SSCC

SSCC
Name	SSCC
Abbreviation	SSCC
Type	Identifier
Introduced	1990s
Governing body	GS1
Format	Numeric string, 18 digits
Usage	Logistics, supply chain, pallet tracking

SSCC

The SSCC identifier functions as a unique numeric label used to track logistics units across supply chains, linking physical consignments to digital records for organizations such as Walmart, Amazon (company), Maersk, DHL, and FedEx. It enables interoperability among systems deployed by institutions including GS1, U.S. Department of Defense, European Commission, United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Organization for Standardization programs. SSCC is embedded in barcodes and electronic messages exchanged between parties such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Carrefour, Tesco, and Kraft Heinz to support processes performed by carriers like UPS and logistics platforms from SAP SE or Oracle Corporation.

Definition and Overview

The SSCC is defined as an 18-digit serial shipping container code promulgated by GS1 to identify a specific logistics unit for parties including retailers such as Costco and Aldi, manufacturers like Toyota and General Motors, and freight forwarders like Kuehne + Nagel. It appears within machine-readable symbols such as GS1-128 and is referenced in electronic messages like EDI 856 (Advance Ship Notice) and UN/EDIFACT messages used by entities including IKEA, H&M, and Zara. The code facilitates linkages between shipment metadata held by SAP SE, Microsoft Dynamics, and Infor and regulatory filings with agencies such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for companies like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

History and Development

SSCC emerged during standards harmonization efforts led by EAN International and Uniform Code Council in the late 20th century and later consolidated under GS1 after organizational mergers affecting stakeholders such as Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's. Early adopters included multinational distributors like Metro AG and logistics innovators such as XPO Logistics. The identifier evolved alongside barcode symbologies including Code 128 and EAN-13 and messaging frameworks like ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT, adopted by companies such as Dell Technologies and Hewlett-Packard. Regulatory drivers from the European Union pharmaceutical directives and initiatives by World Customs Organization influenced extensions in traceability used by firms like Roche and Novartis.

Structure and Format

The SSCC consists of an extension digit, an identifier for the company using a GS1 company prefix (assigned to entities like Nestlé or Samsung Electronics), a serial reference, and a check digit computed using modulo algorithms familiar to implementers at IBM and Cisco Systems. It is typically encoded in GS1-128 symbols with Application Identifier (00) and can be represented in RFID tags complying with standards from EPCglobal and ISO/IEC committees used by technology vendors such as Zebra Technologies and Honeywell. Implementation requires coordination with numbering plans used by organizations like GS1 US or GS1 UK and integration with enterprise systems from Oracle Corporation or SAP SE.

Applications and Use Cases

SSCC is widely used to track pallets, containers, and aggregated shipments moved by carriers such as Maersk Line, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO and managed by logistics providers like DHL Supply Chain. Retailers including Walmart, Target Corporation, and Carrefour use SSCC in receiving workflows supported by warehouse systems from Manhattan Associates and Blue Yonder. Pharmaceutical supply chains involving Bayer and Merck & Co. apply SSCC to meet regulatory traceability obligations enforced by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. In manufacturing, companies such as Ford Motor Company and Siemens use SSCC to reconcile inbound kits and subassemblies processed in systems like Oracle Warehouse Management and Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Standards and Governance

Governance of SSCC is maintained by GS1 with conformance to international specifications elaborated by ISO working groups and interoperability guidance published by consortia like EPCglobal. Legal and procurement frameworks referencing SSCC are found in contracts by corporations like Procter & Gamble and standards cited by public sector bodies such as NATO and U.S. Department of Defense. Industry implementation guides produced by associations like GS1 Healthcare and GS1 Retail provide normative practices followed by participants including Boots and Walgreens. Implementation audits and certification services are offered by firms like Bureau Veritas and SGS.

Implementation and Integration

Deploying SSCC requires allocation of GS1 company prefixes (via GS1 US, GS1 UK, GS1 Germany), configuration of barcode printers from vendors such as Zebra Technologies or SATO, and mapping in electronic data interchange solutions by providers like Clearinghouse and OpenText. Integration patterns connect SSCC values into EDI 856 or XML shipments transmitted through value-added networks used by IBM Sterling and SPS Commerce. Enterprises coordinate SSCC issuance across corporate functions at organizations like Johnson Controls and ABB and reconcile lifecycle events in transport management systems by MercuryGate or warehouse execution systems by Dematic. Quality assurance includes orbital testing with scanners from Symbol Technologies and RFID pilots with system integrators such as Accenture and Capgemini.

Category:Identifiers