products such as a movie title or compact disc title (prerecorded audio and video software products).
authentication A mechanism that allows the receiver of an electronic transmission to verify the sender and the integrity of the content of the transmission through the use of an electronic "key" or algorithm, which is shared by the trading partners. This is sometimes referred to as an electronic signature.
autodiscrimination The capability of a reader to automatically recognize and decode multiple bar code symbologies.
background The lighter portion of a bar code symbol, including the Quiet Zones and spaces between the bars.
bar The dark (low reflectance) rectangular element of a bar code symbol.
bar code A precise arrangement of parallel lines (bars) and spaces that vary in width to represent data.
bar code character A group of bars and spaces that represents a letter, number, or other information.
bar code density The number of symbol characters that can be represented in a specific unit of measure.
Bar Code Master See Film Master.
bar gain/loss The increase/decrease in bar width due to effects of the reproduction and printing processes.
bar height The dimension of a bar (line) measured from its top to its bottom.
bar width The thickness of a bar (line) measured from one of its edges to the other.
Bar Width Reduction (BWR) The uniform bar width reduction of a bar code symbol in the Film Master or digital bar code file to correct for anticipated bar growth in the imaging or printing process.
Batch EDI The pre-scheduled transmission or receipt of EDI data.
Bearer Bars Bars surrounding a bar code symbol to prevent misreads or to improve print quality of the bar code symbol.
Bill of Lading (BOL) See Shipment Identification Number.
Bill of Lading (BOL) Number This is the actual number assigned to a Shipment Identification Number under which the goods are shipped. It is used only for truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. It may be matched to a 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status transaction set to enable the scheduling of receiving functions by the retailer. Also, it may be used for carrier claims.
Bill of Lading (BOL) Serial Number The nine-digit number within a Bill of Lading (BOL) Number used to reference a Shipment Identification Number.
billing unit An item that is priced and invoiced in trade between two parties at any point in the supply chain.
bonus pack A trade item that has increased quantity (e.g., net weight, count, or volume) and is sold at the same price as the regular quantity item.
Bookland EAN Number A 13-digit number including EAN.UCC Prefix 978, the first nine digits of the ISBN, and a Check Digit used to identify books.
Bookland EAN Price Code A supplementary five-digit number for Bookland EAN Numbers consisting of a one-digit currency designator followed by a four-digit price code without punctuation.
BPS Bits per second.
brand owner The party that is responsible for allocating EAN.UCC System numbering and bar code symbols on a given trade item. The administrator of an EAN.UCC Company Prefix.
carrier The party that provides freight transportation services. A physical or electronic mechanism that carries data.
Check Digit A digit calculated from the other digits of an Element String, used to check that the data has been correctly composed. (See EAN.UCC Check Digit Calculation.)
Clear Area See Quiet Zone.
Code 128 Symbol A variable length bar code symbology capable of encoding the full ASCII 128 character set and other special characters. Code 128 Symbols with a special start code pattern (consisting of a start code character in the first symbol character position followed by the FNC1 Character in the second character position) to designate the data that follows will comply with EAN.UCC System Standards.
commercial network A public store and forward facility for EDI transmissions.
Commodity ID A four-digit number within the Uniform Code Council (UCC®)'s ID number for North American retail products sold after being weighed or measured. This four-digit number is used to designate the commodity for the item that is weighed or measured and then sold.
Company Number A component of the EAN.UCC Company Prefix. EAN Member Organisations and the Uniform Code Council (UCC®) assign EAN.UCC Company Prefixes to entities that administer the allocation of EAN.UCC System identification numbers. These entities may be, for example, commercial companies, not for profit organizations, governmental agencies, and business units within organizations. Criteria to qualify for the assignment of an EAN.UCC Company Prefix are set by the EAN Member Organisations and the UCC.
compliance checking A checking process that is used to ensure that an EC transmission complies with ANSI ASC X12 syntax rules.
Composite Component® This term is used to refer to either a linear or 2D symbol component within a composite symbol.
Composite Symbology® An EAN.UCC System composite symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the item's primary identification) associated with an adjacent 2D Composite Component® (encoding supplementary data, such as a batch number or expiration date). The composite symbol always includes a linear component so that the primary identification is readable by all scanning technologies, and so that 2D imager scanners can use the linear component as a finder pattern for the adjacent 2D Composite Component®. The composite symbol always includes one of three multi-row 2D Composite Component® versions (e.g., CC-A, CC-B, CC-C) for compatibility with linear-and area-CCD scanners and with linear and rastering laser scanners.
concatenation The representation of several Element Strings in one bar code symbol.
consignor The party by whom the goods, cargo, or containers are sent. The physical dispatch can be done by another party. Synonym: shipper.
contrast See Symbol Contrast.
corrected BWR The uniform reduction in the bar widths of a bar code symbol based on whole imaging device dots.
corrected magnification A process of altering the desired dimensions of a bar code symbol to create modules consisting of a consistent integer number of addressable imaging device dots.
Corrected Special Symbol Characters A process of altering the dimensions of a symbol character (representing the data characters 1, 2, 7, and 8) in a consistent, integer number of addressable imaging device dots.
corrugated A material comprised of one or more sheets of fluted paper stuck between flat sheets of paper (e.g., a brown box used for case packs).
coupon A voucher that can be redeemed at the Point-of-Sale for a cash value or free item.
customer The party that receives, buys, or consumes an item or service.
data carrier A means to represent data in a machine readable form; used to enable automatic reading of the Element Strings.
data character A letter, digit, or other symbol represented in the data field(s) of an Element String.
data field The smallest part of the data part of an Element String that needs to be distinguished.
data mapping Relationship between the X12 message syntax and the user's data.
