TRADING PARTNER LABELS IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINE€¦ · revised B-10 describes requirements for developing the Small Container Label (SCL) to ensure scan performance of the bar code

B-10

TRADING PARTNER LABELS

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINE

Trading Partner LabelsImplementation Guideline

B-10 2 Issue: 02 Dated: 2/00Replaces: 01 Dated: 05/95

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 generalpublic. The existence of an AIAG publication does not in any respect preclude anyone frommanufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to thepublication.

CAUTIONARY NOTICEAIAG publications are subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURERecognizing that this AIAG publication may not cover all circumstances, AIAG has established amaintenance procedure. Please refer to the Maintenance Request Form at the back of this document tosubmit a request.

APPROVAL STATUSThis document was approved for publication by the AIAG Board of Directors on February 8, 2000.

Published by:Automotive Industry Action Group

26200 Lahser Road, Suite 200Southfield, Michigan 48034

Phone: (248) 358-3570 • Fax: (248) 358-3253

AIAG Copyright and Trademark Notice:

The contents of all published materials are copyrighted by the Automotive Industry Action Group unless otherwise indicated. Copyright is notclaimed 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. Allrights are preserved by AIAG, and content may not be altered or disseminated, published, or transferred in part of such content. The informationis not to be sold in part or whole to anyone within your organization or to another company. Copyright infringement is a violation of federal lawsubject to criminal and civil penalties. AIAG and the Automotive Industry Action Group are registered service marks of the Automotive IndustryAction Group.

© 2000 Automotive Industry Action Group



FOREWORD

The Application Workgroup of the Automatic Identification Project Team has just revised the B-10Trading Partner Labels Implementation Guideline. This revision of the B-10 Guideline describes therules 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-10outlines the requirements for printing labels for unit loads and transport packages to ensure scannabilityof bar code symbols and to provide consistency of label formats. The physical parameters for Code 39bar 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 shippinglabel is to facilitate the movement of goods and the exchange of data among all members within achannel of distribution (suppliers, carriers, customers, and others). The amount of data (bar code as wellas 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 andelectronic data interchange (EDI), the amount of data needed on a label may be reduced significantly.

The revised B-10 Trading Partner Labels Implementation Guideline should be much easier to use andunderstand. With the inclusion of the single-page commonized specification form it will be easier forcustomers to convey their requirements and for users to maintain the necessary documentation. Therevised B-10 describes requirements for developing the Small Container Label (SCL) to ensure scanperformance of the bar code symbols while providing consistency of label formats. Again, remember theB-10 is not a "label" but rather the methodology to design, specify, and communicate shipping labelrequirements.



ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe 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



TABLE OF CONTENTS

AIAG PUBLICATIONS.............................................................................................................................2

FOREWORD...............................................................................................................................................3

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES..........................................................................................................7

1.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................8

2.0 NORMATIVE REFERENCES (SEE APPENDIX G) .......................................................................9

3.0 DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................10

4.0 LABEL CONCEPT.........................................................................................................................14

5.0 LABEL FORMAT...........................................................................................................................17

5.1 BUILDING BLOCKS...................................................................................................................175.2 BUILDING BLOCK SIZE.............................................................................................................195.3 SUB-BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................195.4 TEXT BUILDING BLOCK FORMAT ............................................................................................205.5 TEXT DIMENSIONS...................................................................................................................235.6 BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCK FORMAT....................................................................................265.7 LABEL CHARACTERISTICS .......................................................................................................32

6.0 LABEL DATA CONTENT ............................................................................................................34

6.1 UNIQUE CONTAINER IDENTIFIER (LICENSE PLATE).................................................................346.2 SINGLE PACK LABEL – A SINGLE CONTAINER OF THE SAME PART NUMBER.........................376.3 MASTER LOAD LABEL – MULTIPLE SINGLE PACKS OF THE SAME PART NUMBER .................386.4 MIXED LOAD LABEL................................................................................................................406.5 QUICK RECEIVE LABEL............................................................................................................416.6 SHIP-FROM AND SHIP-TO.........................................................................................................41

7.0 QUALITY ........................................................................................................................................43

7.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE..............................................................................................................437.2 BAR CODE PRINT QUALITY......................................................................................................437.3 SAMPLING ................................................................................................................................447.4 OBSOLETE LABELS...................................................................................................................457.5 LABEL DURABILITY .................................................................................................................467.6 RECYCLABILITY .......................................................................................................................46

8.0 LABEL PLACEMENT AND ORIENTATION ...........................................................................47

8.1 SEGMENT PLACEMENT.............................................................................................................478.2 LABEL PLACEMENT..................................................................................................................498.3 LABEL ORIENTATION ...............................................................................................................51



9.0 SPECIAL APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................56

9.1 ADDITIONAL MACHINE-READABLE SYMBOLS ........................................................................569.2 OTHER MACHINE-READABLE TECHNOLOGIES ........................................................................57

10.0 LABEL EXAMPLES ......................................................................................................................58

APPENDIX A. BAR CODE BLOCKS: ANSI MH10.8.2 DATA IDENTIFIERS, DATALENGTHS, 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



LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLESFigure 1. Label Segments and Typical Data ...........................................................................................16Figure 2. Building Block Types and Size (not to scale) .........................................................................18Figure 3. Text Block (not to scale) .........................................................................................................20Figure 4. Illustration of Lines Per Block (LPB) .....................................................................................21Figure 5. Bar Code Building Block (not to scale) ..................................................................................25Figure 6. Quiet Zone Dimension (not to scale).......................................................................................29Figure 7. Example of Side-by-Side Bar Codes (not to scale) .................................................................30Figure 8. Double Building Block License Plate (not to scale) ...............................................................37Figure 9. Ship-From and Ship-To Building Blocks (not to scale) ..........................................................41Figure 10. Label Segments........................................................................................................................48Figure 11. Label Orientation.....................................................................................................................51Figure 12a. Suggested Label Placement .....................................................................................................52Figure 12b. Suggested Label Placement .....................................................................................................54Figure 13. A Carrier Segment for a Single Pack That Is a Ship-To/Ship-From and a Unique Container

Identifier ..................................................................................................................................58Figure 14. A Customer Segment That Looks Like the Old B-3 ...............................................................58Figure 15. A Customer Segment That Looks Like the Old B-5 ...............................................................59Figure 16. A Supplier Segment with the Supplier’s Part Number............................................................59Figure 17. A Customer Segment for a Master Load .................................................................................60Figure 18. A Customer Segment for a Mixed Load..................................................................................60Figure 19. A Supplier Segment for a Master Load...................................................................................61Figure 20. A Supplier Segment for a Mixed Load....................................................................................61Figure 21. A Shipment Label Example (remove PDF-417)......................................................................62Figure 22. An Example of a Blank Customer Compliance Specification Sheet.......................................75Figure 23. An Example of a Description Balloon for a Text Sub-block ..................................................77Figure 24. An Example of a Description Balloon for a Bar Code Sub-block...........................................78Figure 25. An Example of a Completed Customer Compliance Specification Sheet...............................80Figure 26. An Example of a Label Printed According to the SLA Label Rules (not to scale).................83

Table 1. Suggested LPB Character Parameters .....................................................................................24Table 2. Suggested Label Widths for Selected X Dimensions..............................................................33Table 3. ANSI Data Identifiers ..............................................................................................................63Table 4. Rounding and Acceptable Measurements ...............................................................................71Table 5. ISO Country Codes..................................................................................................................72



1.0 INTRODUCTION

This guideline describes the requirements for the format of bar code labels on unit loads and transportpackages for conveying data between trading partners. Both label and tag marking methods are coveredin this guideline under the general term label. This document outlines the requirements for printinglabels for unit loads and transport packages to ensure the scannability of bar code symbols and provideconsistency of label formats.

For the automotive industry, this guideline also recommends a common shipping/transportation labeltemplate based on the ANSI MH10.8.1 -1993 cross-industry standard and as an alternate format forexisting AIAG standards. The physical parameters of the symbols and labels are provided and a bar codesymbol 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 labelingrequirements. 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 THATMEET THESE SPECIFICATIONS. STRICT ADHERENCE TO THESE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THESHIPPING PARTS IDENTIFICATION LABELS WILL REDUCE IMPLEMENTATION COSTS ANDINCREASE BENEFITS THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY.

In this document, the word “shall” indicates a requirement and the word “should” indicates arecommendation.

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 qualitystandards.

Precision and rounding shall be in accordance with Appendix B, except where noted.



