B-10 TRADING PARTNER LABELS IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINE

Transcription

1 B-10 TRADING PARTNER LABELS IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINE

2 AIAG PUBLICATIONS An AIAG publication reflects a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An AIAG publication is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer and the general public. The existence of an AIAG publication does not in any respect preclude anyone from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the publication. CAUTIONARY NOTICE AIAG publications are subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE Recognizing that this AIAG publication may not cover all circumstances, AIAG has established a maintenance procedure. Please refer to the Maintenance Request Form at the back of this document to submit a request. APPROVAL STATUS This document was approved for publication by the AIAG Board of Directors on February 8, Published by: Automotive Industry Action Group Lahser Road, Suite 200 Southfield, Michigan Phone: (248) Fax: (248) AIAG Copyright and Trademark Notice: The contents of all published materials are copyrighted by the Automotive Industry Action Group unless otherwise indicated. Copyright is not claimed as to any part of an original work prepared by a U.S. or state government officer or employee as part of the person s official duties. All rights are preserved by AIAG, and content may not be altered or disseminated, published, or transferred in part of such content. The information is not to be sold in part or whole to anyone within your organization or to another company. Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law subject to criminal and civil penalties. AIAG and the Automotive Industry Action Group are registered service marks of the Automotive Industry Action Group Automotive Industry Action Group B-10 2 Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

3 FOREWORD The Application Workgroup of the Automatic Identification Project Team has just revised the B-10 Trading Partner Labels. This revision of the B-10 Guideline describes the rules for bar code labels on unit loads and transport packages to convey data between trading partners. Both label and tag marking methods are covered in the B-10 under the general term label. The B-10 outlines the requirements for printing labels for unit loads and transport packages to ensure scannability of bar code symbols and to provide consistency of label formats. The physical parameters for Code 39 bar codes and physical attributes of the labels are also provided. Far too often the purpose of a shipping label seems to get lost in the process. The purpose of a shipping label is to facilitate the movement of goods and the exchange of data among all members within a channel of distribution (suppliers, carriers, customers, and others). The amount of data (bar code as well as human readable text) needed on a label is a function of the needs of the trading partners involved. However, when a bar code shipping label is used in conjunction with computerized databases and electronic data interchange (EDI), the amount of data needed on a label may be reduced significantly. The revised B-10 Trading Partner Labels should be much easier to use and understand. With the inclusion of the single-page commonized specification form it will be easier for customers to convey their requirements and for users to maintain the necessary documentation. The revised B-10 describes requirements for developing the Small Container Label (SCL) to ensure scan performance of the bar code symbols while providing consistency of label formats. Again, remember the B-10 is not a "label" but rather the methodology to design, specify, and communicate shipping label requirements. B-10 3 Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following companies and individuals were actively involved in the development of this guideline: Name Company Tina Barkan Symbol Technologies, Inc. Joe Burgess Caterpillar, Inc. Joe Ciolek UPS Professional Services Brigitte Dublin PSC, Inc. R. Eric Freeburg* Intermec Technologies Corporation Larry Graham* General Motors Corporation Marsha A. Harmon QED Systems Karen Herron Computype Mark Holsbeke Boss Systems Doug Horst Electronic Data Systems Angela Parker* Future Three, Inc. Leo Roach LTV Steel John Sakulich General Motors Corporation Marilyn S. Sherry AIAG Brian St. Pierre CiMatrix LLC Richard Tervo DaimlerChrysler AG Earle Timothy United Parcel Service Tatsuya Yamamoto Denso International America, Inc. * Co-Chair of the Work Group B-10 4 Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS AIAG PUBLICATIONS...2 FOREWORD...3 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES INTRODUCTION NORMATIVE REFERENCES (SEE APPENDIX G) DEFINITIONS LABEL CONCEPT LABEL FORMAT BUILDING BLOCKS BUILDING BLOCK SIZE SUB-BLOCKS TEXT BUILDING BLOCK FORMAT TEXT DIMENSIONS BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCK FORMAT LABEL CHARACTERISTICS LABEL DATA CONTENT UNIQUE CONTAINER IDENTIFIER (LICENSE PLATE) SINGLE PACK LABEL A SINGLE CONTAINER OF THE SAME PART NUMBER MASTER LOAD LABEL MULTIPLE SINGLE PACKS OF THE SAME PART NUMBER MIXED LOAD LABEL QUICK RECEIVE LABEL SHIP-FROM AND SHIP-TO QUALITY QUALITY ASSURANCE BAR CODE PRINT QUALITY SAMPLING OBSOLETE LABELS LABEL DURABILITY RECYCLABILITY LABEL PLACEMENT AND ORIENTATION SEGMENT PLACEMENT LABEL PLACEMENT LABEL ORIENTATION...51 B-10 5 Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

