The Power of SSCC Labels in Modern Logistics — How EDI Connector Does It Right

In today’s fast-moving supply chains, traceability, accuracy, and automation are critical. SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) labels are quickly becoming a linchpin in logistics — enabling shippers, carriers, and receivers to uniquely identify each logistic unit (pallet, crate, etc.).

In this post, we’ll explore how SSCCs are used across logistics platforms, and how EDI Connector gives businesses powerful, flexible tools to generate SSCCs, embed them in EDI messages (DESADV), and even print custom labels down to the crate level.

What is an SSCC Label & Why It Matters

According to Wikipedia, an SSCC is an 18-digit identifier used to uniquely identify a logistic unit, typically encoded in a GS1-128 barcode. But what's it for? It allows tracking of shipments at the pallet level, regardless of transport mode or operator. So, in terms of logistics, it really helps with things like:

• Automated goods receiving / scanning in receivers’ systems

• Traceability (you can link back to crates, batches, etc., linked to each pallet)

• Interoperability: carriers, warehouses, retailers all understand the same code rather than using proprietary codes.

Like EDI, using SSCC codes keeps everyone on the same page when it comes to logistics. This is fantastic when it comes to European logistics because SSCC is standardised (via GS1), it's accepted across all countries, and helps with consistent labelling in cross-border logistics.. which is what we are all doing!

SSCC Label Usage Trends & Market Context

Let's put all this into context.

According to dataintelo.com, the SSCC pallet tracking market (for distribution centres) is projected to grow at a massive 12.1% between 2025 and 2033, reaching an estimated USD 7.2 billion by 2033. It is clear that there is increasing demand for real-time inventory visibility and enhanced supply chain transparency across the logistics world.

In Europe, the CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) endorsed SSCC for parcel identification across networks way back in 2017 — recognising why SSCC is so powerful for logistics businesses.

GS1 guidance emphasizes that SSCC is often the only mandatory data in a logistics label; additional information (e.g., GTIN, batch, etc.) is optional depending on client needs.

All this context shows that it's not just a niche feature — SSCC is becoming a core requirement in modern logistics and digitally-enabled supply chains.

SSCC Across Key Sectors — Retail, Food, Pharma & Fresh Produce

Today, SSCC is no longer just “nice to have” — many sectors in Europe now *require* it:

• Retail supply chains (Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour, Jumbo, Colruyt, etc.) use SSCC as the primary identifier for inbound pallet scanning at distribution centres.

• Food & beverage suppliers rely on SSCC for batch-level traceability and FIFO rotation.

• Pharma & medical logistics use SSCC to comply with strict tracking regulations and audit trails.

• Fresh produce and agriculture — one of the fastest-growing adopters — now often require SSCC alongside GTIN and batch data on every pallet to ensure product provenance from farm to shelf.

If you’re supplying any major European chain, chances are you’ve already been asked to apply SSCC labels — and if not yet, it’s coming soon.

How EDI Connector Handles SSCC Labels — Our Approach & Flexibility

1. SSCC Label Auto-generation vs Manual Entry

• By default, EDI Connector can set up a user-defined series (within your GS1 prefix) and auto-generate the next SSCC sequentially.

• Because of the check-digit algorithm, repetition is prevented.

• Optionally, if your organization or a third-party system already generates SSCCs, you can manually enter the code — and EDI Connector validates length and check digit before accepting it.

2. DESADV with or without SSCC

• Based on your client's EDI requirements, we can choose to omit SSCC data in the DESADV if it's not needed — helping you keep messages clean.

• But when required, we embed SSCC pallet codes in the DESADV, along with mapping the order lines assigned to each pallet, enabling deep traceability.

3. Crate-level tracking & label printing

• You can choose to generate barcode labels for each crate (not just pallets).

• As crates are scanned into pallets, we build the pallet and it's SSCC label in real time, so each crate is tied explicitly to a pallet.

• The resulting data is included in DESADV so the receiving side knows which crates were on which pallet.

4. Custom SSCC label design

• Beyond just assigning the code, we convert it into barcode format.

• You can design labels with data that's important to you: 

  • Delivery party name & address (if different from buyer GLN)  

  • Pallet contents (if homogeneous)  

  • Total quantity of crates  

  • Batch & expiry details (if homogeneous)  

  • GTIN/EAN in text or barcode  

  • Pallet number / sequence (e.g. “1 of 7”)

• Choose which format you want your label in. PDF, ZPL, CSV, or even send it directly to the printer using a Printnode link.

• Define your own label size

• Auto generate pallet label duplicates to use on all sides of the pallet

5. Pallet workflows

• You can create stock pallets with SSCC labels and store them for future assignment.

• Or build pallets directly from an order confirmation, mapping lines to pallets.

• Or use barcode scanning per crate during processing, with 100% accuracy — what’s scanned is what goes onto the pallet. No double entry. No guesswork.

Make SSCC Your Superpower, Not a Burden

SSCC is no longer just another logistics requirement. When used correctly, it becomes a powerful asset for operational control, compliance, and customer trust.

With EDI Connector, businesses don’t just “add a label” — they get a complete traceability workflow:

✅ Auto or manual SSCC creation with validation

✅ Optional or full pallet breakdown in DESADV / ASN messages

✅ Crate-level scanning for ultra-fine traceability

✅ Custom-built labels in multiple formats (PDF, ZPL, CSV, XLSX)

Whether you're supplying retail, food, pharma, or fresh produce — EDI Connector helps you stay compliant and efficient.

Not sure where to start?

👉 **Book a free demo** and we’ll guide you step by step.