2.0 NORMATIVE REFERENCES (SEE APPENDIX G)

The following national, international, and industry standards and guidelines are referenced in thisdocument. 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 X3.182-1990 (R1995): Guideline for Bar Code Print Quality

ANSI MH10.8.2-1995: Data Application Identifier Standard

ANSI MH10.8.1-1993: 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 arefound in the Data Element section.)

ISO 3166-1: 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



3.0 DEFINITIONS

There are many terms and definitions associated with bar code symbology that have special meaning tothis industry. The following are definitions of terms specific to this document. Definitions of otherrelated terms used in this document can be found in the documents referenced in Section 2.0 NormativeReferences.

TERM DEFINITION

2D See Two-Dimensional Symbol.

AIM The Automatic Identification Manufacturers Association.

Alphanumeric A character set that contains alphabetic characters (letters), numericdigits (numbers), and usually other characters such as punctuationmarks.

ANSI The American National Standards Institute.

autodiscrimination The ability of a bar code reader to distinguish automatically betweentwo or more symbologies (e.g., Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39).

bar code symbol An array of rectangular bars and spaces that are arranged in apredetermined pattern following specific rules to represent elementsof data that are referred to as characters. A bar code symboltypically contains a leading quiet zone, start character, datacharacter(s), stop character, and a trailing quiet zone.

carrier The party that provides freight services (freight movement andinformation).

character In a bar code symbol, the smallest group of elements that representsone or more numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or otherinformation.

Code 39 For the purposes of this guideline, Code 39 (also known as Code 3 of9) shall mean the symbology as specified by ANSI AIM BC1.

container A receptacle or a flexible covering for shipping goods such as a box,bag, package or pallet. (See also Transport Package and also UnitLoad.)

container ID An alphanumeric field used by the shipping company to identify theshipment.



TERM DEFINITION

customer In a transaction, the party that receives, buys, or consumes an item orservice.

customer part number The part number as defined by the customer.

Data Identifier (DI) A specified character string that defines the specific data thatimmediately follows, as defined by ANSI MH10.8.2.

dots per inch (dpi) The number of points represented on any access within a space ofone inch.

DUNS® Data Universal Number System, assigned by Dun & Bradstreet.

Electronic Data Interchange(EDI)

For the purposes of this document, EDI shall mean the computercommunication of data between trading partners.

Error correction Mathematical techniques used by decoders to reconstruct missing ordamaged symbol characters.

highlighting line A horizontal divider line(s) placed above and/or below buildingblock or blocks. Highlighting lines are easily distinguishable fromthe horizontal separator lines used to separate other building blocks.This visual difference may be the result of using a thicker line chosenby the labeler.

ID Abbreviation for Identification.

item A single part or material purchased, manufactured, and/ordistributed.

label See Section 4.0 Label Concept.

labeler A term to identify the organization responsible for the labeling of aUnit Load/Transport Package (UL/TP).

like parts pack A pack that contains all like items (i.e., same part/item number).

Lines Per Block (LPB) Units of measure defining the height of text characters.

manufacturer Actual producer or fabricator of an item; not necessarily the supplierin a transaction.

Master Load Label A label used to identify and summarize the contents of a master pack.



TERM DEFINITION

master pack A unit load containing common (like parts) items.

Mixed Load Label A label used to identify and summarize the contents of a mixed itempack.

mixed item pack A pack containing items with different part/item numbers.

multiple pack A unit load containing smaller packages (subpacks) of items.

nonstandard quantity pack A pack that contains variable quantities of like items.

pack, package, or load A unit (container) which provides protection and containment ofitems plus ease of handling by manual or mechanical means, forexample, bags, cartons, pallets, bins, and racks.

package identifier A string of numeric or alphanumeric characters, assigned by thesupplier, that is not repeated within 366 days to a given customer.

quantity The number of parts, items or other units of measure in the container.

ship from On a transport label, the address of the location where the carrier willreturn the shipment if the container is undeliverable.

ship to The address of the location where a carrier will deliver the freight.

shipping pack A pack used for shipping items from one facility to another.

shipping/parts identificationlabel

A label or tag used to identify the contents of a shipping container.

single pack A container intended for the transportation and handling of one ormore parts, articles, smaller containers, or bulk material.

standard quantity pack A pack that contains the same quantity of like items.

subpack One of the smaller packs that makes up a larger pack.

supplier/vendor In a transaction, the party that produces, provides, or furnishes aproduct or service.

supplier/vendor ID The numeric or alphanumeric code used to identify thesupplier/vendor.



TERM DEFINITION

symbology A standard means of representing data in bar code form. Eachsymbology specification sets out its particular rules of compositionor symbol architecture. (ISO definition)

tag A label (card) that is attached to a shipping container.

trading partners All members within the channels of distribution within an industry(suppliers, carriers, customers, and intermediaries).

transport package A container intended for the transportation and handling of one ormore parts, articles, smaller containers, or bulk material.

two-dimensional symbol A machine-readable symbol that must be examined both verticallyand horizontally to read the entire message. A 2D symbol may beone of two types of machine-readable symbols: a Matrix Symbol or aStacked Symbol. Two-dimensional symbols differ from linear barcodes in that they have the capability for high data content, smallsize, data efficiency, and error correction.

UL/TP Unit Load or Transport Package (container).

unique container identifier A supplier identificationand a container identification number thattogether uniquely identify the container to trading partners.(Sometimes referred to as a license plate)

unit load One or more transport packages or other items held together bymeans such as strapping, interlocking, glue, shrink wrap, or net wrap,making them suitable for transport, stacking, and storage as a unit.

vendor See supplier/vendor.

X dimension The intended width of the narrow elements required by theapplication, or symbology specification, or both.



4.0 LABEL CONCEPT

This section defines a standardized format for container labels. It is intended to serve as the preferredformat for those developing or revising unit load and transport container bar code label standards in orderto provide a universally accepted format across all industries.

LABEL CONCEPT INTERPRETATION

1. Purpose of a BarCode Label

The purpose of a bar code label is to facilitate the movement of goods andthe exchange of data among all members within a channel of distribution(suppliers, carriers, customers, and others). The amount of data (bar code aswell as human readable text) needed on a label is a function of the needs ofthe trading partners involved. When a bar code label is used inconjunction with computerized databases and electronic datainterchange (EDI), the amount of data needed on a label may be reducedsignificantly.

2. Symbologies Code 39, with ANSI MH10.8.2 Data Identifiers (DIs), has been selected toimplement the label format.

Use of two-dimensional (2D) symbols is discussed in AIAG B-14: Guidelinefor Use of Two-Dimensional Symbols with AIAG Trading Partner Labels.

3. Labeler For the purposes of this document, the term labeler shall refer to theorganization responsible for having the label, or a section of the label, printedand applied.

4. Label The general term label means the printed area on, or attached to, thecontainer that includes the text or bar code information or both (for example,pressure-sensitive tags), as covered in this guideline. Separate segments ofthe 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 thetrading partners within the distribution channel. These segments are definedas:

CARRIERCUSTOMERSUPPLIER



LABEL CONCEPT INTERPRETATION

6. Information ExchangeConsiderations

Trading partners and members within a channel of distribution (suppliers,carriers, customers, and others) may have different information needs. Somerequired 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 conceptprovides for logical groupings of information based on this timing. Theselogical groupings of information are called segments. Examples ofinformation that may be included on unit loads or transport container labelsare shown in Figure 1.

7. Label Data Content In the B-10 TPL, control of the data that appear in each segment and thelayout 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 beincluded in any segment except as noted in Section 6.

A recommended order of data is provided in Appendix D.



Figure 1. Label Segments and Typical Data

Bar Code Customer carrier

Unique Container Identifier

Segment Serial number Supplier/vendor



5.0 LABEL FORMAT

This guideline defines rules for formatting the information, both text and bar code, that appears on ashipping 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 INTERPRETATION

1. The building block is the basic unit of the labelformat.

A modular structure is used to simplify labelformatting.

An individual building block or sub-block maycontain:

• 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 orin combination with other building blocks. Thisprovides the option of printing data as it becomesknown. See Figure 2.

3. Building blocks should be separated from eachother by a horizontal line.

See Figure 2 - Horizontal Separator Line.



Figure 2. Building Block Types and Size (not to scale)

Bar Code

width



5.2 Building Block Size

BUILDING BLOCK SIZE RULE INTERPRETATION

1. Building block height shall be 1.0 inch +/- 0.2inch (25 mm +/- 5 ) as determined by theprinting capability of the labeler .

See Figure 2.

2. The width of a building block is the width ofthe label.

See Figure 2.