Data Standard The entirety of all EAN.UCC System data standardized in meaning and structure.
data structure The Uniform Code Council (UCC®) and EAN International data structures defined in the various lengths required for the different identification purposes, which all share a hierarchical composition. Their composition blends the needs of international control with the needs of the user.
data titles A standard abbreviated description of a data field; used to denote the Human Readable Interpretation of encoded data.
Decodability A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416 that measures how closely the Scan Reflectance Profile is to approaching decode failure for a given printed symbol.
decode Converting the bars and spaces in a bar code symbol into its corresponding data
decoder The part of the scanning system equipment that interprets the bar code.
Defect A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416 that measures the voids present within the bars and the spots present within the spaces or Quiet Zones of the bar code symbol.
depth of field The difference between the minimum and maximum horizontal distance from the opening of an optical system through which the bar code can be read.
Digital Bar Code File A bar code that is designed and stored in a digitized format.
Digital Bar Code Font A bar code character set representing the individual data characters intended to form a bar code symbol.
digital offset A process of sending digitized images directly to an "offset" printing press without using intermediate film or printing plates.
digits Any one of the Arabic numerals 0 to 9.
Direct Exchange UCS (DEX/UCS) The UCS EDI standard used for direct store delivery.
direct print A process in which the printing apparatus prints the symbol by making physical contact with a substrate (e.g., flexography).
direct transmission The exchange of data from the computer of the sending party directly to the computer of the receiving party. A third-party value-added service is not used in a direct transmission.
direct-to-plate A process of sending digitized images directly to a plate making process without using intermediate film.
distributor A retail sales entity selling finished goods to the consumer, or a wholesale entity selling finished goods to other retailers.
dot The smallest imaging unit for a given imaging device.
EAN Abbreviation for EAN International.
EAN International EAN International, based in Brussels, Belgium, is an organization of EAN Member Organisations that jointly manages the EAN.UCC System with the Uniform Code Council (UCC®).
EAN Member Organisation A member of EAN International that is responsible for administering the EAN.UCC System in its country (or assigned area) and for managing the correct use of the EAN.UCC System by its member companies.
EAN.UCC Check Digit Calculation An EAN.UCC System algorithm for the calculation of a Check Digit to verify accuracy of data decoded from a bar code symbol.
EAN.UCC Common Currency Coupon Code An identification number for coupons issued in a common currency area (e.g., the euro currency) that uses the EAN/UCC-13 Data Structure.
EAN.UCC Company Prefix Part of the international EAN.UCC System data structures consisting of an EAN.UCC Prefix and a Company Number, both of which are allocated by either the Uniform Code Council (UCC®) or an EAN International Member Organisation.
EAN.UCC Coordinator An EAN.UCC Coordinator is responsible for the successful implementation of the EAN.UCC System.
EAN.UCC Coupon Code An identification number for coupons issued in a national currency that uses the EAN/UCC-13 Data Structure.
EAN.UCC Prefix A number with two or more digits, co-administered by EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC®), denoting the format and meaning of a particular Element String.
EAN.UCC System The specifications, standards, and guidelines co-administered by EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC®).
EAN/UCC-13 Data Structure The 13-digit EAN.UCC System data structure composed of an EAN.UCC Company Prefix and Check Digit as well as an Item Reference, Location Reference, or Asset Type.
EAN/UCC-13 Identification Number The EAN.UCC System identification number comprising 13 digits; used to identify trade items, locations, and special applications (e.g., coupons).
EAN/UCC-14 Data Structure The 14-digit EAN.UCC System data structure composed of an Indicator, EAN.UCC Company Prefix, Item Reference, and a Check Digit.
EAN/UCC-14 Identification Number The EAN.UCC System identification number comprising 14 digits; used to identify trade items.
EAN/UCC-8 Data Structure The eight-digit EAN.UCC System data structure composed of an EAN/UCC-8 Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit.
EAN/UCC-8 Identification Number The EAN.UCC System identification number comprising eight digits used to identify trade items and special applications.
EAN/UCC-8 Prefix A one-, two-, or three-digit index number, co-administered by EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC®), denoting the area of distribution of trade items identified by an EAN/UCC-8 Identification Number.
EAN/UPC Composite Symbology® Family A family of bar code symbols comprised of the UPC-A Composite Symbology®, UPC-E Composite Symbology®, EAN-8 Composite Symbology®, and EAN-13 Composite Symbology®.
EAN/UPC Supplemental Symbol See Add-On Symbol.
EAN/UPC Symbol Module The basic building block for encoding data characters into symbol characters. Bars and spaces are one, two, three, or four modules wide.
EAN/UPC Symbology A family of bar code symbols including EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E Bar Code Symbols. Although UPC-E Bar Code Symbols do not have a separate Symbology Identifier, they act like a separate symbology through the scanning application software. See also EAN-8 Bar Code Symbol, EAN-13 Bar Code Symbol, UPC-A Bar Code Symbol, and UPC-E Bar Code Symbol.
EAN-13 Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes EAN/UCC-13 Identification Numbers.
