Questions to ask your CMO/CPO about serialization

Below are a few questions to ask:

• Have you developed a strategy for serializing product? If so, what is your go-live date?
• What is your plan for managing serialized data (provisioning, exchanging, receiving, sending, storing)?
• How are exceptions handled?
• Do you have the ability to handle both serialized and non-serialized product?
• What contingencies do you have in place to ensure that there will be no disruption in production of my products due to complying with serialization mandates in a timely manner?
• What printing technology or technologies are utilized? (i.e., impact printers, thermal printers, laser printers, ink-jet printers, etc.)
• Do you have the ability to print GS1 Standard barcode symbols (GS1 128, GS1 DataBar, GS1 2D DataMatrix, etc.) that meet minimum print quality requirements?
• Do you have the capability to verify/scan GS1 format barcode symbols?
• Can you grade the barcodes to ensure readability in the supply chain?
• Do you have the capability to receive a range of serial numbers from our system?  (Separate from your other clients?)
• If yes, describe the communication methods supported (direct integration/web services vs. manual e-mail/text file/spreadsheet).
• Do you use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Advanced Shipping Notices (ASN) today, and have you considered it for sharing serialization information?
• Do you have the capability to communicate serialization event data to external systems?  If so, in what format (e.g., flat file, XML, EPCIS)?

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