6 9.0 SPECIAL APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS ADDITIONAL MACHINE-READABLE SYMBOLS OTHER MACHINE-READABLE TECHNOLOGIES LABEL EXAMPLES...58 APPENDIX A. BAR CODE BLOCKS: ANSI MH DATA IDENTIFIERS, DATA LENGTHS, AND SHORT TITLES...63 APPENDIX B. PRECISION AND ROUNDING IN MEASUREMENT...70 APPENDIX C. COUNTRY CODES...72 APPENDIX D. RECOMMENDED ORDER OF DATA...73 APPENDIX E. RECOMMENDED FORMAT FOR COMPLIANCE SPECIFICATIONS...74 APPENDIX F. RECOMMENDED FORMAT FOR SMALL LABELING AREA (SLA)...81 APPENDIX G. OBTAINING NORMATIVE REFERENCES...84 INDEX...85 ABOUT AIAG...88 MAINTENANCE REQUEST FORM...89 B-10 6 Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

7 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1. Label Segments and Typical Data...16 Figure 2. Building Block Types and Size (not to scale)...18 Figure 3. Text Block (not to scale)...20 Figure 4. Illustration of Lines Per Block (LPB)...21 Figure 5. Bar Code Building Block (not to scale)...25 Figure 6. Quiet Zone Dimension (not to scale)...29 Figure 7. Example of Side-by-Side Bar Codes (not to scale)...30 Figure 8. Double Building Block License Plate (not to scale)...37 Figure 9. Ship-From and Ship-To Building Blocks (not to scale)...41 Figure 10. Label Segments...48 Figure 11. Label Orientation...51 Figure 12a. Suggested Label Placement...52 Figure 12b. Suggested Label Placement...54 Figure 13. A Carrier Segment for a Single Pack That Is a Ship-To/Ship-From and a Unique Container Identifier...58 Figure 14. A Customer Segment That Looks Like the Old B Figure 15. A Customer Segment That Looks Like the Old B Figure 16. A Supplier Segment with the Supplier s Part Number...59 Figure 17. A Customer Segment for a Master Load...60 Figure 18. A Customer Segment for a Mixed Load...60 Figure 19. A Supplier Segment for a Master Load...61 Figure 20. A Supplier Segment for a Mixed Load...61 Figure 21. A Shipment Label Example (remove PDF-417)...62 Figure 22. An Example of a Blank Customer Compliance Specification Sheet...75 Figure 23. An Example of a Description Balloon for a Text Sub-block...77 Figure 24. An Example of a Description Balloon for a Bar Code Sub-block...78 Figure 25. An Example of a Completed Customer Compliance Specification Sheet...80 Figure 26. An Example of a Label Printed According to the SLA Label Rules (not to scale)...83 Table 1. Suggested LPB Character Parameters...24 Table 2. Suggested Label Widths for Selected X Dimensions...33 Table 3. ANSI Data Identifiers...63 Table 4. Rounding and Acceptable Measurements...71 Table 5. ISO Country Codes...72 B-10 7 Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

8 1.0 INTRODUCTION This guideline describes the requirements for the format of bar code labels on unit loads and transport packages for conveying data between trading partners. Both label and tag marking methods are covered in this guideline under the general term label. This document outlines the requirements for printing labels for unit loads and transport packages to ensure the scannability of bar code symbols and provide consistency of label formats. For the automotive industry, this guideline also recommends a common shipping/transportation label template based on the ANSI MH cross-industry standard and as an alternate format for existing AIAG standards. The physical parameters of the symbols and labels are provided and a bar code symbol quality level is specified. The orientation and placement of AIAG B-10: Trading Partner Labels (B-10-TPL) on unit loads and transport containers are specified. This guideline does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking or labeling requirements. The guideline is to be applied in addition to any other mandated labeling requirements. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SUPPLIER TO PROVIDE BAR-CODED LABELS THAT MEET THESE SPECIFICATIONS. STRICT ADHERENCE TO THESE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SHIPPING PARTS IDENTIFICATION LABELS WILL REDUCE IMPLEMENTATION COSTS AND INCREASE BENEFITS THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY. In this document, the word shall indicates a requirement and the word should indicates a recommendation. Precision and rounding shall be in accordance with Appendix B, except where noted. Label dimensions should be in accordance with the dimensions shown between arrows. All exhibits are for illustrative purposes only and may not be to scale or bar code print quality standards. Precision and rounding shall be in accordance with Appendix B, except where noted. B-10 8 Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

9 2.0 NORMATIVE REFERENCES (SEE APPENDIX G) The following national, international, and industry standards and guidelines are referenced in this document. Information on obtaining these references is in Appendix G. AIAG B-1: Bar Code Symbology Standard AIAG B-14: Guideline for Use of Two-Dimensional Symbols with AIAG Trading Partner Labels. ANSI/AIM BC1: Uniform Symbology Specification - Code 39 ANSI X (R1995): Guideline for Bar Code Print Quality ANSI MH : Data Application Identifier Standard ANSI MH : Materials Handling - Unit Loads and Transport Packages - Bar Code Symbols ANSI X12 Series: A Collection of All ANSI-approved X12 Standards (Note: Unit of Measure codes are found in the Data Element section.) ISO : Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries and Their Subdivisions AIM Symbology Identifier Guidelines DUNS Number Users Guide MIL-L-61002: Labels, Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive, for Bar Codes and Other Markings B-10 9 Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