EAN-13 Composite Symbology® The Composite Symbology® that utilizes an EAN-13 Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
EAN-8 Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes EAN/UCC-8 Identification Numbers.
EAN-8 Composite Symbology® The Composite Symbology® that utilizes an EAN-8 Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
EANCOM® The international Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standard provided by EAN International, conforming to the UN/EDIFACT standard.
EC Abbreviation for Electronic Commerce.
Edge Determination A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416 that counts the number of crossings over the global threshold of the Scan Reflectance Profile to verify whether the number obtained conforms to a legitimate bar code symbology.
EDI Abbreviation for Electronic Data Interchange.
EDI Translation The conversion of application data to and from the X12 standard format.
EDI Translator Software that converts application information to and from an EDI transaction format.
Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) A grocery initiative aimed at reducing inefficient practices and wastes in the supply chain.
Efficient Foodservice Response (EFR) A foodservice initiative aimed at reducing inefficiencies in the foodservice supply chain.
Electronic Commerce The conduct of business communications and management through electronic methods, such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and automated data collection systems.
Electronic Commerce Council of Canada (ECCC) The member organization that administers the EAN.UCC System in Canada.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) The computer to computer transmission of business information using a public standard format.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) A method for payment of monies owed in which the payer orders the bank to electronically debit the payer's account and forward credit information to electronically credit the payee's account.
electronic mailbox A term used to refer to the place where an EDI transmission is stored for pickup or delivery within a third party service provider's system. Trading partners can also maintain mailboxes within their own domain.
Electronic Message A composition of Element Strings from scanned data and transaction information assembled for data validation and unambiguous processing in a user application.
element In a bar code symbol, a single bar or space. In EDI, components of a data segment.
Element String A piece of data defined in structure and meaning, comprising an identification part (prefix or Application Identifier) and a data part, represented in an EAN.UCC System endorsed data carrier.
Encodation/Mod Check "Traditional" measurements for bar code symbols that verify proper encodation of symbol characters and calculation of the Check Digit.
encode To convert data characters into bar code characters.
even parity A characteristic of the encodation of a symbol character whereby the symbol character contains an even number of dark modules.
event driven EDI The non-scheduled transmission of an EDI transaction set triggered by the occurrence of a business event.
expiration date (coupon) The date after which the manufacturer intends the coupon offer to be invalid for redemption by the consumer. Expressed as (MMYY), it always implies the last day of the specified month.
Extension digit A digit, allocated by the user, used to increase the capacity of the Serial Reference within the SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code).
Family Code A three-digit number assigned by the issuer of coupons (manufacturer), that links related products or groups of products for the purpose of coupon validation.
Film Master A bar code symbol which exists within a positive or negative film and conforms to the strict tolerances set by the Uniform Code Council (UCC®) in U.P.C. Film Master Verification Manual (for U.P.C. Symbols) and ANSI/UCC6-2000: Application Standard for Shipping Container Codes (for ITF Symbols and UCC/EAN-128 Symbols used for Logistic Unit Identifiers).
final film The generation of photographic film used to create an imaging tool (e.g., plate or screen).
fingerprinting The process of establishing print characteristics or tolerances for a printing press or process.
fixed length Term used to describe a data field in an Element String with an established number of characters.
Fixed Measure Trade Item An item always produced in the same pre-defined version (e.g., type, size, weight, contents, design) that may be sold at any point in the supply chain.
flag A visible marker on or within a continuous roll or stack of printed materials to indicate the presence of quality defects or new batches.
Flow-Through Distribution A process which allows seamless flow of product and information through the supply chain.
FNC1 Abbreviation for Function 1 Character.
For Position Only Bar Code (FPO) See FPO Symbol.
FPO Symbol (For Position Only) A bar code symbol that is only intended to indicate the size, orientation, color, and placement of the bar code symbol. It may or may not be encoded properly or produced at the specified resolution.
Full String The data transmitted by the bar code reader from reading a data carrier, including Symbology Identifier and Element String(s).
Function 1 Character (FNC1) A symbology element used to form the double start pattern of a UCC/EAN-128 Bar Code Symbol. It is also used to separate certain concatenated Element Strings, dependent on their positioning in the bar code symbol.
Functional Acknowledgment (997) A transaction set transmitted by the receiver of an EDI transmission to the sender, indicating receipt and syntactical acceptability of data transmitted according to the ASC X12 standards. The functional acknowledgment allows the receiving party to report back to the sending party problems encountered by the syntax analyzer as the data is interpreted. It is not intended to serve as an acknowledgment of data content. See also X12.6.
General Distribution Scanning Unattended, fixed mount scanning environments, where items are scanned automatically as they pass by on a conveyor.
GIAI Abbreviation for the Global Individual Asset Identifier.
GLN Abbreviation for the Global Location Number.
Global Location Number A number that uses the EAN/UCC-13 Data Structure to identify physical, functional, or legal entities.
Global Trade Item NumberT A Global Trade Item NumberT may use the EAN/UCC-8, UCC-12, EAN/UCC-13, or EAN/UCC-14 Data Structure.
GRAI Abbreviation for the Global Returnable Asset Identifier.
Greeting Card Pattern Number A five-digit number assigned by the manufacturer of a greeting card to uniquely identify the card to a specific season, occasion, or ultimately, to the specific card design (true stock keeping unit level).
