Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC)

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

The BIC is being introduced gradually across all product groups.
Depending on the product, it can be found in the following locations:

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 be used for handling and product management by the customer.

Each item of information is clearly identifiable with the data identifier (ANSI MH10.8.2-2016). The data identifier is followed by a character string. Both together have a maximum length stated by the following table. If the items of information are shorter, spaces are added.

The following information may be present; items 1 through 4 are always included, while the others depend on the product family's requirements:

Item no.	Type of information	Explanation	Data identifier	Number of characters including the 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: Previous serial number system, e.g., for safety products or calibrated terminals	51S	12	51S678294
7	Variant	Optional: Product variant number on the basis of standard products	30P	12	30PF971, 2*K183
...

Beckhoff uses additional types of information and data identifiers for internal processes.

Structure of the BIC

Example of composite information consisting of items 1 through 4 and the example value mentioned above in item 6. The data identifiers are highlighted in bold:

1P072222SBTNk4p562d71KEL1809 Q1 51S678294

The same number as a DMC:

BTN

An important component of the BIC is the Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN, item no. 2). The BTN is a unique 8-character serial number that will replace all other serial number systems at Beckhoff in the future (e.g. batch designations on IO components, previous serial number circle for safety products, etc.). The BTN is also being introduced gradually, so it may not yet be coded in the BIC.

Notice
This information has been carefully prepared. However, the method described is constantly being refined. We reserve the right to revise and change procedures and documentation at any time and without notice. No claims for modification may be made on the basis of the data, diagrams, and descriptions in this documentation.