10 3.0 DEFINITIONS There are many terms and definitions associated with bar code symbology that have special meaning to this industry. The following are definitions of terms specific to this document. Definitions of other related terms used in this document can be found in the documents referenced in Section 2.0 Normative References. TERM DEFINITION 2D AIM Alphanumeric ANSI autodiscrimination bar code symbol carrier character Code 39 container container ID See Two-Dimensional Symbol. The Automatic Identification Manufacturers Association. A character set that contains alphabetic characters (letters), numeric digits (numbers), and usually other characters such as punctuation marks. The American National Standards Institute. The ability of a bar code reader to distinguish automatically between two or more symbologies (e.g., Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39). An array of rectangular bars and spaces that are arranged in a predetermined pattern following specific rules to represent elements of data that are referred to as characters. A bar code symbol typically contains a leading quiet zone, start character, data character(s), stop character, and a trailing quiet zone. The party that provides freight services (freight movement and information). In a bar code symbol, the smallest group of elements that represents one or more numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other information. For the purposes of this guideline, Code 39 (also known as Code 3 of 9) shall mean the symbology as specified by ANSI AIM BC1. A receptacle or a flexible covering for shipping goods such as a box, bag, package or pallet. (See also Transport Package and also Unit Load.) An alphanumeric field used by the shipping company to identify the shipment. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

11 TERM DEFINITION customer customer part number Data Identifier (DI) dots per inch (dpi) DUNS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Error correction highlighting line ID item label labeler like parts pack Lines Per Block (LPB) manufacturer Master Load Label In a transaction, the party that receives, buys, or consumes an item or service. The part number as defined by the customer. A specified character string that defines the specific data that immediately follows, as defined by ANSI MH The number of points represented on any access within a space of one inch. Data Universal Number System, assigned by Dun & Bradstreet. For the purposes of this document, EDI shall mean the computer communication of data between trading partners. Mathematical techniques used by decoders to reconstruct missing or damaged symbol characters. A horizontal divider line(s) placed above and/or below building block or blocks. Highlighting lines are easily distinguishable from the horizontal separator lines used to separate other building blocks. This visual difference may be the result of using a thicker line chosen by the labeler. Abbreviation for Identification. A single part or material purchased, manufactured, and/or distributed. See Section 4.0 Label Concept. A term to identify the organization responsible for the labeling of a Unit Load/Transport Package (UL/TP). A pack that contains all like items (i.e., same part/item number). Units of measure defining the height of text characters. Actual producer or fabricator of an item; not necessarily the supplier in a transaction. A label used to identify and summarize the contents of a master pack. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

12 TERM DEFINITION master pack Mixed Load Label mixed item pack multiple pack nonstandard quantity pack pack, package, or load package identifier quantity ship from ship to shipping pack shipping/parts identification label single pack standard quantity pack subpack supplier/vendor supplier/vendor ID A unit load containing common (like parts) items. A label used to identify and summarize the contents of a mixed item pack. A pack containing items with different part/item numbers. A unit load containing smaller packages (subpacks) of items. A pack that contains variable quantities of like items. A unit (container) which provides protection and containment of items plus ease of handling by manual or mechanical means, for example, bags, cartons, pallets, bins, and racks. A string of numeric or alphanumeric characters, assigned by the supplier, that is not repeated within 366 days to a given customer. The number of parts, items or other units of measure in the container. On a transport label, the address of the location where the carrier will return the shipment if the container is undeliverable. The address of the location where a carrier will deliver the freight. A pack used for shipping items from one facility to another. A label or tag used to identify the contents of a shipping container. A container intended for the transportation and handling of one or more parts, articles, smaller containers, or bulk material. A pack that contains the same quantity of like items. One of the smaller packs that makes up a larger pack. In a transaction, the party that produces, provides, or furnishes a product or service. The numeric or alphanumeric code used to identify the supplier/vendor. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

13 TERM DEFINITION symbology tag trading partners transport package two-dimensional symbol UL/TP unique container identifier unit load vendor X dimension A standard means of representing data in bar code form. Each symbology specification sets out its particular rules of composition or symbol architecture. (ISO definition) A label (card) that is attached to a shipping container. All members within the channels of distribution within an industry (suppliers, carriers, customers, and intermediaries). A container intended for the transportation and handling of one or more parts, articles, smaller containers, or bulk material. A machine-readable symbol that must be examined both vertically and horizontally to read the entire message. A 2D symbol may be one of two types of machine-readable symbols: a Matrix Symbol or a Stacked Symbol. Two-dimensional symbols differ from linear bar codes in that they have the capability for high data content, small size, data efficiency, and error correction. Unit Load or Transport Package (container). A supplier identificationand a container identification number that together uniquely identify the container to trading partners. (Sometimes referred to as a license plate) One or more transport packages or other items held together by means such as strapping, interlocking, glue, shrink wrap, or net wrap, making them suitable for transport, stacking, and storage as a unit. See supplier/vendor. The intended width of the narrow elements required by the application, or symbology specification, or both. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

