Custom Batches
BSS delivers labels in units called batches. You can think of a batch as a roll of label stickers, although these batches can also be provided digitally if, for example, the manufacturer wants to print them themselves.
BSS can only manage the assignment of scan pages and other settings at the batch level. A batch is the smallest manageable unit, meaning that scan pages and evaluations are managed at this level. This ensures that manufacturers do not need to know exactly which labels they need in what quantities for which products before placing an order. Additionally, some manufacturers produce product categories in very small quantities and want to ensure that new labels are ordered for each batch. For this purpose, we offer the concept of Custom Batches.
With Custom Batches, manufacturers can create these batches via the API. Labels from other batches can be added to a Custom Batch using the API.
Example Scenario
Imagine a wine producer who creates a special vintage wine in a limited edition of 100 bottles. This producer typically makes 10,000 bottles per month and thus needs 10,000 labels monthly. However, there is a small stock of 1,000 labels, and the producer wants to use these labels for the limited edition. Using the API, the producer can create a Custom Batch called Limited Edition, scan the open code with a reader, and add the label to this Limited Edition batch.
In the container management, a new batch labeled Limited Edition will be created.
How Does Scanning Behavior Change?
Custom Batches are typically created during the production process. When scanned, the scans are attributed to the Custom Batches in the analysis. However, if labels are reassigned to a different batch after being sold (e.g., due to a recall), the scans made before the reassignment will be attributed to the old batch, and those made after the reassignment will be attributed to the new batch, even if it is the same label.
Example Scenario
Our wine producer mistakenly used 50 of the 100 labels meant for the limited edition on regular wine bottles and has already partially shipped them. Using the API, the producer can reassign these 50 labels back to the normal wine batches. Now the scans of the 50 regular wines would be shown for the regular wine, whereas the scans for the 50 limited edition wine would show up for the Limited Edition batch.
Best Practice
It is also possible to assign labels from one batch to another. However, we do not recommend this practice. It can make sense to transfer a label from a normal batch to a Custom Batch and later reassign it to the original batch. Therefore, the function to assign a label to a "normal" batch exists. However, it is advised against moving labels from different "normal" batches into normal batches.
By following these guidelines, manufacturers can effectively manage their label batches, ensuring accurate tracking and authenticity verification for all their products.