3. A maximum of one double-height bar codeblock may be used per segment.

The double-height block can be used to satisfyspecial scanning requirements (for example,automated conveyor scanning or long rangescanning).

4. Double-height bar code block s shall be 2inches +/- 0.4 inch (51 mm +/- 10 mm).

See Figure 2.

5. Two half-height text building blocks may beused per segment.

The half-height building block may only containtext or graphics, not bar code symbols.

5.3 Sub-blocks

SUB-BLOCKS RULE INTERPRETATION

1. A sub-block shall be the full height of thebuilding block.

A sub-block is a division of a building block that isfull height but less than the full width. See Figure2.

2. Vertical lines should be used between sub-blocks and shall be used to separate twoadjacent text sub-blocks.

See Figure 2.

3. Building blocks shall not be divided into morethan four sub-blocks.

4. The minimum width of a sub-block shall bedetermined by the amount of data that will beprinted in that sub-block.



5.4 Text Building Block Format

Figure 3. Text Block (not to scale)

TEXT BUILDING BLOCK RULE INTERPRETATION

Text Block Contents

1. A text building block or sub-block shall notcontain a bar code symbol.

A text building block or sub-block may contain textor graphics or both. See Figure 3.

Text Height – Lines Per Block

2. The height of text characters shall be specifiedusing a unit of measure called Lines Per Block(LPB), rather than inches, millimeters, orpoints.

This enables the printer of the label to determinethe actual height and font of text for a given LPB,within the guidelines provided.

3. The exact character heights corresponding tothe eight text sizes shall be chosen by thelabeler based on the capabilities of the printingprocess.

Eight sizes may be specified for text, ranging fromone to eight Lines Per Block (LPB). See Figure 4.



Figure 4. Illustration of Lines Per Block (LPB)

1LPB

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

2LPB

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

3LPB

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

4LPB



Figure 4. Illustration of Lines Per Block (LPB) (continued)

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

5LPB

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

6LPB

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

7LPB

AIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVSAIAG1234567890PQVS

8LPB



5.5 Text Dimensions


1. Labelers shall choose a single text height foreach of the eight sizes so that clear distinctionsshall be evident between text sizes.

For example, 8 LPB text shall be smaller than 7LPB text, etc. Figure 4 illustrates 1 through 8 LPBprinting.

2. The characters shall be clearly legible,regardless of height.

3. For maximum legibility, the ratio of the heightto 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 perline in a full width block that can be required ofa labeler, regardless of the width of the labelsupplied, shall be limited to those shown in thecolumn “Maximum Characters Per Line” inTable 1.



Table 1. Suggested LPB Character Parameters

LINESPER

BLOCK

MAXIMUMCHARACTERS

PER LINE

APPROXIMATEPOINT

HEIGHT

APPROXIMATEHEIGHT IN

INCHES

APPROXIMATEHEIGHT IN

MILLIMETERS

1 LPB 8 64 0.90 22.0

2 LPB 18 32 0.40 11.0

3 LPB 28 20 0.25 7.0

4 LPB 34 16 0.20 5.0

5 LPB 42 12 0.15 4.0

6 LPB 48 10 0.12 3.0

7 LPB 59 8 0.10 2.0

8 LPB 68 6 0.08 1.5

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’sprinter and software.




Titles For Text Building Blocks and Sub-blocks

1. A title may be used in a text building block. Unlike bar code building blocks, a title is notrequired in a text building block.

2. When a title is used in a text building block itshall be printed in the upper left corner of thebuilding block or sub-block.

Use of a title in a text building block is illustratedin Figure 5.

Sans serif fonts (such as Arial or Helvetica) arepreferred, but not required. If possible, a fontwhich clearly differentiates the letter O from thenumber 0 (as with a dot or line in the number 0)should be used.

3. The title in a text building block shall beprinted in upper case characters at a height of 6,7, or 8 LPB, two lines maximum, left justified.

See Figure 5.

Figure 5. Bar Code Building Block (not to scale)

Code 39



5.6 Bar Code Building Block Format

BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCKS RULE INTERPRETATION

Bar Code Building Block Contents

1. Code 39, with Data Identifiers (DIs), shall bethe linear symbology used in a bar codebuilding block.

Code 39 is described in ANSI/AIM BC1 UniformSymbology Specification-Code 39. DI’s are listedin ANSI MH10.8.2 Data Application IdentifierStandard.

Use of two-dimensional (2D) symbols on ashipping label is discussed in AIAG B-14,Guideline for Use of Two-Dimensional Symbolswith AIAG Trading Partner Labels.

2. A building block should not contain more thanone bar code symbol.

A bar code symbol may be specified for either abuilding block or a sub-block.

3. A sub-block of a building block shall notcontain more than one bar code symbol.

Guidelines for implementing two sub-blocks withlinear bar code symbols are found later in thissection under Side-by-SideBar Code Block.

4. The single bar code sub-block shall be theleftmost sub-block within a building block.

5. Data Identifiers: All Code 39 bar codesymbols shall contain a Data Identifier (DI).

DIs are not considered part of the data they precede.

6. The Data Identifiershall conform to the ANSIMH10.8.2. Data Application IdentifierStandard.

See Section 2.0, Normative References.

Bar Code Data Limit

1. The total number of characters (excludingstart/stop) per linear bar code in a buildingblock or sub-block shall not exceed 19.

The count of the total number of charactersincludes both data and DIcharacters.




Bar Code Block Title Line(s)

1. A title shall be printed in the upper left cornerof the bar code building block or sub-block.

See Figure 5. (Note exception discussed later in thissection under Side-by-Side Bar Code Block).

2. The title shall be printed in upper casecharacters at a height of 6,7, or 8 LPB, twolines maximum, left justified.

See Figure 5.

3. The bar code block's title should comply withthe suggested Short Titles shown in AppendixA.

The Data Identifier (DI) is to be shown inparentheses near the title.

Bar Code Symbol Placement

1. The bar code symbol shall be placed in thelower portion of the bar code building block.


2. The bar code symbol shall be left justified,allowing for the quiet zone as specified later inthis section under Quiet Zones.


3. Sub-block Placement: When used, a bar codesub-block shall be the leftmost sub-blockwithin a building block.

Bar Code Symbol Height

1. The minimum height of the Code 39 bar codesymbol shall be 0.5 inch (13 mm).

See Figure 5.




Symbology

1. Code 39 bar code symbology, shall be asdefined by ANSI AIM BC1.

2. Code 39 full ASCII option shall not be used.

3. Code 39 shall be printed black bars on a whitebackground.

4. Non-significant zeros and non-significant spacecharacters shall not be encoded in a bar code.

5. The Code 39 symbology check character optionshall not be used.

6. The four (4) characters %, /, $, + of the Code39 symbology shall not be used.

Because of unique symbology characteristics,omitting these four (4) characters increases thereliability of the symbol.

Narrow Element X Dimension

1. The wide and narrow bars and spaces aretermed elements. The range of the width of thenarrow element (X dimension) shall be from0.010 inch (0.25 mm) to 0.017 inch (0.43 mm)as determined by the printing capability of thesupplier/printer of the label.

NOTE: The recommended range of the Xdimension is from 0.013 inch (33 mm) to 0.017inch (0.43 mm). Symbols with narrow elementsbelow 0.013 inch (0.33 mm) may require specialcare to meet bar code print quality and scanningrequirements.

2. The narrow element X dimension should beconsistent for all linear bar code symbolscontained on the label.

Certain scanning applications require consistent Xdimensions from one symbol to the next. Printingindividual bar codes with different X dimensions onthe same label may cause scanning problems.

3. The ratio of the width of the wide bars andspaces to the width of the narrow bars andspaces should be 3:1. The measured ratio ofthe wide elements to the narrow elements shallbe between 2.8:1 and 3.2:1.

The printing hardware and software should be setfor a wide-to-narrow ratio of 3:1. Depending on theprinting conditions (ink, substrate, hardware, etc.)the bars and spaces in the resulting printedsymbol(s) should be measured at between 2.8:1 and3.2:1.




Quiet Zones

1. The bar code symbol shall have leading andtrailing quiet zones with minimum widths of0.25 inch (6 mm) each.

In order to function properly, bar code-readingequipment must have totally clear areas at bothends of the symbol with no printing or graphics.These clear areas are called quiet zones. See Figure6.

Figure 6. Quiet Zone Dimension (not to scale)

BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCK RULE INTERPRETATION

Human Readable Interpretation for Code 39

1. The data encoded in the bar code symbol shallbe represented in human readable charactersabove the bar code symbol.

See Figures 5 and 6 for examples of HumanReadable Interpretation (HRI).