14 4.0 LABEL CONCEPT This section defines a standardized format for container labels. It is intended to serve as the preferred format for those developing or revising unit load and transport container bar code label standards in order to provide a universally accepted format across all industries. LABEL CONCEPT 1. Purpose of a Bar Code Label The purpose of a bar code label is to facilitate the movement of goods and the exchange of data among all members within a channel of distribution (suppliers, carriers, customers, and others). The amount of data (bar code as well as human readable text) needed on a label is a function of the needs of the trading partners involved. When a bar code label is used in conjunction with computerized databases and electronic data interchange (EDI), the amount of data needed on a label may be reduced significantly. 2. Symbologies Code 39, with ANSI MH Data Identifiers (DIs), has been selected to implement the label format. Use of two-dimensional (2D) symbols is discussed in AIAG B-14: Guideline for Use of Two-Dimensional Symbols with AIAG Trading Partner Labels. 3. Labeler For the purposes of this document, the term labeler shall refer to the organization responsible for having the label, or a section of the label, printed and applied. 4. Label The general term label means the printed area on, or attached to, the container that includes the text or bar code information or both (for example, pressure-sensitive tags), as covered in this guideline. Separate segments of the label may be applied at different stages to form the complete label. 5. Segments Segments are logical groupings of information based on the data needs of the trading partners within the distribution channel. These segments are defined as: CARRIER CUSTOMER SUPPLIER B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

15 LABEL CONCEPT 6. Information Exchange Considerations Trading partners and members within a channel of distribution (suppliers, carriers, customers, and others) may have different information needs. Some required information may be common among two or more trading partners, while other information may be specific to a single trading partner. Because information is generally known at different times, the label concept provides for logical groupings of information based on this timing. These logical groupings of information are called segments. Examples of information that may be included on unit loads or transport container labels are shown in Figure Label Data Content In the B-10 TPL, control of the data that appear in each segment and the layout of that data is the responsibility of the owner of that segment (i.e., Supplier Segment by the supplier, Customer Segment by the customer, Carrier Segment by the carrier) unless otherwise identified in this guideline. This label concept provides flexibility by not mandating specific data to be included in any segment except as noted in Section 6. A recommended order of data is provided in Appendix D. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

16 Figure 1. Label Segments and Typical Data Bar Code Customer carrier Unique Container Identifier Segment Serial number Supplier/vendor B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

17 5.0 LABEL FORMAT This guideline defines rules for formatting the information, both text and bar code, that appears on a shipping label. This section includes the formatting rules for: building blocks and sub-blocks. text in building blocks. bar code in building blocks. general label characteristics 5.1 Building Blocks BUILDING BLOCK RULE 1. The building block is the basic unit of the label format. A modular structure is used to simplify label formatting. An individual building block or sub-block may contain: text or graphics (known as a text block), a single bar code field with human readable interpretation (known as a bar code block), or may be blank. 2. Building blocks should be stacked vertically. Each building block may be produced separately or in combination with other building blocks. This provides the option of printing data as it becomes known. See Figure Building blocks should be separated from each other by a horizontal line. See Figure 2 - Horizontal Separator Line. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

18 Figure 2. Building Block Types and Size (not to scale) Bar Code width B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

19 5.2 Building Block Size BUILDING BLOCK SIZE RULE 1. Building block height shall be 1.0 inch +/- 0.2 inch (25 mm +/- 5 ) as determined by the printing capability of the labeler. 2. The width of a building block is the width of the label. 3. A maximum of one double-height bar code block may be used per segment. 4. Double-height bar code block s shall be 2 inches +/- 0.4 inch (51 mm +/- 10 mm). 5. Two half-height text building blocks may be used per segment. See Figure 2. See Figure 2. The double-height block can be used to satisfy special scanning requirements (for example, automated conveyor scanning or long range scanning). See Figure 2. The half-height building block may only contain text or graphics, not bar code symbols. 5.3 Sub-blocks SUB-BLOCKS RULE 1. A sub-block shall be the full height of the building block. 2. Vertical lines should be used between subblocks and shall be used to separate two adjacent text sub-blocks. A sub-block is a division of a building block that is full height but less than the full width. See Figure 2. See Figure Building blocks shall not be divided into more than four sub-blocks. 4. The minimum width of a sub-block shall be determined by the amount of data that will be printed in that sub-block. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

20 5.4 Text Building Block Format Figure 3. Text Block (not to scale) TEXT BUILDING BLOCK RULE Text Block Contents 1. A text building block or sub-block shall not contain a bar code symbol. A text building block or sub-block may contain text or graphics or both. See Figure 3. Text Height Lines Per Block 2. The height of text characters shall be specified using a unit of measure called Lines Per Block (LPB), rather than inches, millimeters, or points. 3. The exact character heights corresponding to the eight text sizes shall be chosen by the labeler based on the capabilities of the printing process. This enables the printer of the label to determine the actual height and font of text for a given LPB, within the guidelines provided. Eight sizes may be specified for text, ranging from one to eight Lines Per Block (LPB). See Figure 4. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

21 Figure 4. Illustration of Lines Per Block (LPB) 1 LPB AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS 2 LPB 3 LPB 4 LPB B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

22 Figure 4. Illustration of Lines Per Block (LPB) (continued) AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS AIAG PQVS 5 LPB 6 LPB 7 LPB 8 LPB B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

