Introduction
In 1999, General Motors adopted a uniform global parts labeling template that enables suppliers to use a common label for shipment to all GM facilities worldwide. All suppliers shipping production parts to GM facilities were required to begin using the label by March 31, 2000. Loftware developed both a template and a Bar Code Wizard for the GM1724 Label Specification in 1999 in preparation of this requirement, as well as updates as changes to this standard have been made. The wizard easily creates the complex PDF417 2D Bar Code formula for the label quickly and correctly!
GM Bar Code Wizard: Requirements
In order to utilize the powerful components of the GM Wizard, you must have the following:
·The Security Code is set to 5 by default, and must remain at 5 in order to print the PDF417 bar code with GM's compliance standards.
·Of these Printer Families, Loftware supports several Printer Models. (See Supported Printers on the Loftware Website to view the supported models).
·Of the supported Printer Families, be aware that not all models within these families are capable of printing the PDF417 Bar Code.
·Of the models that are capable of printing the PDF417 Bar Code, not all of them have the correct firmware to print the PDF417 Bar Code correctly. In some cases, firmware upgrades or changes may need to be made. Check with your hardware manufacturer for details.
·Fonts: Loftware does NOT recommend the use of TrueType Fonts when selecting the font for the label, as these are downloaded as images, and significantly decrease the throughput time. GM does NOT require you to use TrueType fonts at this time; however, any Native Fonts utilized must be equivalent.
·Please check with the Printer Manufacturer for this information regarding your printer’s ability to print the PDF417 bar code before calling Loftware for support.
GM Bar Code - Specifications
You may find current specification information including contacts and telephone numbers by visiting the GM Supplier Website. Link to the GM Supplier Site There, you can gather pertinent information about format and font specs, data sources, and data layouts. Templates are also displayed, as well as layover information. The GM1724 was replaced with the new standard as in the following description:
GM1724-A – Individual Containers: a label for productive parts used on containers of like part numbers. (Sequenced parts, modular parts, and non-productive parts are not currently covered under this standard, but service parts are included).
GM1724-B – Master Label: Suppliers are notified if this label is required by their customers.
GM1724-C – Mixed Label: Suppliers are notified if this label is required by their customers.
Note: Please read these specifications completely before proceeding with the GM Bar Code Wizard.
GM Bar Code Wizard: What it Does and Does Not Do
Loftware's GM Bar Code Wizard automatically builds the complex PDF417 Bar Code, and inserts it into a pre-made GM template. The template contains all the sub-blocks needed to meet the new standard. The bar code is built by systematically adding together a data sequence that creates a formula designed for the specification. When placed into the template, this completes the required GM Label. This outstanding product makes designing both the required and recommended fields for this label much easier. You do not have to spend time building the formula yourself and risk possible errors in fields, operations or functions. As you enter your specific data, the formula is automatically updated to reflect each addition you make.
The wizard is NOT a guarantee of a perfect GM approved label, but it makes the goal of shipping compliance to GM a far easier task, as well as saving you significant time. To ensure compliance, Loftware advises you to design your label and submit it to GM for approval before printing production labels. The GM Supplier Site has label submission information.
Warning! If you delete any fields created with the wizard, all the data and any formulas you have designed are lost. If you change the formula for this label after you have designed it, then the label may not print correctly, and may not be in compliance.
GM Template and Wizard Instructions