2. Data Identifiers (DIs) and symbology start andstop charactersshall not be printed in thehuman readable interpretation.

ANSI MH10.8.2 Data Identifiers and ANSI AIMBC1 symbology start and stop characters are notconsidered part of the data.

3. The Data Identifier (DI) is to be shown inparentheses near the title.

See Figures 5, 6, and 7.



BAR CODE BUILDING BLOCK RULE INTERPRETATION

4. The human readable interpretation shall beupper case characters.

Sans serif fonts (such as Arial, Helv, or Helvetica)are preferred. A font that clearly differentiates theletter O from the number 0 (as with a dot or line inthe number 0) should be used.

5. The human readable interpretation shall beprinted left justified, approximately 1.0 to 1.5inch (25 to 38 mm) from the left edge of thebuilding block or sub-block.

The HRI is indented to leave room for the title.See Figure 5.

6. The human readable interpretation of the dataencoded in the bar code symbol shall be printedat either 2 or 3 LPB.

The chosen LPB of the HRI should not interferewith the height of the bar code.

Side-by-Side Bar Code Block

Figure 7. Example of Side-by-Side Bar Codes (not to scale)



SIDE-BY-SIDE BAR CODE RULE INTERPRETATION

If a second bar code sub-block is required within asingle building block, the following rules shallapply (see Figure 7):

1. There shall not be more than two bar code sub-blocks in any single building block.

Previous AIAG label standards have permitted twobar code symbols side by side. The ANSI MH10.8standard cautions that care should be taken, but itprovides no explicit guidance for printing side-by-side bar codes. This guideline for using side-by-side bar codes provides that guidance.

2. The first bar code sub-block shall be theleft-most sub-block within the building block.

The second bar code sub-block shall be theright-most sub-block within the building block.

3. The vertical line separating the sub-blocks maybe omitted between two bar code sub-blocks,but caution shall be exercised to prevent textfrom intruding on the 0.25 inch quiet zones ofeach symbol.

4. Bar Code Data Limit: The total number ofcharacters, including Data Identifiers, in thetwo bar codes combined shall not exceed 16characters.

For example, if the first bar code data field contains7 characters (including the Data Identifierthen thesecond bar code data field may contain a maximumof 9 characters (including the Data Identifier).

5. The first (left-most) bar code sub-block shallconform to all specifications for Bar CodeBuilding Blocks as stated earlier in this sectionunder the subtitle Bar Code Building BlockContents



SIDE-BY-SIDE BAR CODE RULE INTERPRETATION

6. The second (right-most) bar code sub-blockshall conform to specifications for Bar CodeBuilding Blocks as stated in Section 4.0 of thisdocument, plus the following:

a. Block Title Line(s): A title shall be printedin conformance with the Bar Code BuildingBlock rules of Section 5.1, except that thetitle shall be printed in the lower leftcorner of the sub-block.

b. Bar Code Symbol Placement: The barcode symbol shall be printed in the upperportion of the sub-block.

Quiet Zonesbar code height, and other bar codespecifications from Section 4.0 must still bemaintained.

c. Human Readable Interpretation for Code39: The human readable interpretation ofthe data encoded in the bar code symbolshall be printed below the bar code symbol.

5.7 Label Characteristics

LABEL CHARACTERISTICS RULE INTERPRETATION

Label Color

1. Labels shall be white, with black print.

Label Height

1. The full label height will be determined by thenumber of building blocks included on thelabel.

The intended height of a building block is 1 inch, sothe height of the label will be 1” x number ofbuilding blocks.



LABEL CHARACTERISTICS RULE INTERPRETATION

Label Width

1. The width of the label shall be determined bythe labeler.

If the label requestor stays within the text and barcode data limits of this guideline, the labeler canchoose label stock based on the labeler’s choice ofX dimension and font sizes.

Table 2 provides guidance. For example, if thelabeler intends to print all labels at an X dimensionof 0.015 inch, label stock of 6 inches width shouldwork for any B-10-compliant labeling specification.

Table 2. Suggested Label Widths for Selected X Dimensions

X DIMENSION SUGGESTED LABEL WIDTH

0.010 inch (0.25 mm) 4 inches (102 mm)

0.013 inch (0.33 mm) 5 inches (127 mm)

0.015 inch (0.38 mm) 6 inches (152 mm)

0.017 inch (0.43 mm) 6.5 inches (165 mm)

Note: Table 2 shows, for given X dimensions, the Suggested label widths to accommodate the maximumnumber of 19 data characters. The calculations were based on the following: 19 characters of dataidentifier plus data (maximum allowable) plus the two characters of a start character and a stopcharacter, plus two 0.25-inch quiet zones, using a ratio of wide to narrow elements of 3:1.



6.0 LABEL DATA CONTENT

This guideline defines label format, not label conent. However, certain information is widely needed forspecific 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 INTERPRETATION

This label concept does not mandate specific datato be included in any segment.

Although no specific data is mandated, a UniqueContainer Identifier is highly recommended fortraceability throughout the supply chain.

6.1 Unique Container Identifier (License Plate)

UNIQUE CONTAINER IDENTIFIER RULE INTERPRETATION

1. Containers should be uniquely identified eachtime they are shipped, using a UniqueContainer Identifier, commonly referred to as alicense plate.

2. The Unique Container Identifier shall not berepeated to a given customer within a minimumperiod of 366 days.

Unique identification is needed for traceabilitythroughout the channel of distribution. It isstrongly suggested that the label use a uniquecontainer identifier so that the container can betracked by all trading partners in all phases ofshipping, transport, and receiving.



UNIQUE CONTAINER IDENTIFIER RULE INTERPRETATION

3. The Unique Container Identifier, if used, shallbe contained in either one or two linear barcode symbols as described in the followingsections.

A Unique Container Identifier is a numeric oralphanumeric code that uniquely identifies acontainer for traceability for a single shipmentwithin the channel of distribution.

Such identification consists of three elements:

• A package identifier for the container, assignedby 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 OneBuilding Block

1. When a single building block is used for theUnique Container Identifier, it shall complywith the rules for a Unique Transport UnitIdentifier as defined in ISO/IEC 15459 usingthe Data Identifier “1J” for individual packagesand “2J” for master and mixed loads.

A container may be uniquely identified by using asingle building block containing only text or asingle linear bar code. The Unique Transport UnitIdentifier, as defined in ISO/IEC 15459.

1. When using a single linear barcode, uses theappropriate Data Identifier (1J or 2J);

2. is unique and shall not be repeated to a givencustomer within a minimum period of 366 days;

3. the data starts with an Issuing Agency Code(IAC) assigned to the issuing agency by theRegistration Authority identified by ISO;

4. conforms to a format specified by the issuingagency;

5. contains only upper case alphabetic andnumeric characters.

2. Highlighting lines should be used above andbelow the single building block.

The purpose of highlighting lines is to assist usersin visually locating the Unique Container Identifier

3. Highlighting lines shall not be used elsewhereon the label.

4. Highlighting lines shall be easilydistinguishable from the other horizontalseparator lines.



LABEL DATA CONTENT RULE INTERPRETATION

Unique Container Identifier Using TwoBuilding Blocks

1. When two building blocks are used for theUnique Container Identifier, the building blocksshall be contiguous, with the supplieridentificationbuilding block above thecontainer/package identification block.

2. The combination of the two building blocksshall be unique and shall not be repeated to agiven customer within a minimum period of366 days.

A container may be uniquely identified by usingtwo building blocks containing an identification ofthe supplier and an identification of the containernumber of the container, as assigned by thesupplier. See Figure 8.

3. When a bar code symbol is used, theappropriate Data Identifier (DI) from the ANSIMH10.8.2 Data Identifier Standard shall beused.

A brief list of some data identifiers from the ANSIMH10.8.2 Data Identifier Standard can be found inAppendix A of this document. Possible DIs for thissituation might include V or 13V for the supplieridentification, and 3S, 4S, or 5S, for thecontainer/package identification.

4. Highlighting lines should be used above thesupplier identification block and below thecontainer/package identification numberbuilding block.

The purpose of highlighting lines is to assist usersin visually locating the Unique Container Identifier.See Figures 2 and 8.

5. Highlighting lines shall not be used elsewhereon the label.

6. Highlighting lines should be easilydistinguishable from the horizontal separatorlines.



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 INTERPRETATION

1. A Single Pack Label should be used to identifythe contents of an individual container of asingle part number for a shipment.

See Figure 14.