23 5.5 Text Dimensions TEXT BUILDING BLOCK RULE 1. Labelers shall choose a single text height for each of the eight sizes so that clear distinctions shall be evident between text sizes. For example, 8 LPB text shall be smaller than 7 LPB text, etc. Figure 4 illustrates 1 through 8 LPB printing. 2. The characters shall be clearly legible, regardless of height. 3. For maximum legibility, the ratio of the height to width of a character should not exceed 2:1. The ratio of the height to width is measured on an M character. A sans serif font such as Arial, Helv, or Helvetica is recommended. Text Data Limits 1. The maximum number of text characters per line in a full width block that can be required of a labeler, regardless of the width of the label supplied, shall be limited to those shown in the column Maximum Characters Per Line in Table 1. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

24 Table 1. Suggested LPB Character Parameters LINES PER BLOCK MAXIMUM CHARACTERS PER LINE APPROXIMATE POINT HEIGHT APPROXIMATE HEIGHT IN INCHES APPROXIMATE HEIGHT IN MILLIMETERS 1 LPB LPB LPB LPB LPB LPB LPB LPB NOTE: Calculation of Maximum Characters Per Line is based on a block/label width of 6 inches. Calculation of approximate heights is based on a block height of 1 inch. Actual text dimensions will depend on the data, the font used, and the capability of the label provider s printer and software. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

25 TEXT BUILDING BLOCK RULE Titles For Text Building Blocks and Subblocks 1. A title may be used in a text building block. Unlike bar code building blocks, a title is not required in a text building block. 2. When a title is used in a text building block it shall be printed in the upper left corner of the building block or sub-block. 3. The title in a text building block shall be printed in upper case characters at a height of 6, 7, or 8 LPB, two lines maximum, left justified. Use of a title in a text building block is illustrated in Figure 5. Sans serif fonts (such as Arial or Helvetica) are preferred, but not required. If possible, a font which clearly differentiates the letter O from the number 0 (as with a dot or line in the number 0) should be used. See Figure 5. Figure 5. Bar Code Building Block (not to scale) Code 39 B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

26 5.6 Bar Code Building Block Format BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCKS RULE Bar Code Building Block Contents 1. Code 39, with Data Identifiers (DIs), shall be the linear symbology used in a bar code building block. Code 39 is described in ANSI/AIM BC1 Uniform Symbology Specification-Code 39. DI s are listed in ANSI MH Data Application Identifier Standard. Use of two-dimensional (2D) symbols on a shipping label is discussed in AIAG B-14, Guideline for Use of Two-Dimensional Symbols with AIAG Trading Partner Labels. 2. A building block should not contain more than one bar code symbol. 3. A sub-block of a building block shall not contain more than one bar code symbol. A bar code symbol may be specified for either a building block or a sub-block. Guidelines for implementing two sub-blocks with linear bar code symbols are found later in this section under Side-by-SideBar Code Block. 4. The single bar code sub-block shall be the leftmost sub-block within a building block. 5. Data Identifiers: All Code 39 bar code symbols shall contain a Data Identifier (DI). DIs are not considered part of the data they precede. 6. The Data Identifiershall conform to the ANSI MH Data Application Identifier Standard. See Section 2.0, Normative References. Bar Code Data Limit 1. The total number of characters (excluding start/stop) per linear bar code in a building block or sub-block shall not exceed 19. The count of the total number of characters includes both data and DIcharacters. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

27 BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCKS RULE Bar Code Block Title Line(s) 1. A title shall be printed in the upper left corner of the bar code building block or sub-block. 2. The title shall be printed in upper case characters at a height of 6,7, or 8 LPB, two lines maximum, left justified. 3. The bar code block's title should comply with the suggested Short Titles shown in Appendix A. See Figure 5. (Note exception discussed later in this section under Side-by-Side Bar Code Block). See Figure 5. The Data Identifier (DI) is to be shown in parentheses near the title. Bar Code Symbol Placement 1. The bar code symbol shall be placed in the lower portion of the bar code building block. See Figure 5. (Note exception discussed later in this section under Side-by-Side Bar Code Block). 2. The bar code symbol shall be left justified, allowing for the quiet zone as specified later in this section under Quiet Zones. See Figure 5. (Note exception discussed later in this section under Side-by-Side Bar Code Block). 3. Sub-block Placement: When used, a bar code sub-block shall be the leftmost sub-block within a building block. Bar Code Symbol Height 1. The minimum height of the Code 39 bar code symbol shall be 0.5 inch (13 mm). See Figure 5. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

