Am I '2005 Sunrise' compliant
Q. How can I be sure our store’s POS software recognizes EAN
bar codes, and what should I do if our systems are not “2005 Sunrise”
compliant?
A. The Uniform Code Council (UCC) strongly recommends that all retailers ensure that their systems are “2005 Sunrise” compliant (that is, able to process EAN codes and compliant on a few other bar code issues) as soon as possible, to avoid bar code processing problems after January 1, 2005.
Each retailer’s situation is different, so one answer will not fit all cases. Retailers who purchased or upgraded their POS systems in the past six years are probably already compliant.
If you aren’t sure, the first step is to call the support center for your POS software company and ask whether your current software is able to read EAN-13 codes—they should know what you are asking about. The same is true for any other software you use that deals with bar code information, such as inventory management software.
Bar code scanners (the hardware component of your system) are less likely to be a problem, because the basic scanning technology is not different. However, it makes sense to contact your scanner supplier and confirm that your equipment will scan EAN-8 and EAN-13 codes.
If you discover that any part of your system is not able to read EAN codes, you have some choices. Any software or hardware vendor you deal with should be able to tell you what it is doing to make its products and equipment compliant, and you should document your exchanges with them so that you know what to expect in the upcoming months.
Here are some questions you should be prepared to ask. When will the upgraded software or equipment be available? How will I obtain it? Is it something I can download or will a support technician be required on-site to make the changes?
Numerous businesses and consultants are offering to assist retailers in becoming “2005 Sunrise” compliant. MRA does not endorse any specific business that provides this service, but a little research should help you find a consultant who will assist you if you need it.
The UCC has some excellent resources explaining “2005 Sunrise.”
Contact Al Garton, UCC’s director of merchandise/retail, at 609.620.4546
or via e-mail at agarton@uc-council.org.
Or visit the UCC’s website at http://www.uc-council.org/2005sunrise
for a downloadable information kit.
Do you have a retailing question? Ask Michigan Retailers in writing:
by mail: 603 South Washington Avenue,
Lansing, MI 48933;
by fax: 517.372.1303;
by e-mail: tscott2@retailers.com.