2. A Unique Container Identifier should beassigned to each single pack.

A unique container unit identifier or “license plate”is the key that provides access to information storedin computer files and that may be transmitted byEDI. The identifier may be used by all of thetrading partners to retrieve information about thetransport unit itself or about the status of thephysical movement of the transport unit along thesupply chain. It enables systems to track and traceindividual transport units.

Refer to Section 6.1.



SINGLE PACK LABEL RULE INTERPRETATION

3. When used, the Unique Container Identifiershall not be repeated to a given same customerwithin a minimum period of 366 days.

Refer to Section6.1: Unique ContainerIdentification Rule and Label Data Content Rule.

4. When multiple labels are used on a container,all labels shall be identical, including thepackage identifier.

5. The Data Identifier for package identificationfor 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 PartNumber

MASTER LOAD LABEL RULE INTERPRETATION

1. A Master Load Label should be used toidentify the total contents of a multiple singlepack load of the same part number.

Master Load Labels are used to identify multi-container packaging (such as a pallet) with allcontainers holding the same part number. For anexample, see Figure 17.

2. Master Labels are similar to single pack labelswith the following exceptions:

• A text sub-block containing the words“MASTER LABEL” in upper case shall beprinted in either the Customer Segment orthe Supplier Segment of the label at aminimum height of 3 LPB.

The Master Load Label should be easily identifiedwith human readable text.



MASTER LOAD LABEL RULE INTERPRETATION

3. The Data Identifierfor a package identificationin a bar code on the Master Load Label shall beeither;


• “4S” when two building blocks are used.• The quantity on the Master Load Label

shall be the accumulated total of all singlepack quantities on the load.

• All other data in the customer segment ofthe Master Load Label shall be specifiedby the customer.

Note that the 4S would also appear in parenthesesin the title, as:

PKG ID – MASTER

(4S)

4. When used, the Master Load Label should beplaced in such a manner that when the pack isbroken apart, the Master Load Label can bediscarded.

If material is partially disbursed from a master load,the quantity shown on the Master Load Label mayno longer be accurate and therefore should bediscarded.

5. When used, the Unique Container Identifiershall not be repeated to a given customer in aperiod of less than 366 days.


7. Each single pack of the multiple pack shouldbe identified with a Single Pack Label.



6.4 Mixed Load Label

MIXED LOAD LABEL RULE INTERPRETATION

1. A Mixed Load Label shall be used to identify aload of multiple single packs of different partnumbers.

Mixed load labels are used to identify multi-container packaging (such as a pallet) withcontainers holding different part numbers.

2. Mixed Load Labels shall conform to thefollowing specifications:

• Ship-From and Ship-To addresses shouldbe used when applicable.

• A text sub-block containing the wordsMIXED LOAD in upper case shall beprinted in either the Customer Segment orthe Supplier Segment of the label at aminimum height of 3 LPB.

Refer to Figure 18.

The mixed load label should be easily identifiedwith human readable text.

3. The Data Identifier for a package identificationin bar code on the Mixed Load Label shall beeither:


• “5S” when two building blocks are used.• All other data in the customer segment of

the Mixed Load Label shall be specified bythe customer.


5. When used, the Unique Container Identifiershall not be repeated to a given customerwithin a minimum period of 366 days.

6. Each single pack of the mixed load pack shouldbe identified with a Single Pack Label.



6.5 Quick Receive LabelQUICK RECEIVE LABEL RULE INTERPRETATION

1. When trading partners use an EDI AdvancedShipment Notification, a Quick Receive Labelmay be used to tie the shipment to the EDItransaction in the database.

AIAG B-12 describes a method for creating andusing 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 INTERPRETATION

Ship-From and Ship-To Text

1. Ship-From and Ship-To address should be usedwhen applicable.

2. The Ship-From sub-block shall have a title of“FROM:” and the Ship-To sub block shallhave a title of “TO.”



SHIP-FROM AND SHIP-TO RULE INTERPRETATION

3. Ship-From characters shall be noticeablysmaller than the Ship-To characters.

The difference in size makes it easier for carrierpersonnel to distinguish the destination from thereturn address. For example, if the Ship-To addressis printed at 5 LPB, then the Ship-From addressshould be printed at 6 or 7 LPB.

4. When the Ship-From and Ship-To addresses areplaced side by side, the Ship-From addressshall be placed to the left of the Ship-Toaddress.

It is recommended that the Ship-From and Ship-Toaddresses be placed side-by-side in a singlebuilding block, rather than using two buildingblocks for addressing information.

5. When placed side by side, the Ship-Fromaddress should be separated from the Ship-Toaddress by a vertical line.

6. If the Ship-From and Ship-To addresses areplaced in separate building blocks, the Ship-From address shall be located above the Ship-From address.

To ensure that the package arrives at the correctdestination, the Ship-To address should never belocated above the Ship-From address.



7.0 QUALITY

7.1 Quality AssuranceQUALITY ASSURANCE RULE INTERPRETATION

Quality testing should not be limited to labelproduction inspection but should be followedthrough to the end use.

It is important that the bar code be decodablethroughout the system. For this reason, qualityneeds to be considered from initial printing throughto the end user.

The AIAG B-8 document provides qualityassurance guidance for shipping labels and otherbar code applications (linear and 2D).

7.2 Bar Code Print QualityBAR CODE PRINT QUALITY RULE INTERPRETATION

1. The ANSI X3.182 Guideline shall be used todetermine bar code symbol print quality.

The ANSI X3.182 – Guideline for Bar Code PrintQuality, describes the parameters used for theevaluation of a printed bar code symbol. The ANSItest result is a print quality grade, either numeric(4,3,2,1,0) or alphabetic (A, B, C, D, F). The ANSIGuideline specifies the size of the measurementaperture and the illumination wavelength.

2. When bar code print quality tests areperformed, an appropriate verifier with ameasurement aperture of 0.010 inch andillumination wavelength of 630 – 680nanometers shall be used.



BAR CODE PRINT QUALITY RULE INTERPRETATION

3. The minimum symbol grade shall be C (1.5). These symbol quality and measurement parametersensure scannability over a broad range of scanningenvironments.In addition, it is recommended that qualitymeasurements be taken under consistent conditions;that is, use the same background lighting and thesame surface on which the label will be attached.

Note: Previous AIAG Standards (B-3 and B-5)specified an inspection wavelength of 900nanometers +/- 10% to accommodate existinginfrared scanners. . Scanners using visible lightsources (630 to 680 nanometers) are preferred forfuture applications and equipment replacement.Meeting the minimum bar code print qualityrequirements at the infrared wavelength generallyensures acceptable print quality levels at the visiblelight wavelength as well.

7.3 Sampling

SAMPLING RULE INTERPRETATION

Appropriate statistical process control (SPC)techniques should be used.

The sample size must be sufficiently large to bestatistically valid within the size of the lot or batchbeing inspected. Acceptable quality levels must beestablished prior to quality control inspection.



SAMPLING RULE INTERPRETATION

In addition to statistical sampling, additional pointsin the process where verification is appropriateinclude:

• when printer is first turned on,• after changing ribbons,• after changing toner,• after changing ink,• any time the label stock is changed,• beginning of a shift, and• after maintenance is performed on the printing

equipment.

7.4 Obsolete Labels

OBSOLETE LABELS RULE INTERPRETATION

1. Obsolete labels shall be rendered unusable byeither being removed, defaced, or covered.

2. If covering obsolete labels with new labels, careshould be taken so that the bar code printquality of the new labels is not adverselyaffected.

If the label stock is not sufficiently opaque, theprint from the label underneath can show throughand decrease the print contrast. The new labelsmust meet the ANSI bar code print qualityrequirements.



7.5 Label Durability

LABEL DURABILITY RULE INTERPRETATION

Labels should be sufficiently durable to remain inplace and be decodable throughout the system ofuse.

Numerous environmental effects can lead to thedegradation of the bar code symbol, whether theyare optical or physical, affecting its substrate,adhesive, or laminate. These changes may affectone or more of the quality parameters of the label.The net effect of such changes can render the labelunusable. It is therefore important to consider theseeffects when producing and applying bar codelabels.

Some of the factors that should be consideredinclude temperature, humidity, light exposure,abrasion, chemical contamination and aging. In thisregard the ANSI X3.182 Guideline for Bar CodePrint Quality provides tables, entitledEnvironmental Factors, as a reference. Also,Military Specification MIL-L-61002, “Labels,Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, for Bar Codes andOther Markings” is a good source for informationon environmental factors, consideration, andtesting. Specifically, Sections 3.2.2, “ PerformanceTest Parameters,” 4.6, “ Performance Tests,” and6.11, “Application Examples” are relevant sectionsto review.

