Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)

The Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) is increasingly being applied to Beckhoff products to uniquely identify the product. The BIC is represented as a Data Matrix Code (DMC, code scheme ECC200), the content is based on the ANSI standard MH10.8.2-2016.

Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) 1:
BIC as data matrix code (DMC, code scheme ECC200)

The BIC will be introduced step by step across all product groups.

Depending on the product, it can be found in the following places:

  • on the packaging unit
  • directly on the product (if space suffices)
  • on the packaging unit and the product

The BIC is machine-readable and contains information that can also be used by the customer for handling and product management.

Each piece of information can be uniquely identified using the so-called 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 table below. If the information is shorter, spaces are added to it. The data under positions 1 to 4 are always available.

The following information is contained:

Item no.

Type of
information

Explanation

Data
identifier

Number of digits incl. data identifier

Example

1

Beckhoff order number

Beckhoff order number

1P

8

1P072222

2

Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN)

Unique serial number, see note below

S

12

SBTNk4p562d7

3

Article description

Beckhoff article description, e.g. EL1008

1K

32

1KEL1809

4

Quantity

Quantity in packaging unit, e.g. 1, 10, etc.

Q

6

Q1

5

Batch number

Optional: Year and week of production

2P

14

2P401503180016

6

ID/serial number

Optional: Present-day serial number system, e.g. with safety products

51S

12

51S678294104

7

Variant number

Optional: Product variant number on the basis of standard products

30P

32

30PF971, 2*K183

...

 

 

 

 

 

Further types of information and data identifiers are used by Beckhoff and serve internal processes.

Structure of the BIC

Example of composite information from item 1 to 4 and 6. The data identifiers are marked in red for better display:

BTN

An important component of the BIC is the Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN, item no. 2). The BTN is a unique serial number consisting of eight characters that will replace all other serial number systems at Beckhoff in the long term (e.g. batch designations on IO components, previous serial number range for safety products, etc.). The BTN will also be introduced step by step, so it may happen that the BTN is not yet coded in the BIC.

Note

This information has been carefully prepared. However, the procedure described is constantly being further developed. We reserve the right to revise and change procedures and documentation at any time and without prior notice. No claims for changes can be made from the information, illustrations and descriptions in this information.