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Article Code Policy

To ensure data integrity, traceability and system stability, AWC applies a strict and consistent structure for article codes within our WMS. This policy explains how article codes are created and managed, and what we expect from our customers.

1. Two Article Codes, Two Functions

At AWC we work with:

  1. Customer Article Code

    Your internal article number, used in your own ERP or inventory system.

  2. AWC Article Code

    An internally generated code used in our WMS.

The AWC article code consists of:

  • Three fixed customer initials

  • Followed by your customer article number

Example:
If your internal article code is 14222 and your initials are SPB, the AWC article code becomes:
SPB14222

Reason:
Our WMS requires globally unique article codes across all customers.

You may continue to order and communicate using your own article codes. We maintain the cross reference internally.

2. What an Article Code Is, and Is Not

An article code at AWC is:

  • A unique identifier

  • Stable and permanent once created

  • Independent from EAN, packaging or product description

An article code is not:

  • A carrier of product information

  • A place to include volume, alcohol percentage or pack size

  • A place to indicate POS or category

  • A flexible field that can be changed after activation

All product intelligence must be stored in structured data fields, not embedded in the article code.

This is especially important in the beverage industry, where packaging formats and configurations change regularly.

3. When a New Article Is Required

A new article must be created when there is a structural product change, including but not limited to:

  • Different volume or bottle size

  • Different packaging type, for example bottle versus can

  • Different units per case

  • New or changed EAN

  • Change in alcohol percentage

  • Change in product composition

Existing articles may not be modified to reflect a different physical product once stock has been received.

This ensures correct inventory control, excise compliance and full traceability.

4. Customer Responsibilities

To maintain data quality and operational efficiency, we require that:

  • Article codes remain consistent over time

  • Article numbers are not reused for different products

  • Article codes are not changed after stock has been delivered

  • New articles are submitted with complete and correct master data

Our Article Import Validator checks for structural inconsistencies and will flag deviations from this policy.

5. Why This Matters

In bonded warehousing and beverage logistics, data accuracy is directly linked to:

  • Inventory accuracy

  • Excise compliance

  • Traceability

  • Operational efficiency

Stable and structured article management prevents errors, rework and compliance risks.

If you have questions about article setup, please contact your AWC account manager before submitting new items.