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 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	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:

Beckhoff Identification Code (BIC) 2: — Example DMC 1P072222SBTNk4p562d71KEL1809 Q1 **51S**678294

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.

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.