7.6 Recyclability

RECYCLABILITY RULE INTERPRETATION

If the label is to be attached to a material which isto be recycled, the label material should becompatible with or removable from the substratematerial to which it is attached.

An example of a recyclable material is shrink wrap.



8.0 LABEL PLACEMENT AND ORIENTATION

As described in Section 4, this guideline uses a concept of segments for logical grouping of information.In this section, rules for placement and orientation of label segments are defined and illustrated.

8.1 Segment Placement

LABEL PLACEMENT ANDORIENTATION RULE INTERPRETATION

1. Label segments should be stacked vertically. Stacking vertically (see Figures 1 and 10) ensuresthat the bar codes do not interfere with each otherwhen scanning.

2. Information required by carriers shall be placedtopmost on the label.

The Carrier Segment of the label should be thetopmost (see Figures 1 and 10). Parcel carriers mayrequire the placementof carrier information (such asaddresses) on the top of the transport container.

Due to physical package constraints, it may not bepossible to stack all segments vertically. Underthese circumstances it is important to position thesegments of the label so that bar code blocks do notappear directly adjacent. Placing bar code symbolsside by side can interfere with accurate bar codescanning.



Figure 10. Label Segments

Bar Code Unique Container Identifier customer carrier

Segment Serial Number



8.2 Label Placement


Labels should be placed no closer than 1.25 inches(32 mm) from any container edge.

See Figure 11.

Label placement toward the center of the sides ofrectangular corrugated containers should beavoided.

When label locations are identified on customercontainers (especially on returnable containers),they shall not be applied outside the defined area.

For placement on various types of containers, labelsor tags should be applied in an easily accessiblelocation.

Labels must be accessible for scanning at shipping,transportation, and receiving operations. SeeFigures 12a and 12b for guidance on labelplacementfor various types of containers.

When multiple labels are used on a container, alllabels shall be identical, including the packageidentifier.

The label should not be placed over a seam.

Sealing tape, shrink-wrap, or bands shall not beplaced over the label.

These will interfere with the scanning of the label.

The following considerations should be addressedwhen determining the most appropriate location forthe label or segments of the label:

• survivability of the label;• label application (manual/automatic, label/tag

/direct marking);• container type;• packaging level (if multiple labels or bar code

symbols are visible);• accessibility of location.




Each supplying location shall be responsible toensure that bar code-marked labels and tags aresufficiently secured and protected and appliedwrinkle-free so they are readable at point of finalcustomer usage.

Label Placement on Master and MixedLoads

For master and mixed loads, the label shall beplaced on the upper half of the unit load.

The bottom edge of the label on a master and mixedload should not be higher than 60 inches (152 cm)from the bottom.



8.3 Label Orientation


Labels should be placed on the side of thecontainer with the bars perpendicular to the base ofthe container.

See Figure 11.

Figure 11. Label Orientation



Figure 12a. Suggested Label Placement

Caution: All labels on the container must be identical.Obsolete labels shall be rendered unusable by either being removed, defaced, or covered.

BOX OR CARTON BASKET, WIRE MESH CONTAINER

CARTONS ON PALLET OPEN METAL BIN OR TUB



Figure 12a. Suggested Label Placement (continued)

PALLET BOX RACK

TELESCOPE OR SET-UP CONTAINERS DRUM, BARREL, OR CYLINDRICALCONTAINER

label



Figure 12b. Suggested Label Placement

Caution: All labels on the container must be identical.Obsolete labels shall be rendered unusable by either being removed, defaced, or covered.

ROLL SHEETS/CUT LENGTHS/BLANKS

BALE SINGLE COIL



Figure 12b. Suggested Label Placement (continued)

BAG SLIT COILS

TUBING AND BARS

label



9.0 SPECIAL APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS

SPECIAL APPLICATION RULE INTERPRETATION

Any deviation from the label concepts in thisguideline should be agreed to by trading partnersand should not diminish the labeler’s ability toprint the label, the legibility of text, or the bar codeprint quality.

The B-10 labels will be readable by a majority oftrading partners in a wide range of applicationenvironments. To satisfy certain specialrequirements (such as internal companyapplications or carrier or special industry needs),some modification to the defined format may benecessary.

In this situation, it is recommended that as many aspossible of the formatting and quality rules in thelabel concept be used.

It is strongly recommended that the bar code printquality criteria contained in Section 7.0 Qualityshould apply to all such application standards.

9.1 Additional Machine-Readable Symbols

ADDITIONAL MACHINE-READABLERULE INTERPRETATION

The use of other machine-readable symbols shallnot interfere with the readability of any Code 39bar codes on any segment of the B-10 TradingPartner Label.

Other applications and industry standards mayrequire symbologies other than Code 39 or may bedesigned to take advantage of special capabilities ofother optically based, machine-readable symbols.Characters or marks intended for vision systemsmay be used on unit loads and transport containers.

Two-dimensional (2D) symbols used on TradingPartner Labels shall conform to the requirements ofAIAG B-14.



9.2 Other Machine-Readable Technologies

OTHER MACHINE-READABLE RULE INTERPRETATION

If machine-readable technologies other thanoptically based are used in conjunction with the B-10 label, they should not diminish the labeler’sability to produce the label, the legibility of text, orthe bar code print quality.

Additional machine-readable technologies such asRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) may be usedin conjunction with B-10 Trading Partner Labels.



10.0 LABEL EXAMPLES

Figure 13. A Carrier Segment for a Single Pack That Is a Ship-To/Ship-Fromand a Unique Container Identifier

Figure 14. A Customer Segment That Looks Like the Old B-3

Supplier/Vendor ID



Figure 15. A Customer Segment That Looks Like the Old B-5

Figure 16. A Supplier Segment with the Supplier’s Part Number

label Serial Number

Supplier/Vendor ID



Figure 17. A Customer Segment for a Master Load

PART #CUST (P) 12345678

654321QUANTITY(Q)

DLOC

SERIAL #MASTER (4S) 12345678 PLT/DOCK

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

MASTER LABELZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZSUPPLIER ID: 123456789ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

XXXXXXXXXXXX (XXX) XXXXXXX ZZZZZZZZ

Figure 18. A Customer Segment for a Mixed Load

DLOC

SERIAL #MASTER (5S) 12345678 PLT/DOCK

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

MIXED LABELZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZSUPPLIER ID: 123456789ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

XXXXXXXXXXXX (XXX) XXXXXXX ZZZZZZZZ

label Serial Number



Figure 19. A Supplier Segment for a Master Load

12X45A789PART #CUST

982795SPLR IDCUST ASGN (V)

QUANTITY

SHIP FROM ACME IDEAL AUTO PARTS 26 AJO WAY TUCSON, AZ 98279 602-555-1212

LEFT-HANDEDSNARK-CONTROLLINGWIDGET

DESCRIPTION

7,654,325 EASHIP TO XYZ CO, INC PLANT 21 6 GRAND RIVER NOVI, MI 48000

LINE

987654321PKG ID-MASTER(4S)

MASTERLOAD

Figure 20. A Supplier Segment for a Mixed Load

label Supplier/Vendor ID



Figure 21. A Shipment Label Example (remove PDF-417)

12X45A789

FROM:TO:

GREAT CUSTOMER CO.123 DREAM LANESOUTHFIELD, MI 48084

ACME IDEAL AUTO PARTS1 ROADRUNNER WAYTUCSON, AZ 90150

DELIVERY LOC.

DOCK 14,LINE 5

CUSTOMER PART #

PART DESCRIPTION

LEFT-HANDED WIDGET CONTROL

QUANTITY / WEIGHT

250 EA

982795SPLR IDCUST ASGN (V)

PKG ID-UNIT (3S) 9612345

ECN

A3 210 LB




APPENDIX A. BAR CODE BLOCKS: ANSI MH10.8.2 DATAIDENTIFIERS, DATA LENGTHS, AND SHORTTITLES

A U.S. national standard for Data Identifiers, ANSI FACT-1, was published by the American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) in December 1991. It has since been revised as ANSI MH10.8.2. AIAGendorses the use of these Data Identifiers. ANSI MH10.8.2 has more than 100 data identifiers defined formany purposes in many industries. The ANSI standard can be purchased by calling the American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) at (212) 642-4900 and requesting ANSI MH10.8.2.

The following table includes some of the DIs in ANSI MH10.8.2 of interest to AIAG members. The ShortTitle text should be used in the bar code building block, as specified in Section 5.1.

In many cases the Short Title text has been split into two lines to ensure the best fit in the title area of thebuilding block.