Group Identifier The first digit (or digits) in the ISBN. It may be either a language group, such as 0 or 1 for English-speaking countries, or a country designator, such as 2 for France.
GSRN Abbreviation for the Global Service Relation Number.
GTINT Abbreviation for the Global Trade Item NumberT.
GTINT Format The format in which Global Trade Item NumbersT (GTINsT) must be represented in a 14-digit reference field (key) in computer files to ensure uniqueness of the identification numbers.
Guard Bar Pattern An auxiliary pattern of bars/spaces corresponding to start or stop patterns in bar code symbologies, and serving to separate the two halves of EAN-8, EAN-13, and UPC-A Symbols.
handling unit A term used to describe a good or aggregation of goods bundled together for distribution and logistical purposes. Unit loads are typically handling units, as may be transport packages. A single handling unit may consist of a bundle of goods bought and sold between trading partners (traded units) or may itself be a traded unit.
House Way Bill Number A freight forwarder's document used mainly as a control for the goods within the freight forwarder's own service system.
Household ID Number An eight-digit number in a UCC/EAN-128 Coupon Extended Code that can be used by manufacturers to identify a specific household or a group of households for focused promotions.
Human Readable Interpretation Characters that can be read by persons, such as letters and numbers, as opposed to symbol characters within bar code symbols, which are read by machines.
human translation Text designed to support manual operations and to facilitate key entry in menu driven systems. Data titles and data content are included.
Identification Number (ID) A numerical name for something in the supply chain to provide unique identification for it. ID numbers are used to retrieve information previously exchanged between trading partners and stored in their computer database files.
Imagesetter A device used to output a computer image at an addressable resolution onto a photographic film or paper.
imaging tool The mechanism which performs the image transfer directly or indirectly to the printed substrate (e.g., plate, screen, cylinder).
Indicator A digit to complete a particular identification number or to add some sort of significance to a particular Element String.
Individual Asset An entity that is part of the inventory of a given company. (See also Returnable Asset.)
Individual Asset Reference A number within a GIAI assigned by the holder of an EAN.UCC Company Prefix to an Individual Asset.
industry conventions Defines how the ASC X12 standards are used by a specific industry.
industry guideline (EC) Defines the EDI environment for using conventions within an industry, and provides assistance on how to implement the X12 standard.
Information Systems Standards Board (ISSB) The ISSB is a group within the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) composed of ANSI members with interests in the field of information systems. ISSB's purpose is to provide a forum to encourage cooperation and coordination, and discourage duplication of effort, overlap, or conflict among standards.
in-store distributed coupons See EAN.UCC 99 Coupon Code.
integer A number that is not a fraction, does not include a fraction, or is 0.
interconnect A communication technique in which the sender's VAN physically connects to the destination VAN associated with the receiver to effect electronic transfer of trading partner data.
Interleaved 2 of 5 See ITF-14 Symbol.
International Currency Designator A one-digit indicator of the unit of currency represented by the four-digit price code, which follows a Bookland EAN Number.
International Standard Book Number (ISBN) The key element in the International Standard Book Numbering system, which is an internationally accepted system for uniquely numbering all books and related information-carrying items.
Inverse Exponent The Application Identifier digit that denotes the implied decimal point position in an Element String.
ISO Abbreviation for International Organization for Standardization.
ISO/IEC JTC1 A joint technical committee created by ISO and IEC to develop international standards in the field of information technology.
Issue Code A two-digit number used to indicate the calendar issue number of magazines and periodicals, whether they are published weekly, monthly, quarterly, or with any other frequency.
Item Number See Item Reference.
Item Reference The part of the data structure allocated by the user to identify a trade item for a given EAN.UCC Company Prefix.
Item Reference Number See Item Reference.
ITF Symbology The Interleaved 2 of 5 Symbology.
ITF-14 Bar Code Symbol An ITF Symbol used by the EAN.UCC System to carry EAN/UCC-14 Identification Numbers.
Just-In-Time (JIT) The concept of reducing inventories by working closely with one's suppliers to coordinate delivery of materials just before their use in the manufacturing process.
Key Control Document A functional acknowledgement that does not confirm the application process.
Labeler Code A company number assigned by the FDA, which when combined with the UCC Prefix "3" forms a UCC Company Prefix.
LAC Abbreviation for Local Assigned Code.
Ladder Orientation Bar Code Symbol A bar code that runs perpendicular to a reference point (e.g., printed web direction, scanner beam).
laser scanner A bar code reading device that uses low energy laser light to read the bar code.
Light Margin See Quiet Zone.
Light Margin Indicator See Quiet Zone Indicator.
Light Pen A hand-held scanning wand used to read a bar code symbol by moving the pen across the symbol.
Local Assigned Code A particular use of the UPC-E Bar Code Symbol for restricted distribution.
Location Number See Global Location Number.
Location Reference A number within a Global Location Number (GLN) assigned by various parties to identify a different entity.
logistic measures Measures indicating the outside dimensions, total weight, or volume inclusive of packing material of a logistic unit. Also known as gross-measures.
logistic unit An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs to be managed through the supply chain.
Logistic Unit Identifier Identification of an item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs to be managed through the supply chain.
mag Magnification.
Magazine/Periodical Title Number A five-digit identification number assigned by a publisher or distributor to specific magazine or periodical titles.
magnification Different sizes of bar code symbols based on a nominal size and a fixed aspect ratio; stated as a percent or decimal equivalent of a nominal size.