28 BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCKS RULE Symbology 1. Code 39 bar code symbology, shall be as defined by ANSI AIM BC1. 2. Code 39 full ASCII option shall not be used. 3. Code 39 shall be printed black bars on a white background. 4. Non-significant zeros and non-significant space characters shall not be encoded in a bar code. 5. The Code 39 symbology check character option shall not be used. 6. The four (4) characters %, /, $, + of the Code 39 symbology shall not be used. Because of unique symbology characteristics, omitting these four (4) characters increases the reliability of the symbol. Narrow Element X Dimension 1. The wide and narrow bars and spaces are termed elements. The range of the width of the narrow element (X dimension) shall be from inch (0.25 mm) to inch (0.43 mm) as determined by the printing capability of the supplier/printer of the label. 2. The narrow element X dimension should be consistent for all linear bar code symbols contained on the label. NOTE: The recommended range of the X dimension is from inch (33 mm) to inch (0.43 mm). Symbols with narrow elements below inch (0.33 mm) may require special care to meet bar code print quality and scanning requirements. Certain scanning applications require consistent X dimensions from one symbol to the next. Printing individual bar codes with different X dimensions on the same label may cause scanning problems. 3. The ratio of the width of the wide bars and spaces to the width of the narrow bars and spaces should be 3:1. The measured ratio of the wide elements to the narrow elements shall be between 2.8:1 and 3.2:1. The printing hardware and software should be set for a wide-to-narrow ratio of 3:1. Depending on the printing conditions (ink, substrate, hardware, etc.) the bars and spaces in the resulting printed symbol(s) should be measured at between 2.8:1 and 3.2:1. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

29 BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCKS RULE Quiet Zones 1. The bar code symbol shall have leading and trailing quiet zones with minimum widths of 0.25 inch (6 mm) each. In order to function properly, bar code-reading equipment must have totally clear areas at both ends of the symbol with no printing or graphics. These clear areas are called quiet zones. See Figure 6. Figure 6. Quiet Zone Dimension (not to scale) BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCK RULE Human Readable Interpretation for Code The data encoded in the bar code symbol shall be represented in human readable characters above the bar code symbol. 2. Data Identifiers (DIs) and symbology start and stop charactersshall not be printed in the human readable interpretation. 3. The Data Identifier (DI) is to be shown in parentheses near the title. See Figures 5 and 6 for examples of Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). ANSI MH Data Identifiers and ANSI AIM BC1 symbology start and stop characters are not considered part of the data. See Figures 5, 6, and 7. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

30 BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCK RULE 4. The human readable interpretation shall be upper case characters. 5. The human readable interpretation shall be printed left justified, approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inch (25 to 38 mm) from the left edge of the building block or sub-block. Sans serif fonts (such as Arial, Helv, or Helvetica) are preferred. A font that clearly differentiates the letter O from the number 0 (as with a dot or line in the number 0) should be used. The HRI is indented to leave room for the title. See Figure The human readable interpretation of the data encoded in the bar code symbol shall be printed at either 2 or 3 LPB. The chosen LPB of the HRI should not interfere with the height of the bar code. Side-by-Side Bar Code Block Figure 7. Example of Side-by-Side Bar Codes (not to scale) B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

31 SIDE-BY-SIDE BAR CODE RULE If a second bar code sub-block is required within a single building block, the following rules shall apply (see Figure 7): 1. There shall not be more than two bar code subblocks in any single building block. Previous AIAG label standards have permitted two bar code symbols side by side. The ANSI MH10.8 standard cautions that care should be taken, but it provides no explicit guidance for printing side-byside bar codes. This guideline for using side-byside bar codes provides that guidance. 2. The first bar code sub-block shall be the left-most sub-block within the building block. The second bar code sub-block shall be the right-most sub-block within the building block. 3. The vertical line separating the sub-blocks may be omitted between two bar code sub-blocks, but caution shall be exercised to prevent text from intruding on the 0.25 inch quiet zones of each symbol. 4. Bar Code Data Limit: The total number of characters, including Data Identifiers, in the two bar codes combined shall not exceed 16 characters. For example, if the first bar code data field contains 7 characters (including the Data Identifierthen the second bar code data field may contain a maximum of 9 characters (including the Data Identifier). 5. The first (left-most) bar code sub-block shall conform to all specifications for Bar Code Building Blocks as stated earlier in this section under the subtitle Bar Code Building Block Contents B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

32 SIDE-BY-SIDE BAR CODE RULE 6. The second (right-most) bar code sub-block shall conform to specifications for Bar Code Building Blocks as stated in Section 4.0 of this document, plus the following: a. Block Title Line(s): A title shall be printed in conformance with the Bar Code Building Block rules of Section 5.1, except that the title shall be printed in the lower left corner of the sub-block. b. Bar Code Symbol Placement: The bar code symbol shall be printed in the upper portion of the sub-block. Quiet Zonesbar code height, and other bar code specifications from Section 4.0 must still be maintained. c. Human Readable Interpretation for Code 39: The human readable interpretation of the data encoded in the bar code symbol shall be printed below the bar code symbol. 5.7 Label Characteristics LABEL CHARACTERISTICS RULE Label Color 1. Labels shall be white, with black print. Label Height 1. The full label height will be determined by the number of building blocks included on the label. The intended height of a building block is 1 inch, so the height of the label will be 1 x number of building blocks. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

33 LABEL CHARACTERISTICS RULE Label Width 1. The width of the label shall be determined by the labeler. If the label requestor stays within the text and bar code data limits of this guideline, the labeler can choose label stock based on the labeler s choice of X dimension and font sizes. Table 2 provides guidance. For example, if the labeler intends to print all labels at an X dimension of inch, label stock of 6 inches width should work for any B-10-compliant labeling specification. Table 2. Suggested Label Widths for Selected X Dimensions X DIMENSION SUGGESTED LABEL WIDTH inch (0.25 mm) 4 inches (102 mm) inch (0.33 mm) 5 inches (127 mm) inch (0.38 mm) 6 inches (152 mm) inch (0.43 mm) 6.5 inches (165 mm) Note: Table 2 shows, for given X dimensions, the Suggested label widths to accommodate the maximum number of 19 data characters. The calculations were based on the following: 19 characters of data identifier plus data (maximum allowable) plus the two characters of a start character and a stop character, plus two 0.25-inch quiet zones, using a ratio of wide to narrow elements of 3:1. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

