How Warehouse WMS And TMS Use SSCCs For Tracking Logistic Units

Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) An 18-digit GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify a logistic unit such as a pallet, case, or parcel. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) rely on SSCCs to provide event-level tracking, link physical pallets to electronic documents, and automate receiving, shipping, and claims workflows.

Adopting SSCC-enabled workflows reduces manual reconciliation between physical freight and electronic records. A properly issued SSCC is generated by the shipper, encoded in a GS1-128 barcode, applied to the physical unit, and referenced in the ASN and carrier manifests. Scanning that SSCC at each touchpoint updates WMS/TMS and gives stakeholders real-time status of the unit.

How SSCCs Integrate With WMS

WMS uses the SSCC as the key for pallet-level transactions. Common WMS use cases include:

• Receiving: Match scanned SSCCs against the ASN to confirm quantities and identify discrepancies immediately.
• Putaway: Track the storage location of a specific SSCC, enabling quicker pallet retrieval during picks or cross-dock.
• Inventory And Cycle Counts: Reconcile physical counts against the SSCC record to identify misplaced or missing pallets.
• Returns And Quarantine: Assign SSCCs to return pallets or quarantined loads to segregate them and preserve traceability.

How SSCCs Integrate With TMS

TMS uses SSCCs primarily to plan, execute, and track shipments at the unit level:

• Load Building: TMS references SSCCs to assemble loads, calculate capacity, and prepare carrier manifests.
• Carrier Handoffs: Carriers scan SSCCs during pickup and delivery; scans update status and can trigger invoicing or POD generation.
• Exception Handling: If a carrier reports a damaged or missing SSCC, the TMS links the event to the ASN and WMS records for claims and root-cause analysis.

EDI And Message Flow

The SSCC is commonly included in electronic messages to tie documents to physical units. Examples:

• ASN (Advance Ship Notice): Lists SSCCs and the GTINs/quantities inside each SSCC to allow the receiver to validate pallets on arrival.
• Carrier Manifests and PODs: Include SSCCs for scan-based verification during pickup and delivery.
• Event Messages: Use SSCCs in serialized event logs to track lifecycle states across systems and partners.

Implementation Steps For WMS/TMS Teams

• Define SSCC Policies: Decide which shipments require SSCCs (e.g., all palletized outbound shipments, mixed-case pallets, cross-dock transfers).
• Automate Generation: Have the WMS or ERP generate SSCCs using your GS1 company prefix and a controlled serial reference, and ensure the check digit is calculated automatically.
• Labeling Standards: Print GS1-128 labels with AI (00) before carrier pickup and instruct staff on placement and orientation for easy scanner access.
• System Mapping: Map SSCC fields to ASN elements, carrier manifest records, and internal transaction records so scans update statuses automatically.

Practical Example: Receiving With SSCC

A supplier ships three pallets to a retailer. For each pallet the supplier creates an SSCC, prints a GS1-128 label, and lists the SSCCs and pallet contents in the ASN. When the truck arrives, receiving scans the SSCCs; the WMS cross-references the ASN, confirms GTINs and quantities per pallet, and directs putaway. Any mismatch triggers an immediate exception workflow with documented SSCC-level evidence.

Tips For Reliable SSCC Workflows

• Centralize Issuance: Avoid manual label creation by centralizing SSCC generation in WMS/ERP to prevent duplication.
• Track State: Record lifecycle states (issued, loaded, in-transit, received) so partners can query current SSCC status.
• Train Staff: Teach dock and scanning staff where to find the SSCC and how to scan GS1-128 labels correctly.

In short, the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is the essential identifier for linking physical logistic units to electronic records. Proper SSCC generation, labeling, and system integration allow WMS and TMS to provide accurate, event-level visibility and to automate receiving, shipping, and claim-handling processes.