Manufacturer's ID See EAN.UCC Company Prefix.
Manufacturer's Number See EAN.UCC Company Prefix.
mapping tools Tools that enable application interface.
measure check-digit A digit calculated from the measure field of an Element String encoded using the EAN/UPC Symbology. Used to check that the data has been correctly composed.
mil A unit of measure equal to 1/1000 of one inch. For example, a line 1/4 of an inch wide would be 250 mils thick.
Minimum Edge Contrast A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416 that measures the smallest value for edge contrast in a Scan Reflectance Profile between a bar and adjoining space.
Minimum Reflectance A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416 that measures whether the reflectance value of at least one bar is, at most, equal to half or less than half of the highest reflectance value for a space.
Modulation A parameter specified by ANSI/UCC-5 and ISO-15416 that measures the way a scanner sees narrow spaces or bars in relation to wider spaces or bars.
module The narrowest nominal width unit of measure in a bar code symbol. In certain symbologies, element widths may be specified as multiples of one module. Equivalent to X-dimension.
modulo An arithmetic scheme in which the result is the remainder after division.
Modulo 103 UCC/EAN-128 Symbol Check Character A number that results from a modulo calculation that is encoded in the UCC/EAN-128 Bar Code Symbol as a self-checking symbol character. It is created automatically by software as a symbol overhead character and is not expressed in the Human Readable Interpretation.
nm (nanometer) One billionth of a meter (109).
nominal Denoting the standard or ideal values of the parameters specified for the elements that make up bar code symbol characters.
Number System Character See UCC Prefix.
Numbering Organization (NO) See EAN Member Organisation.
OCR Optical Character Recognition.
odd parity A characteristic of the encodation of a symbol character whereby the symbol character contains an odd number of dark modules.
Offer Code A five-digit number assigned to the company issuing a coupon as a key to marketing information not carried in the UCC Coupon Code.
omni-directional scanner A scanner, such as a flat-bed scanner used in a retail check-out lane, that can read a bar code symbol independent of its orientation to the scanner window.
Packager Code A one-digit number within the Uniform Code Council (UCC®)'s ID number for North American POS products sold after being weighed or measured. This one-digit number is used to identify the supplier of the processed item that is weighed or measured and then sold.
Packaging Indicator See Indicator.
Packaging Type See Extension digit.
Paperback Book Cover 4 Title Number A five-digit number incorporating the last five digits of the title portion of the ISBN, with zeros preceding any title number that has fewer than five digits. The Title Number is always preceded by the Price Point UCC-12 (U.P.C.) for mass market paperback books.
payment slip The end customer's notification of a demand for payment for a billable service (e.g., utility bill) comprising an amount payable and payment conditions.
Picket Fence Orientation Bar Code Symbol A bar code that runs parallel to a specific reference point (e.g., printed web direction, scanner beam).
pixel Addressable intersecting points within a grid where dots are placed by an imaging device.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Refers to the retail type checkout where bar code symbols are normally scanned.
prepress The production stage within the printing industry that prepares design requirements for the specified printing process.
price check-digit A digit calculated from the price field of an Element String encoded using the EAN/UPC Symbology. Used to check that the data has been correctly composed.
Price Look Up (PLU) Code used instead of a UCC-12 (U.P.C.) Number that provides price look-up in the scanner file and the ability to track movement on products. A function of an in-store computer system which verifies the selling price of an item through the use of a centrally maintained price file.
Price Point UCC-12 (U.P.C.) A 12-digit number used on Cover 4 of mass market paperback books that includes the six-digit Company Number, a five-digit price point in dollars and cents (with no decimal point), and a Check digit. The five-digit Add-On Code (and bar code) for the title number always follows this number.
Print Gain Gauge A printed test pattern used to determine the print gain mean and the range of print gain (press variance) as it relates to bar widths. It may also be used throughout the print run to indicate whether the anticipated range of print gain is experienced.
print gain/loss See bar gain/loss.
printability gauge See Print Gain Gauge.
Product/Packager Code The equivalent of an Item Reference for a UCC-12 Identification Number with a UCC Prefix of "3."
Quiet Zone A clear space containing no machine readable marks, which precedes the Start Character of a bar code symbol and follows the Stop Character. Formerly referred to as "Clear Area" or "Light Margin."
Quiet Zone Indicator A greater than (>) or less than (<) character, printed in the human readable field of the bar code symbol, with the tip aligned with the outer edge of the Quiet Zone.
Random Weight Item A product sold by weight (e.g., produce, deli items, and meat).
Raster Image Processing (RIP) A process of converting a graphics file to a raster of addressable dots appropriate to the output device specified.
Reduced Space Symbology® (RSS) A family of bar code symbols, including RSS-14®, RSS LimitedT, RSS ExpandedT, and RSS-14® Stacked. Any member of the RSS family can be printed as a stand-alone linear symbol or as a composite symbol with an accompanying 2D Composite Component® printed directly above the RSS linear component.
Refund Receipt A voucher produced by equipment handling empty containers (bottles and crates).
repositioning The process of changing an image's placement within a graphic
resizing The process of changing an image's dimensional detail within a graphic.
restricted distribution Signifies that such system data may be applied on goods to be processed only in certain environments, defined by the Uniform Code Council (UCC®) or the appropriate EAN International Member Organisation (e.g., a country, company, industry).