34 6.0 LABEL DATA CONTENT Trading Partner Labels This guideline defines label format, not label conent. However, certain information is widely needed for specific application uses of labels. This section describes the recommended data for: unique identification for container content labels identifying individual containers for shipment identifying master pack containers for shipment identifying mixed load containers for shipment identifying entire shipments in conjunction with EDI ship-to and ship-from text format LABEL DATA CONTENT RULE This label concept does not mandate specific data to be included in any segment. Although no specific data is mandated, a Unique Container Identifier is highly recommended for traceability throughout the supply chain. 6.1 Unique Container Identifier (License Plate) UNIQUE CONTAINER IDENTIFIER RULE 1. Containers should be uniquely identified each time they are shipped, using a Unique Container Identifier, commonly referred to as a license plate. 2. The Unique Container Identifier shall not be repeated to a given customer within a minimum period of 366 days. Unique identification is needed for traceability throughout the channel of distribution. It is strongly suggested that the label use a unique container identifier so that the container can be tracked by all trading partners in all phases of shipping, transport, and receiving. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

35 UNIQUE CONTAINER IDENTIFIER RULE 3. The Unique Container Identifier, if used, shall be contained in either one or two linear bar code symbols as described in the following sections. A Unique Container Identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a container for traceability for a single shipment within the channel of distribution. Such identification consists of three elements: A package identifier for the container, assigned by the supplier. A controlled number for vendor identification, A means to identify the controlling authority that assigned the vendor identification number (this is identified by the DI Unique Container Identifier Using One Building Block 1. When a single building block is used for the Unique Container Identifier, it shall comply with the rules for a Unique Transport Unit Identifier as defined in ISO/IEC using the Data Identifier 1J for individual packages and 2J for master and mixed loads. 2. Highlighting lines should be used above and below the single building block. A container may be uniquely identified by using a single building block containing only text or a single linear bar code. The Unique Transport Unit Identifier, as defined in ISO/IEC When using a single linear barcode, uses the appropriate Data Identifier (1J or 2J); 2. is unique and shall not be repeated to a given customer within a minimum period of 366 days; 3. the data starts with an Issuing Agency Code (IAC) assigned to the issuing agency by the Registration Authority identified by ISO; 4. conforms to a format specified by the issuing agency; 5. contains only upper case alphabetic and numeric characters. The purpose of highlighting lines is to assist users in visually locating the Unique Container Identifier 3. Highlighting lines shall not be used elsewhere on the label. 4. Highlighting lines shall be easily distinguishable from the other horizontal separator lines. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

36 LABEL DATA CONTENT RULE Unique Container Identifier Using Two Building Blocks 1. When two building blocks are used for the Unique Container Identifier, the building blocks shall be contiguous, with the supplier identificationbuilding block above the container/package identification block. 2. The combination of the two building blocks shall be unique and shall not be repeated to a given customer within a minimum period of 366 days. A container may be uniquely identified by using two building blocks containing an identification of the supplier and an identification of the container number of the container, as assigned by the supplier. See Figure When a bar code symbol is used, the appropriate Data Identifier (DI) from the ANSI MH Data Identifier Standard shall be used. 4. Highlighting lines should be used above the supplier identification block and below the container/package identification number building block. A brief list of some data identifiers from the ANSI MH Data Identifier Standard can be found in Appendix A of this document. Possible DIs for this situation might include V or 13V for the supplier identification, and 3S, 4S, or 5S, for the container/package identification. The purpose of highlighting lines is to assist users in visually locating the Unique Container Identifier. See Figures 2 and Highlighting lines shall not be used elsewhere on the label. 6. Highlighting lines should be easily distinguishable from the horizontal separator lines. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

37 Figure 8. Double Building Block License Plate (not to scale) Highlighting Line 6.2 Single Pack Label A Single Container of the Same Part Number SINGLE PACK LABEL RULE 1. A Single Pack Label should be used to identify the contents of an individual container of a single part number for a shipment. 2. A Unique Container Identifier should be assigned to each single pack. See Figure 14. A unique container unit identifier or license plate is the key that provides access to information stored in computer files and that may be transmitted by EDI. The identifier may be used by all of the trading partners to retrieve information about the transport unit itself or about the status of the physical movement of the transport unit along the supply chain. It enables systems to track and trace individual transport units. Refer to Section 6.1. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

