Data Matrix Code on Rolling Bearings

Dive into the World of Digital Possibilities

Perhaps you have already noticed the Data Matrix code on Schaeffler packaging and rolling bearings. Even though it may seem insignificant, this little code has a lot to offer. Specifically: a wealth of useful information that offers you clear added value throughout the entire product life cycle.

Data Matrix Code for bearings
The Data Matrix Code (DMC) is a well-known technology for Schaeffler products. It can be found on every product packaging. There are also some bearing products that have a DMC as a direct marking in the form of laser engraving. In recent years, the importance of this marking technology has steadily increased and the applications have expanded.

Applications
What is the DMC?
Your Benefits at a Glance
The Technology
Further Information
Publications
Contact

Applications

A wealth of useful information and functions that offer you clear added value - throughout the entire product life cycle.

Purchasing of Product
Registration and ordering in medias using EAN
Leading number in order system
Improved buying experience through EAN management system (navigation, product identification)
Logistics and Transport
Link between handling unit and serial number of product packaging
Track and trace of outbound deliveries possible
Transfer of shipping and tracking data via EDI
Warehousing
Serial number inventory management
Simple receipt of goods by means of DMC scan and data transfer in Goods Inwards
Provision of actual dimensions for subsequent processes such as assembly at an early stage
Origin Check
Origin check by scanning the DMC
Reporting of suspicious cases (product piracy)

Bearing Assembly
Precise premachining and pairing of bearing adjacent parts based on actual dimensions
Linking of assembly components via GS1 serial number from the DMC
Process automation through provision of machine-readable data
Further provision of data in the form of measurement reports and assembly videos
Technical Support
Provision of technical documentation
Instructional videos for assembly of bearing products
Support with the assembly and installation of bearings in the repair environment
Remanufacturing
Traceability of the product life cycle (production location, recon cycles, information from operation)
Carbon footprint via the product history
100% return and operating time as service

The Data Matrix Code - An International Standard

Worldwide standard for unique signing

The codes generated at Schaeffler follow the GS1 standard and are ECC200 compliant. This means that they were generated using the latest error correction method. The GS1 or EAN Data Matrix Code is a code with a GS1 identifier in the data structure. These are sometimes block 01 as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN or EAN) and block 21 as the individual serial number of the product. Both form the sGTIN for use in further services.

There are several ways to read a Schaeffler DMC:

Via mobile device (smartphone or tablet): The DMC can easily be read via a camera or a QR code reader app.
Via the OriginCheck app: In this app, which is programmed for checking authenticity, you can see directly whether what you have is an original Schaeffler product. The app is available free of charge in the Google Appstore and the Apple Store for IOS.
Via hand scanner: With the help of a hand scanner, the codes can also be read out and displayed either in a way that is readable only for the user, or machine-readable directly for an external system.
Via proprietary apps: You can also integrate a scan process into individual smartphone apps, meaning, for example, you can obtain data via the Bearing Data Service.

Benefits

Even if the main functionality of the DMC is to serialize a product to ensure its authenticity, our Data Matrix Code can do much more - to your advantage.

Best-in-class tracking
Transparency along the entire supply chain
The DMC and its internal structure make each marked product globally unique and unmistakable in its handling, meaning it can be traced back without any gaps.
Read more
Simple authenticity verification
Reliable protection against counterfeits
Whether in direct marking on the product itself or as a label on the product packaging, our Data Matrix Code gives you the certainty that the products are original Schaeffler products.
Read more
Comprehensive information
Access relevant data with a single scan
Our Data Matrix Code can be used for unique identification in production environments, taking into account measurement data acquisition and linking it. This measurement data can be retrieved and integrated via interface, applying to both the DMC in direct marking on the product and on the product packaging.
Read more

The Technology

The use of a Data Matrix code is a widely used technology for signing. It is usually printed or lasered directly onto the component. Another well-known technology for signing is the quick response code (QR code). The DMC differs from the QR code mainly in its dimensions. The QR code contains more characters and is therefore larger, but it can also hold more information - for example, the link to a stored website. However, a QR code as a signing technology is not used for industrial bearing products at Schaeffler.

The DMC marked or printed on Schaeffler products consists of two data blocks, among others.

Data block (01) = GTIN/EAN

The GTIN/ EAN is standardized worldwide and contains:
- country prefix of the company
- company number
- article number of the manufacturer

Data block (21) = Serial number

This block contains the production date in the format of YY-MM-DD, the time in the format hh:mm and a random number.

The DMC applied to the product is linked to the DMC on its packaging, but it is not identical - so you don't have to worry if they don't match.

Learn more about the collaboration with GS1 in the information (PDF).

Customer Success Story
In partnership with Schaeffler, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has made significant progress with the digitalization of its fleet. The basis for the new life cycle management of bearing data is a data matrix code (DMC) on the axlebox bearings.
Read more
Bearing Data Service
Use our digital service to obtain machine-readable rolling bearing product data from various systems in a standardized format.
Read more
Origin Check/One Identity
Identify counterfeit products with just one scan – learn more and download the OriginCheck app.
Read more

Publications

Data matrix code at Schaeffler - Marking technology for digitalization
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Contact

Our Schaeffler Lifetime Solutions customer support is ready to help you implement your predictive maintenance strategy and solution.

Do you want to know more about the Schaeffler DMC and its application possibilities?

Please contact us and our experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

Data Matrix Codes on Rolling Bearings

Dive into the World of Digital Possibilities

Applications

Purchasing of Product

Logistics and Transport

Warehousing

Origin Check

Bearing Assembly

Technical Support

Remanufacturing

The Data Matrix Code - An International Standard

Benefits

Best-in-class tracking

Transparency along the entire supply chain

Simple authenticity verification

Reliable protection against counterfeits

Comprehensive information

Access relevant data with a single scan

The Technology

Further Information

Customer Success Story

Bearing Data Service

Origin Check/One Identity

Publications

Contact

Do you want to know more about the Schaeffler DMC and its application possibilities?