Retailer Zero-Suppression Code A group of 4,500 ID numbers (separate from Local Assigned Codes), that enable the use of UPC-E Bar Codes in a closed system environment (not for open supply chain applications).
Returnable Asset A reusable entity owned by a company that is used for transport and storage of goods.
rotation The position of a design element in a graphic design relative to the direction it will be printed on press.
rounding errors The process of allocating imaging device dots to bar or space modules in an uneven manner.
RSS Composite Symbology® Family A family of symbols comprised of the RSS-14® Composite Symbology®, RSS-14® Stacked Composite Symbology®, RSS LimitedT Composite Symbology®, and RSS ExpandedT Composite Symbology®.
RSS ExpandedT Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol that encodes an EAN/UCC-14 Identification Number plus supplementary AI Element Strings, such as weight and "best before" date, in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed Point-of-Sale scanners.
RSS ExpandedT Composite Symbology® The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilizes an RSS ExpandedT Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
RSS ExpandedT Stacked Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol that is a variation of the RSS ExpandedT Bar Code Symbol that is stacked in multiple rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application.
RSS ExpandedT Stacked Composite Bar Code Symbol The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilizes an RSS ExpandedT Stacked Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
RSS LimitedT Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol that encodes an EAN/UCC-14 Identification Number with Indicators of zero or one in a linear symbol; for use on small items that will not be scanned at the Point-of-Sale.
RSS LimitedT Composite Symbology® The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilizes an RSS LimitedT Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
RSS-14® Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol that encodes an EAN/UCC-14 Identification Number in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed Point-of-Sale scanners.
RSS-14® Composite Symbology® The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilizes an RSS-14® Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
RSS-14® Stacked Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol that is a variation of the RSS-14® Symbology that is stacked in two rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application. It comes in two versions: a truncated version used for small item marking applications and a taller omnidirectional version that is designed to be read by omnidirectional scanners. RSS ExpandedT can also be printed in multiple rows as a stacked symbol.
RSS-14® Stacked Composite Symbology® The RSS Composite Symbology® that utilizes an RSS-14® Stacked Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
RZSC Abbreviation for Retailer Zero-Suppression Code.
scan grade The grade obtained as a result of one Scan Reflectance Profile based on the ANSI methodology.
Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP) The record of the reflectance values (0%-100%) measured along a single line across the entire width of the bar code symbol.
scanner An electronic device to read bar code symbols and convert them into electrical signals understandable by a computer device.
SCC-14 See EAN/UCC-14
segment Segments consist of logically related data elements in a defined sequence. A data segment consists of a segment identifier, one or more data elements each preceded by an element separator, and ending with a segment terminator.
Segment Directory (X12.22) Provides the purposes and formats of the segments used in the construction of transaction sets. The directory lists each segment by name, purpose, identifier, the contained data elements in the specified order, and the requirement designator for each data element.
Segment Identifier A unique identifier for a segment composed of a combination of two or three uppercase letters and digits. The segment identifier occupies the first character positions of the segment. The segment identifier is not a data element. The segment identifier in EDIFACT is a component data element - part of a composite data element consisting of a segment identifier and an explicit looping designator.
Segment Terminator A unique character appearing at the end of a segment to indicate the termination of the segment.
Separator Character Function 1 Character used to separate certain concatenated Element Strings, dependent on their positioning in the UCC/EAN-128 Bar Code Symbol.
Serial Reference The part of the data structure allocated by the user that, in conjunction with the Extension digit, establishes a unique SSCC for a given EAN.UCC Company Prefix.
Serial Shipping Container Code See SSCC.
Service Reference A number assigned by the service provider to identify the recipient of services in the context of a service relationship.
Ship Notice Manifest (856) An EDI transaction set that is used by the sender of the product to define the contents of a shipment and the associated relational bar codes. This transaction set is sent and received prior to receipt of product at the receiving location.
shipment An identifiable collection of one or more goods items transported (or available to be transported) together from the original consignor to the ultimate consignee. Note that a shipment can be transported in different consignments.
Shipment Identification Number (Bill of Lading) A legal document generated by a consignor to consign a load to a carrier, or transfer responsibility to a carrier. Generally, a Shipment Identification Number includes such information as number of cartons, weight, and carrier.
shipper See consignor.
Shipper Reference See Bill of Lading Serial Number.
shipping container See logistic unit.
Shipping Container Code See Logistic Unit Identifier.
show-through The visibility of the package contents or some other material through the spaces of a bar code. Show-through can seriously affect reflectance.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) See Stock Keeping Unit.
Small Shipping Package A transport package as defined in Section 4.4.6 of ANSI/UCC6-2000: Application Standard for Shipping Container Codes.
Smart Scale An electronic scale that weighs an item and then generates a bar code/price label using the weight to mark the retail product.
spaces The lighter element of a bar code, usually the background between printed bars.
spots The undesirable presence of ink or dirt within a space of a bar code.
SSCC Term used for the Serial Shipping Container Code. The unique identification of a logistic unit using an 18-digit data structure.
SSCC Serial Number See Serial Reference.
Standard Interchange Language (SIL) A standard designed to exchange data between computers using different applications. SIL was designed to provide an efficient method for remotely manipulating a database without the need for multiple, proprietary interfaces. SIL is non-proprietary and utilizes a public domain standard.
standard numbering structures See data structure.