Table 3. ANSI Data Identifiers

DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE

RECOMMENDEDMAXIMUM DATA

LENGTHDESCRIPTION

B CONTAINERTYPE (B)

Container Type

1B RETURNABLECONTAINER # (1B)

Returnable Container ID number

2B GAS CYLINDER# (2B)

Gas Cylinder ID number

3B Motor Freight Transport EquipmentIdentification assigned by the manufacturer inconformance with International StandardsOrganization (ISO) standards

4B SCACTIL (4B) 10 Standard Carrier Alpha Code TrailerIdentification Label

C PART #CONT. (C)

Continuation of a customer's Part Number

D DATEYYMMDD (D)

Date, in the format YYMMDD, significance ofthe date mutually agreed among all tradingpartners



DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE


LENGTHDESCRIPTION

1D DATEDDMMYY (1D)

Date, in the format DDMMYY, significance ofthe date mutually agreed among all tradingpartners

2D DATEMMDDYY (2D)

Date, in the format MMDDYY, significance ofthe date mutually agreed among all tradingpartners

3D DATEYDDD (3D)

Date, in the format YDDD (Julian),significance of the date mutually agreed amongall trading partners

4D DATEYYDDD (4D)

Date, in the format YYDDD (Julian),significance of the date mutually agreed amongall trading partners

5D DATEYYMMDDQQ (5D))

Date, in the ISO format YYMMDDimmediately followed by an ANSI X12.3 DataElement Number 374 Qualifier (QQ) providinga code for type of date (e.g., ship date,manufacture date)

6D DATEYYYYMMDDQQ(6D))

Date, in the ISO format YYYYMMDDimmediately followed by an ANSI X12.3 DataElement Number 374 Qualifier (QQ) providinga code for type of date (e.g., ship date,manufacture date)

7D DATEMMYY (7D))

Date, in the format MMYY, significance of thedate mutually agreed among all tradingpartners

10D DATEYYWW (10D))

Date, in the format YYWW where WWrepresents week of the year, as agreed betweencustomer and supplier

11D DATEYYYYWW (11D))

Date, in the format YYYYWW where WWrepresents week of the year, as agreed betweencustomer and supplier

12D DATEYYYYMMDD (12D))

Date, in the format YYYYMMDD,significance of the date mutually agreed amongall trading partners

1H EMPLOYEEID (1H)

Employee ID as assigned by the employer

2H SSN (2H) U.S. Social Security Number



DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE


LENGTHDESCRIPTION

3H NON-EMPLOYEEID (3H)

ID number for non-employee (e.g., a contractworker or vendor)

I VIN VIN - Vehicle Identification Number

1J ISO PKG ID (1J) 18 Unique license plate number assigned to a

transport unit that is the lowest level ofpackaging, or the unbreakable unit, as definedin ISO/IEC 15459

2J ISO MASTER ID (2J)

18 Unique license plate number assigned to atransport unit that contains multiple packages,as defined in ISO/IEC 15459.1

K P.O. # (K) Purchase Order Number, customer assigned

2K Bill of Lading/Waybill/Shipment IdentificationCode assigned by supplier/shipper

3K Bill of Lading/Waybill/Shipment IdentificationCode assigned by the carrier

4K Line number of the order assigned by thecustomer to identify a Purchasing Transaction

5K Reference number assigned by the customer toidentify a Shipment Authorization (Release)against an established Purchase Order

6K PRO# assigned by the carrier

7K Carrier Mode in Free Text format mutuallydefined between the customer and supplier(e.g., Air, Truck, Boat, Rail)

8K Contract Number

9K Generic Transaction Reference Code(internally assigned or mutually defined)

11K Packing List Number

12K SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) (AlphaNumeric, always four characters, dash "-"filled left) and carrier-assigned progressivenumber



DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE


LENGTHDESCRIPTION

14K Combined Order Number and Line Number inthe format nn...nn+nn...n where a plus symbol(+) is used as a delimiter between the OrderNumber and Line Number

15K PULL SIGNAL #(15K)

Pull Signal - Kac

16K DELINS #(16K)

DELINS Number: code assigned to identify adocument that contains delivery information

L STORAGELOCATION (L)

Storage Location

1L LOCATION (1L) Location (generic)

4L COUNTRY OFORIGIN (4L)

Country of Origin: two-character code from theISO 3166 standard country code list

20L - 24L Additional location numbers. The exactmeaning of each DI is assigned internally.

{This set of DIs could be used for a hierarchyof locations, for example:

BUILDING (20L); BAY (21L); AISLE (22L);SHELF (23L); BIN (24L)}

P PART #CUST (P)

Part Number, assigned by the customer

1P PART #SPLR (1P)

Part Number, assigned by thesupplier/manufacturer

2P EC # (2P) Code assigned to specify the revision level ofthe part (e.g., Engineering Change Level,revision, or edition)

9P Combined manufacturer identification code (9-digit DUNS® number assigned by Dun &Bradstreet) and the item code/part number(assigned by the manufacturer)

10P Hazardous Material Code as defined by ANSIX12.3 in the format Data Element 208 (1-character code qualifier) followed by DataElement 209 (Hazardous Material Code)



DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE


LENGTHDESCRIPTION

Q QUANTITY (Q) Quantity (integer numeric) (Unit of measureassumed to be “each” unless otherwise agreedbetween the supplier and the customer)

1Q LENGTH (1Q)orTHEORETICALWEIGHT (1Q)

Actual Length or Theoretical Weight(historically used in the shipment of primarymetals)

2Q ACTUALWEIGHT (2Q)

Actual Weight

3Q UNIT OFMEASURE (3Q)

Unit of Measure, as defined by the twocharacter ANSI X12.3 Data Element Number355 Unit of Measurement Code

7Q QTY + U/M(7Q)

Quantity and unit of measure in the format:Quantity followed by the two-character Unit ofMeasure code as defined in Data Elementnumber 355 of the ANS X12.3 Data ElementDictionary standard

11Q TARE WT.(11Q)

Tare Weight: weight of an empty container,unit of measure mutually agreed among tradingpartners

S SERIAL # (S) Serial Number assigned by the supplier to anentity for its lifetime

2S SHIPMENT ID(2S)

Shipment ID number. If you are using EDI,this corresponds to the SID (Data Element 396of ANS X12.3, as used in the 856 ShipmentNotification transaction).

3S PKG ID-UNIT(3S)

9 Package Identification assigned by the supplierto the lowest level of packaging (container)that has a package ID code.

4S PKG ID-MASTER(4S)

9 Package Identification assigned by the supplierto packaging containing multiple containers oflike items on a single customer order (MasterLoad)

5S PKG ID-MIXED(5S)

9 Package Identification assigned by the supplierto packaging containing multiple containers ofunlike items on a single customer order(Mixed Load)



DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE


LENGTHDESCRIPTION

9S PKG ID MUTUAL(9S)

Generic Package Identification, significancemutually agreed by customer and supplier

10S MACHINE ID(10S)

Machine, work cell, or tool ID code

11S FIXED ASSETID (11S)

Fixed asset ID code

21S TIRE ID(21S)

Combined U.S. DOT Tire Manufacturer PlantCode and unique tire identification assigned bythe supplier

T LOT #CUST (T)

18 Traceability number assigned to a unique batchor group of items (lot, heat, batch) by thecustomer

1T LOT #SPLR (1T)orHEAT #SPLR (1T)

18 Traceability number assigned to a unique batchor group of items (lot, heat, batch) by thesupplier/manufacturer

V VENDOR IDCUST ASGN (V)

Supplier Code assigned by the customer

12V MFR IDDUNS (12V)

DUNS® number of the manufacturer

13V SPLR IDDUNS (13V)

DUNS® number of the supplier, if other thanthe Manufacturer

14V CUST IDDUNS (14V)

DUNS® number of the customer

W WORKORDER # (W)

Work Order number assigned by the supplier

Z Mutually defined between customer andsupplier (title to reflect mutually agreedmeaning)

1Z Mutually defined between the carrier and thesupplier (title to reflect mutually agreedmeaning)



DISUGGESTED

SHORTTITLE


LENGTHDESCRIPTION

2Z Mutually defined between the customer andthe carrier (title to reflect mutually agreedmeaning)

4Z Mutually defined between the carrier and thetrading partner (title to reflect mutually agreedmeaning)



APPENDIX B. PRECISION AND ROUNDING INMEASUREMENT

PRECISION & ROUNDING RULE INTERPRETATION

When determining if a measurement falls within thespecifications of this AIAG document, themeasurement shall be used only at the level ofprecision stated in the document.

