Easy Automating Data Entry with Batch Coding

Have you ever seen a product with a unique set of codes that wasn’t a typical barcode or expiration date? Commonly, it is referred to as a batch code or batch ID and consists of a unique series of numbers and/or letters.

The process of generating and applying the codes is called batch coding. Batch coding is a necessary process to automate the data entry for a business that involves selling a mass production. This article will tell you everything you need to know about batch coding and how it works to help you decide the best printing tools for batch coding.

What Is Batch Coding

For selecting a product, there are several things that buyers need to pay attention to, such as information on expiration dates, production dates, and also batch codes. Batch coding generates a unique code to identify and trace identical products with specific product characteristics.

Furthermore, batch coding, also known as lot coding, is a process in which businesses use marking and coding equipment to place the same identifiable number on product packages that share the same characteristics.

A manufacturer creates a “batch” by assigning the same number to a group of units. Businesses that use this method have an advantage when dealing with recalls, developing their own internal quality assurance process, and adhering to legal compliance.

For example, suppose a product has a quality issue. In that case, you can use batch numbers to identify the source of the issue and stop selling it. You can solve the problem using batch coding by telling when, where, and which factory makes the items.

In other words, batch coding is necessary to provide customers with a manufacturing date so they can determine the product’s shelf life. Also, to assist the manufacturer or industry with a product recall due to quality issues and to track the products.

Industries that Use Batch Coding

Although it may appear small and insignificant, label codes contain important information for consumers. Additionally, some products use scannable codes to provide customers with information in addition to best before and manufacturing dates.

Therefore, each industry requires dependable coding and labeling equipment to produce clear and durable code labels. If you are a business owner, these are the types of industries that need batch coding:

• Foods and beverages
• Pharmaceuticals (medicine, supplements, and personal protective equipment)
• Cosmetics and skin care
• Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, lotion, etc.)
• Home and decoration products (paints, stains, fire extinguishers, etc.)

In these industries, batch coding is needed to identify and provide essential information for customers. In addition, the codes will also give protection and traceability if you ever face litigation for one of your products.

How to Do Batch Coding

Batch coding is assigned to all products from the same manufacturer, on the same date, and made with the same ingredients. The generation of batch codes will depend on the inventory method specific to your business. Here are the methods you can try:

Create a Unique Set of Number

A business can only track a specific batch accurately by assigning a unique number to each batch. The main requirements when setting up batch numbers are ensuring that there are no duplicate numbers and that the code is understandable to all relevant people within the company.

Include Manufacturing Date

If necessary, you can include the manufacturing date in the batch number. So workers can identify how old a product is just by looking at its code.

Consider Expiration Date

You can also include the expiration date in the batch number according to the business needs. Although you must state the expiration date on the packaging, it is not mandatory to include it in the batch number.

Record the Product Information

Your inventory management system must record all the appropriate information for each unique batch number. You start with the information about suppliers, ingredients, and locations associated with each batch. This is what creates an end-to-end tracking system.

Update the Coding System Regularly

As necessary, you can make changes to the batch coding process to improve efficiency and accuracy. You can also inspect the coded products to ensure that the coding is accurate and legible.

Previously, manufacturers used to generate their batch codes manually using Ms. Excel. But with the help of technology, now you can automate the batch coding process using software or other specified tools.

How to Read Batch Code

As mentioned before, there are no specific regulations about how to generate a batch code. Therefore, the format of the batch code can vary depending on the manufacturer. But generally, there are a few standard formats that are used. Here’s a general guide on how to read batch codes:

Locate the Batch Code

Batch codes are usually found on the bottom or back of the product packaging or on the product itself.

Determine the Format

Depending on the manufactured goods, batch tracking records may include these and other production details:

• Batch/lot number
• Manufacturing date and time
•  An itemized list of supply line details
•  Facility name and location
•  Quantity of goods produced
•  Weight of active ingredients
•  Best Before Date 
•  The provenance of raw materials

Interpret the Code

The code typically consists of numbers and letters representing the year, month, and day the product was manufactured. The format of the batch code can vary, but the most common formats for dates are:

• YYYY-MM-DD
• DD-MM-YYYY
• YY-MM-DD
• DD-MM-YY

It’s worth noting that some manufacturers may use different formats. Therefore, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s website for information on how to read their specific batch codes.

Best Tools for Batch Coding

Choosing a suitable machine for batch coding is critical to ensuring that products are coded smoothly. But, with so many batch coding tool options available, determining the best tools takes work.

Other factors, such as production line speed and factory environment, will also influence the appropriate tools for a specific application. As a reference, these are some tools that you can use for batch coding:

Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)

For outside cases and primary packaging, you can use the TIJ printer as a versatile solution. TIJ is a high-resolution printer that can print text, images, and graphics onto various items or packaging. It is inexpensive yet produces high-quality printing.

It also can be used in various manufacturing environments, including slow production lines. Also, it has a low operating cost, which is excellent for locations that do not require 24/7 production.

Markcom Global’s Mark I and Mark II Series of thermal inkjet printers are an ideal print solution for batch coding your products or packaging. With 24/7 operation time, Mark I and Mark II Series are easy to set up with a user-friendly interface and a high-resolution result.

Read About: Thermal Inkjet Printer: Benefits and How to Operate

Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ)

You can also use Continuous Ink Jet or CIJ to print on almost any substrate. Therefore, you can use this as an alternative to a more cost-effective choice.

A variety of inks are available for CIJ printers, including multicolor inks, UV-readable inks for anti-counterfeiting, and water-removable inks for tracking. In addition, it enhances the printing process.

Read About: Profound Comparison of Thermal Inkjet vs Continuous Inkjet

Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO)

Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO) is an industrial printing process used to produce long-lasting and permanent prints of signs, labels, and other images. It is specifically designed for printing over flat surfaces, but you can use it to print on huge areas at once and on various packaging materials.

The results are weather resistant and can survive sunlight, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and water. It’s also a safe option that you can use in various manufacturing settings and conditions.

Read About: Compare Thermal Inkjet Printer vs Thermal Transfer Overprinter

Laser

A non-ink-based batch coder such as a laser might be the most effective solution for a specific application. Using lasers can produce a permanent code on nearly any material at high speed, including cans, glasses, plastics, etc.

It is also one of the faster batch coding alternatives because no ink is involved, so you don’t need a drying time. In addition, the laser system also offers a lower long-term cost of ownership, so it can be considered a low-cost coding option.

Labeling Machine

Labeling machines are designed to apply labels and stickers precisely. It provides automated speed follow-up that may be synchronized automatically with any variable speed utilizing an AC servo motor and encoder technology.

That’s why this tool is widely used in many industries, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. With high accuracy labeling position, you can utilize this tool to apply batch codes efficiently with a low operational cost.

A well-informed decision will help you make the right choice if you are looking for a batch coding machine. Explore the specification details and technology of a batch coding tool to find out how it can meet your needs and requirements.

But for the best results, always consider the cost-efficiency and quality suitable to your business needs. For flexible, high-quality coding, Markcom Global’s thermal inkjet printer is a cost-effective solution you can choose.