38 SINGLE PACK LABEL RULE 3. When used, the Unique Container Identifier shall not be repeated to a given same customer within a minimum period of 366 days. Refer to Section6.1: Unique Container Identification Rule and Label Data Content Rule. 4. When multiple labels are used on a container, all labels shall be identical, including the package identifier. 5. The Data Identifier for package identification for a single container shall be either: 1J when a single building block is used, or 3S when two building blocks are used. 6.3 Master Load Label Multiple Single Packs of the Same Part Number MASTER LOAD LABEL RULE 1. A Master Load Label should be used to identify the total contents of a multiple single pack load of the same part number. 2. Master Labels are similar to single pack labels with the following exceptions: Master Load Labels are used to identify multicontainer packaging (such as a pallet) with all containers holding the same part number. For an example, see Figure 17. The Master Load Label should be easily identified with human readable text. A text sub-block containing the words MASTER LABEL in upper case shall be printed in either the Customer Segment or the Supplier Segment of the label at a minimum height of 3 LPB. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

39 MASTER LOAD LABEL RULE 3. The Data Identifierfor a package identification in a bar code on the Master Load Label shall be either; 2J when a single building block is used, or 4S when two building blocks are used. The quantity on the Master Load Label shall be the accumulated total of all single pack quantities on the load. All other data in the customer segment of the Master Load Label shall be specified by the customer. 4. When used, the Master Load Label should be placed in such a manner that when the pack is broken apart, the Master Load Label can be discarded. Note that the 4S would also appear in parentheses in the title, as: PKG ID MASTER (4S) If material is partially disbursed from a master load, the quantity shown on the Master Load Label may no longer be accurate and therefore should be discarded. 5. When used, the Unique Container Identifier shall not be repeated to a given customer in a period of less than 366 days. 6. When multiple labels are used on a container, all labels shall be identical, including the package identifier. 7. Each single pack of the multiple pack should be identified with a Single Pack Label. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

40 6.4 Mixed Load Label MIXED LOAD LABEL RULE 1. A Mixed Load Label shall be used to identify a load of multiple single packs of different part numbers. 2. Mixed Load Labels shall conform to the following specifications: Ship-From and Ship-To addresses should be used when applicable. A text sub-block containing the words MIXED LOAD in upper case shall be printed in either the Customer Segment or the Supplier Segment of the label at a minimum height of 3 LPB. Mixed load labels are used to identify multicontainer packaging (such as a pallet) with containers holding different part numbers. Refer to Figure 18. The mixed load label should be easily identified with human readable text. 3. The Data Identifier for a package identification in bar code on the Mixed Load Label shall be either: 2J when a single building block is used, or 5S when two building blocks are used. All other data in the customer segment of the Mixed Load Label shall be specified by the customer. 4. When multiple labels are used on a container, all labels shall be identical, including the package identifier. 5. When used, the Unique Container Identifier shall not be repeated to a given customer within a minimum period of 366 days. 6. Each single pack of the mixed load pack should be identified with a Single Pack Label. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

41 6.5 Quick Receive Label QUICK RECEIVE LABEL RULE 1. When trading partners use an EDI Advanced Shipment Notification, a Quick Receive Label may be used to tie the shipment to the EDI transaction in the database. AIAG B-12 describes a method for creating and using this label. 6.6 Ship-From and Ship-To Figure 9. Ship-From and Ship-To Building Blocks (not to scale) SHIP-FROM AND SHIP-TO RULE Ship-From and Ship-To Text 1. Ship-From and Ship-To address should be used when applicable. 2. The Ship-From sub-block shall have a title of FROM: and the Ship-To sub block shall have a title of TO. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00

42 SHIP-FROM AND SHIP-TO RULE 3. Ship-From characters shall be noticeably smaller than the Ship-To characters. 4. When the Ship-From and Ship-To addresses are placed side by side, the Ship-From address shall be placed to the left of the Ship-To address. The difference in size makes it easier for carrier personnel to distinguish the destination from the return address. For example, if the Ship-To address is printed at 5 LPB, then the Ship-From address should be printed at 6 or 7 LPB. It is recommended that the Ship-From and Ship-To addresses be placed side-by-side in a single building block, rather than using two building blocks for addressing information. 5. When placed side by side, the Ship-From address should be separated from the Ship-To address by a vertical line. 6. If the Ship-From and Ship-To addresses are placed in separate building blocks, the Ship- From address shall be located above the Ship- From address. To ensure that the package arrives at the correct destination, the Ship-To address should never be located above the Ship-From address. B Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00

43 7.0 QUALITY 7.1 Quality Assurance QUALITY ASSURANCE RULE Quality testing should not be limited to label production inspection but should be followed through to the end use. It is important that the bar code be decodable throughout the system. For this reason, quality needs to be considered from initial printing through to the end user. The AIAG B-8 document provides quality assurance guidance for shipping labels and other bar code applications (linear and 2D). 7.2 Bar Code Print Quality BAR CODE PRINT QUALITY RULE 1. The ANSI X3.182 Guideline shall be used to determine bar code symbol print quality. The ANSI X3.182 Guideline for Bar Code Print Quality, describes the parameters used for the evaluation of a printed bar code symbol. The ANSI test result is a print quality grade, either numeric (4,3,2,1,0) or alphabetic (A, B, C, D, F). The ANSI Guideline specifies the size of the measurement aperture and the illumination wavelength. 2. When bar code print quality tests are performed, an appropriate verifier with a measurement aperture of inch and illumination wavelength of nanometers shall be used. B Issue: 02 Dated: 02/00