The beauty of the modern business landscape is that you’re no longer confined to customers in your local area. You can distribute products across cities, states, and even countries, which has undoubtedly fueled the growth of many businesses.
However, broad markets can be a double-edged sword. How? It takes more work for manufacturers to track their products all the way from production to the final consumer.
But not with batch codes. These identifiers have become indispensable, as they display information—such as production dates, locations, and ingredients used—that facilitates product traceability throughout the supply chain.
Skeptical? Read on as we take an in-depth look at batch codes, covering everything from what they are and how they work to industries that use them and where they place them.
What is a batch code?
A batch code, also known as a lot code or lot number, is a unique identifier assigned to a specific group of products during the manufacturing process. The code typically comprises numbers, letters, or a combination of both.
These characters can be printed directly on product packaging or embedded in barcodes, traditional QR (Quick Response) Codes, or 2D Barcodes, depending on a manufacturer’s preferences. Many are moving toward 2D Barcodes and QR Codes in manufacturing since they can carry more information than barcodes and are easier to use—you only need a smartphone to scan and decode them.
Batch codes are valuable for both manufacturers and consumers. Some of the benefits they offer manufacturers include:
- Helping them trace products throughout the supply chain.
- Promoting efficient inventory management by showing when and where products are produced.
- Making it easier for manufacturers to identify product issues, which can promote quality control and streamline recalls.
- Facilitating regulatory compliance in some industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
For consumers:
- They help with authenticity verification.
- They allow them to identify if products are part of a recall.
- They can promote safety by facilitating expiration tracking.
What does a batch code look like?
Batch codes look like a string of numbers and letters. They vary widely in format because they are based on businesses’ unique preferences.
Some follow the Julian date format, others take the typical date format, and others are alphanumeric. Here are some examples:
- X24078: This is a Julian-date-based code that may be used to identify products manufactured on March 19th, 2024. The “X” represents the unique product identifier, the “24” the year of production, and the “078” the day of the year.
- X240319: This is a standard date format, representing the year of manufacture (2024), month (March), and day (19th).
- B2403A1: This is an alphanumeric code that manufacturers may use to convey information beyond the product manufacture date. It could represent a product line, year of manufacture, month of manufacture, plant code, and shift.
As you can see from our examples, decoding some batch codes (like coded alphanumeric codes) requires insider knowledge. Companies may use such options when they only need batch codes for internal product control and tracking.
How does a product batch code work?
A batch code carries a wide range of information, including a product’s date of manufacture, location, ingredients used, and expiration date. A manufacturer usually assigns this code whenever it produces a new batch of products.
The manufacturer prints the code on product packaging or embeds it in solutions like QR Codes and records it in the manufacturer’s database along with comprehensive product information that can help with identification. This may include details on the exact raw materials used, the workers involved, and the equipment used.
After recording the code, the manufacturer releases the associated products to distributors, suppliers, retailers, and consumers. In case they identify an issue with the product, they can track everything there is to know about it and, if necessary, recall it with minimal hassle—they just need to let the other stakeholders in the supply chain know which product batch codes are affected.
Examples of where product batch codes are located
Batch codes have become a regulatory requirement in some industries. For example, all businesses that manufacture products for kids aged 12 or younger must use these codes. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines.
However, not all businesses use them because they’re a requirement—some use them simply because they promote traceability and recall management. This is why you can find them on everything from food items to home goods.
Here’s a look at some industries where batch codes are the most common and where you can find them:
Food products
Food product batch codes are typically near the “best by date.” They may be present in various locations, including the bottom of cans, the side of boxes, along the seal of bags, or on product labels.
Different manufacturers position batch codes differently, so consumers need to inspect each product carefully. For example, Heinz places the batch numbers on the back of its sauce bottles, and Nestle prints them on the back of its chocolate bar packaging.
Pharmaceuticals
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can recall items in the pharmaceutical industry if they lack batch numbers. So, you’re sure to find lot codes on most pharmaceutical products, including bottles, pill containers, blister packs, and boxes. For example, on blister packs, the batch code can usually be found on the edge of the foil backing, near the expiration date. On the other hand, for tubes of ointment, the code is typically on the crimped end.
Cosmetics
A batch code isn’t a legal requirement for cosmetic products. Still, most brands add them to their packaging for quality assurance and to communicate product shelf life throughout the supply chain. The number can be on bottles, product labels, or packaging boxes if the products come in a box. For items like lotion, the batch code is often embossed on the bottom of the product near the expiration date. Batch codes also commonly appear on product packaging, usually printed near the barcode.
How do you check product batch codes?
As mentioned earlier, some brands embed batch numbers and other product information in QR Codes for supply chain management. So, if you come across a product with a QR Code, scan the code with your smartphone to get the batch number. Sometimes, these codes direct you to manufacturers’ websites where you can confirm the product’s authenticity.
If you don’t see a QR Code, odds are, the manufacturer printed the lot number directly on its product packaging. To confirm the product’s authenticity and get more information, visit the manufacturer’s website and input the batch code in its “product authentication” checker, if it has one. If not, you can contact the company’s customer service team directly for information.
Alternatively, you can use databases like CheckFresh, FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts, and Recalls.gov for product batch details and any available recall information.
What to do if you can’t find the product batch code
In some cases, you may not find the batch code on the product packaging. If you don’t, check inserts like leaflets or product manuals for the code.
If it’s not there, contact the manufacturer’s customer support for assistance or use the previously mentioned databases for product information. This is especially important if you’re skeptical about a product’s safety.
Take control of product tracking with Bitly’s suite of tools
While not a requirement for all industries, batch codes have become a common sight. They help manufacturers with product tracking and let consumers confirm product safety before use, which can streamline supply chain management and enhance customer experiences.
If you’re looking for an effective way to enhance your product packaging and tracking, look no further than Bitly. Bitly 2D Barcodes contain a product’s Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) so it can be scanned at checkout with a barcode reader.
These handy codes can also link to a website via URL, enabling consumers to scan it with their smartphones and easily access more information about the product. But their usefulness doesn’t stop there. You can access data via Bitly Analytics for real-time insights into consumer behavior and trends.
Create a Bitly account today to access tools that’ll elevate your product tracking efforts and improve buyer experiences!