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.
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.
Following information is possible, positions 1 to 4 are always present, the other according to need of production:
Position | Type of | Explanation | Data | 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 | SBTN | 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 | 51S678294 |
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 positions 1 to 4 and with the above given example value on position 6. The data identifiers are highlighted in bold font:
1P072222SBTNk4p562d71KEL1809 Q1 51S678294
Accordingly as DMC:
BTN
An important component of the BIC is the Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN, position 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.
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.