Start Character A special bar code character that tells the scanner to start reading a bar code symbol. The Start Character is typically found on the left side of a bar code symbol.
Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) An individual color, flavor, size, or pack of a product that requires a separate ID number to distinguish it from other items (a measure of an item of merchandise for inventory management). In inventory control and identification systems, it represents the smallest unit for which sales and stock records are maintained.
Stop Character A special bar code character that tells the scanner to stop reading a bar code symbol. The Stop Character is typically found on the right side of the bar code symbol.
substrate The material on which a bar code symbol is printed.
Summary Code A three-digit number, ending in a single 0 (zero), assigned by the issuer of coupons (manufacturer) that links products in related Family Codes for the purpose of coupon validation. For instance, 810 is the Summary Code for Family Codes 811 through 819. A coupon with a Summary Code of 810 in the Family Code field is valid for all of the manufacturer's products associated with Family Codes 811 through 819.
Super Summary Code A three-digit number, ending in two zeroes, assigned by the issuer of coupons (manufacturer) that links products in related Family Codes and Summary Codes for the purpose of coupon validation. For instance, 800 is the Super Summary Code for Family Codes 801 through 899. A coupon with a Super Summary Code of 800 in the Family Code field is valid for all of the manufacturer's products associated with Family Codes 801 through 899.
supplier The party that produces, provides, or furnishes an item or service.
symbol The combination of symbol characters and features required by a particular symbology, including Quiet Zone, Start and Stop Characters, data characters, and other auxiliary patterns, which together form a complete scannable entity; an instance of a symbology and a data structure.
symbol character A group of bars and spaces in a symbol that is decoded as a single unit. It may represent an individual digit, letter, punctuation mark, control indicator, or multiple data characters.
Symbol Check Character A symbol character or set of bar/space patterns included within a UCC/EAN-128 or RSS Symbol, the value of which is used by the bar code reader for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of the scanned data. It is not shown in Human Readable Interpretation. It is not input to the bar code printer and is not transmitted by the bar code reader.
Symbol Contrast An ISO 15416 parameter that measures the difference between the largest and smallest reflectance values in a Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP).
Symbol Control Character See symbology element.
symbol orientation The alignment of a bar code symbol to a specific reference point (e.g., scanner beam, printed web direction).
symbol placement The physical area within a design reserved for a bar code, which usually includes the orientation (rotation) of the symbol relative to other design elements.
symbology A defined method of representing numeric or alphabetic characters in a bar code; a type of bar code.
symbology element A character or characters in a bar code symbol used to define the integrity and processing of the symbol itself (e.g., start and stop patterns). These elements are symbology overhead and are not part of the data conveyed by the bar code symbol.
Symbology Identifier A sequence of characters transmitted with the decoded data that identifies the data carrier from which the data has been decoded.
trade item Any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information and that may be priced, or ordered, or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.
trade measures Net measures of Variable Measure Trade Items as used for invoicing (billing) the trade item.
trading partner A party to transactions in the supply chain, such as a supplier (seller) or a customer (buyer).
transaction set A specific structure of electronic data segments, data elements, and codes that communicate information between systems. It replaces documents and other forms of business communications, such as purchase orders, invoices, or warehouse shipping orders. Each transaction set consists of the transaction set header and at least one segment before the transaction set trailer.
Transaction Set Identifier An identifier that uniquely identifies the transaction set. This identifier is the first data element of the transaction set header segment.
transaction type Information (not part of the EAN.UCC System) denoting the particular operation in connection with which the scanned data has been captured.
translation Accepting documents in other than standard format and translating them to the standard.
truncation Printing a symbol shorter than the symbology specification's minimum height recommendations. Truncation can make the symbol difficult for an operator to scan.
U.P.C. Coupon Code See UCC Coupon Code.
U.P.C. Supplemental Symbol See Add-On Symbol.
U.P.C. Symbol A bar code symbol that encodes the twelve-digit UCC-12 (U.P.C.).
UCC Company Number See UCC Company Prefix.
UCC Company Prefix Part of the UCC-12 Data Structure consisting of a UCC Prefix and a Company Number allocated by the Uniform Code Council (UCC®).
UCC Coupon Code An identification number for coupons issued in a national currency that uses the UCC-12 Data Structure.
UCC Prefix A one-digit index number administered by the Uniform Code Council (UCC®), denoting the format and meaning of a particular Element String contained within the UCC-12 Data Structure.
UCC Quality Specification for the U.P.C. Printed Symbol This UCC-developed publication is a superset of ANSI/UCC5-2000: UCC Quality Specification for the U.P.C. Printed Symbol with amplifications based on the General EAN.UCC Specifications. It provides the dimensional and encodation specifications for the U.P.C. Symbol, as well as details the method for assessing its quality after it has been printed.
UCC Welcome Letter A letter sent by the Uniform Code Counci (UCC®) to new members that includes their globally unique UCC Company Prefix.
UCC Welcome Pack A package of Uniform Code Counci (UCC®) products sent by the UCC to all new members.
UCC® Abbreviation for the Uniform Code Council.
UCC/EAN Company Number See EAN.UCC Company Prefix.
UCC/EAN-128 Composite Symbology® A Composite Symbology® that utilizes a UCC/EAN-128 Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
UCC/EAN-128 Bar Code Symbol A subset of the Code 128 that is utilized exclusively for UCC.EAN System data structures.
UCC/EAN-128 Coupon Extended Code A supplemental bar code that can be printed on a coupon next to the primary UCC Coupon Code to provide additional information, such as Offer Codes, expiration dates, and household identification numbers.
UCC/EAN-13 See EAN/UCC-13
UCC/EAN-14 See EAN/UCC-14.
UCC-12 Data Structure The 12-digit EAN.UCC System data structure composed of a UCC Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit.
UCC-12 Identification Number The EAN.UCC System identification number comprising 12 digits; used to identify trade items, locations, and special applications (e.g., coupons).
UCCnet UCCnet is a universal foundation for industry standards-based electronic commerce. It provides foundational product registry services, enabling the synchronization of item and location information among trading partners, trade exchanges, solution partners and national catalogue providers. In addition, UCCnet facilitates interoperability among these groups by providing companies visibility to a wide range of information and resources. UCCnet leverages the legacy of the Uniform Code Council (UCC®), an organization that establishes and promotes global standards for product identification and related electronic communications. From trading partners to solution providers and business-to-business Internet marketplaces, users are able to form collaborative trading relationships based on industry standards and synchronized compliant data through UCCnet.
ungrouping A software feature that enables graphic elements that have been grouped together to be separated into individual elements and manipulated by the designer.
Uniform Code Council, Inc.® The Uniform Code Council (UCC®), based in the United States, is a membership organization that jointly manages the EAN.UCC System with EAN International. The UCC also administers the EAN.UCC System in the United States and Canada.
Uniform Communication Standard (UCS) Food and Beverage Industry Conventions and Implementation Guidelines for EDI.
Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) See UCC-12 Identification Number.
Universal Product Number A Department of Defense (DOD) term for medical/surgical products bar coded with the EAN.UCC or HIBCC Standards.
unrestricted distribution Signifies that such system data may be applied on goods to be processed anywhere in the world without restraint as to such things as country, company, and industry.
UPC-A Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology that encodes UCC-12 Identification Numbers.
UPC-A Composite Symbology® The EAN.UCC Composite Symbology® that utilizes a UPC-A Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
UPC-E Bar Code Symbol A bar code symbol of the EAN/UPC Symbology representing a UCC-12 Identification Number in six explicitly encoded digits using zero-suppression techniques.
UPC-E Composite Symbology® The EAN.UCC Composite Symbology® that utilizes a UPC-E Bar Code Symbol as the linear component.
validation of data Verification of scanned data to determine whether it meets the application rules for system logic and consistency and/or a particular user's requirements, prior to processing in EDP applications.
Value Code A two-digit number in a table maintained by the Uniform Code Council and the Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC) that defines the dollar and cent redemption value, quantity purchase requirements, or free merchandise associated with a coupon.
Value-Added Network (VAN) A third party EDI service provider that provides a communication link between companies to enable electronic exchange of business data/documents.
Variable Length Publisher Identifier A two- to seven-digit number assigned by the ISBN Agency to publishers. Large publishers are assigned shorter numbers to allow for more title identifiers, while smaller publishers are assigned longer numbers to allow for fewer title identifiers.
Variable Length Title Identifier A one- to six-digit number assigned by the publisher to specific book titles. Larger publishers will have longer numbers to allow for more titles, while smaller publishers will have shorter numbers to allow for fewer titles.
Variable Measure Trade Item An item always produced in the same pre-defined version (e.g., type, design, packaging) that may be sold at any point in the supply chain, which either may vary in weight/size by its nature or which may be traded without a pre-defined weight/size/length.
Velocity Code A short code that is generally assigned to high turnover items to improve productivity and accuracy in the ringing operation.
vendor Any individual, firm, or corporation from whom purchases are made.
Vendor Pack Package of two or more retail selling units that have been predefined by the retailer and the vendor. Retailers often order merchandise by pack instead of by selling unit.
Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) A business process wherein the supplier of a product manages the inventory of that product in a distributor's warehouse and replenishes the inventory based on consumption.
verifier A device that tests the accuracy of a bar code to determine if the bar code meets specifications.
voids The undesirable absence of ink within a bar code symbol.
Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards (VICS) Association An association of volunteers from the retail industry whose mission is to take a global leadership role in the ongoing improvement of the flow of product and information about the product throughout the entire supply chain in the retail industry.
Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards (VICS) EDI Retail Industry Conventions and Implementation Guidelines for EDI.
wavelength A measure of distance between the beginning and end, two corresponding points, or a complete cycle in a wave. For verifiers or scanners, this is the unit, measured in nm (nanometers), for the light energy emitted by the device's light source. This is one of the two conditions affecting the parameter calculations needed to create a formal ANSI/UCC5 or ISO-15416 Symbol Grade.
Wet-Ink Printing Traditional printing press methods where ink is transferred to the substrate directly or indirectly through an imaging tool (e.g., flexographic, gravure, offset (lithographic), or screen).
wide-to-narrow ratio The ratio between the wide elements and the narrow elements in a bar code symbology, such as ITF-14, which has two different element widths.
X12 The accredited ANSI committee responsible for the development and maintenance of uniform standards for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
X-dimension The specified width of the narrow element in a bar code symbol.
zero-suppression The process of removing (suppressing) zeros from UCC-12 Numbers which begin with a zero in order to reduce the area required for the symbol by using a UPC-E (Version E) Symbol.