PRECISION is the degree of exactness with whicha quantity is stated. That is, it is the number ofsignificant digits (usually decimal places).

ROUNDING is the process used to reduce theprecision with which a number is stated (that is,decrease the number of decimal places). Roundingis done in order to compare two numbers at thesame level of precision.

Any measurement made with greater precision (thatis, more decimal places) than that used in thedocument shall be rounded.

For example, if the specification for the size of anitem is stated with one decimal place, anymeasurement of that item should be rounded to asingle decimal place.



PRECISION & ROUNDING RULE INTERPRETATION

The rule used for rounding shall be: add 5 to thedigit to the immediate RIGHT of the level ofprecision required, then drop (truncate) the extradigits -- those beyond the required level ofprecision.

As an example:

Assume that document states that a dimension is 0.6inches. Then the required precision is one decimalplace.

If the measurement device used shows it to be0.6465 inches, is that measurement "in spec"?

Since one (1) digit of decimal precision is stated inthe AIAG document, the measurement shall berounded to a single decimal place before comparingit to the standard, as follows:

1. Add 0.05 (2 digits) to the measurement:(0.6465 + 0.05 = 0.6965)

2. Drop the digits past (to the right of) the decimalrequired:

0.6965 yields 0.6, which IS withinspecifications.

Note that the measurement (0.6465) would be "outof spec" if the standard specification had stated0.64, since rounding to two decimal places wouldhave given 0.65 (0.6465 + 0.005 = 0.6515 >> 0.65).

As another example, assume the instrument used can measure to a certain number of decimal places ofprecision:

Table 4. Rounding and Acceptable Measurements

ACCEPTABLE MEASUREMENTS ON A....AIAG B-10DOCUMENT

STATES

ROUNDINGFACTOR 2-DIGIT

READING3-DIGIT

READING4-DIGIT READING

1 0.5 0.50 to 1.49 0.500 to 1.499 0.5000 to 1.4999

1.0 0.05 0.95 to 1.04 0.950 to 1.049 0.9500 to 1.0499

1.00 0.005 1.00 only 0.995 to 1.004 0.9950 to 1.0049

1.000 0.0005 cannot be used 1.000 only 0.9950 to 1.0040



APPENDIX C. COUNTRY CODES

Table 5 contains some of the country codes from the ISO 3166 standard:

Table 5. ISO Country Codes

ARGENTINA AR LUXEMBOURG LUAUSTRALIA AU MEXICO MXAUSTRIA AT NETHERLANDS NLBELGIUM BE PHILIPPINES PHBOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA BA POLAND PLBRAZIL BR RUSSIAN FEDERATION RUCANADA CA SINGAPORE SGCHINA CN SLOVAKIA SKCZECH REPUBLIC CZ SLOVENIA SIFRANCE FR SOUTH AFRICA ZAGERMANY DE SPAIN ESHONG KONG HK SWEDEN SEINDIA IN TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF

CHINATW

IRELAND IE UNITED KINGDOM GBITALY IT UNITED STATES USJAPAN JP VENEZUELA VEKOREA, REPUBLIC OF KR YUGOSLAVIA YU



APPENDIX D. RECOMMENDED ORDER OF DATA

The following list is a recommended order of typical data contained within a B-10 label. It isrecommended that trading partners recognize that some data may be common between segments and,where practical, try not to duplicate data –for example: quantity (Q) could appear in both the customersegment and the supplier segment where both use the same definition of unit of measure.

❏ Address – Ship-From/ Ship-To / For (delivery location / line feed location)

❏ Sequence Number / Broadcast Code (customer-assigned)

❏ Purchase Order Number (customer-assigned)

❏ Part Number (P) / Safety Indicator / Part Description / Engineering Change Level (customer-assigned)

❏ Quantity (Q) (if the customer’s unit of measure is different from the supplier’s)

❏ Supplier’s Identification (customer-assigned)

❏ Package ID / Label Serial Number / Unique Container Identification (supplier-assigned)

❏ Part Number (1P) / Description (supplier-assigned)

❏ Quantity with ANSI Unit of Measure (7Q) (supplier-assigned)

❏ Actual Quantity (2Q) (supplier-assigned)

❏ Theoretical Quantity (1Q) (supplier-assigned)

❏ Quantity (Q) (if the customer’s unit of measure is the same as the supplier’s)

❏ Returnable Container ID Code

❏ Date of Manufacture

❏ Quality Checker ID

❏ Country of Origin

❏ Part Traceability Data: Lot Number / Heat Number / Individual Part Serial Number

❏ Work Order Number



APPENDIX E. RECOMMENDED FORMAT FOR COMPLIANCESPECIFICATIONS

COMPLIANCE SPECIFICATION RULE INTERPRETATION

Customer trading partners who require theirsuppliers to provide labels in compliance with thisguideline should use the following format todocument their label compliance specification.

The single-page documentation format described inthis appendix was designed by the AIAG Bar CodeApplications Work Group to provide a commonizedapproach to creating documentation for customerlabeling standards. This format has been shown tosupport the documentation requirements of QS-9000 and ISO 9000.

Each type of label required by a customer shouldbe documented on a single page.

The commonized approach requires that everycustomer provide a single page specification foreach specific layout of B-10 label that will berequired by that customer. For example, if thecustomer requires a single-container label, a masterlabel, and a mixed load label, the customer’scompliance specification would have three pages init, showing the requirements for those three layouts.

Supplier trading partners should keep a file of theB-10-based customer compliance specifications fortheir customers.

The commonized approach to B-10 specificationsrequires that every supplier who must comply withB-10-based customer compliance specificationcreate a "Label Compliance" three-ring binder. Thefirst thing in the binder should be a copy of theAIAG B-10 standard. Following that should be adivider for each customer to whom that supplierships. In the section for any one customer shouldbe the information about that customer's labelspecification(s).



Figure 22. An Example of a Blank Customer Compliance Specification Sheet

CustomerName:

Authorization:Name and Title of responsible partyat the above location

XYZ Company, Inc.,Plant #21, Novi, MI

Signature:

Label Purpose/Use:

Issue Date:

NOTE: Illustration is NOT actual size. Any dimensions thatare not otherwise specified on this page SHALL be incompliance with AIAG B-10, Version 01.00, 5/95

Version . Release Specification ID Number:

Customer Segment a B-10 Label to beused for . . .

NOTE: NOT TO SCALEFor correct measurements, see the AIAG B-10 Guideline


The compliance specification sheet should show asample of the B-10 label layout required by thecustomer.

In the center of the suggested specification pageshould be an example of the label, printedaccording to the layout designed by the customer.

A note should appear somewhere on the sheet thatsays “Not to Scale.”

The example will probably need to be scaled downto about 60% to 80% of the planned size.

A title block should appear on the bottom of thecompliance specification sheet.

The title block provides the information needed toproperly track customer compliance specificationsas required by ISO 9000 and QS-9000.




The title block should include:

1. The name of the customer (and, if necessary,the facility) for which this format is required;

2. Contact information of the person (ordepartment) at the customer's locationresponsible for this label;

3. The date on which the specification was issued,and its revision level;

4. The situation in which this format is to be used(for example, container vs. pallet label);

5. A note that says that all the rules not specifiedon this page are to be found in the AIAG B-10document.

See Figures 22 and 25.

“Balloons” around the edges of the label exampleshould contain descriptions of the exact dataneeded inside each sub-block.

The description balloon provided for a bar codesub-block should include:

1. A name that can be used when referring to thissub-block;

2. The title to be printed in this block;

3. The data that should go in the bar code;

4. The Data Identifier to be used as the prefix ofthe data in the bar code;

5. The maximum number of characters allowed inthis field (data length and Data Identifierlength).

See the example of a bar code block balloon inFigure 24.




The description balloon provided for a text sub-block should include:

1. A name that can be used when referring to thissub-block;

2. The title to be printed in this block;

3. The data that should be printed in the text;

4. The maximum number of characters allowed inthis field;

5. The text height required (stated in Lines PerBlock).

See the example of a text block balloon in Figure23.

If no title is to be printed for this text block,indicate “none.”

If the text is to be printed on multiple lines (such asan address), indicate the number of lines and themaximum number of characters per line.

Figure 23. An Example of a Description Balloon for a Text Sub-block

Supplier Contact Information

Block Title = SPLR CONTACT

Data = Name of Supplier’s Company andshipping facility, and a telephone numberthat cam be called in case of problems orquestions

Text Height = 6 LPB

SPLR CONTACT

XYZ SUPPLIER CO.DETROIT PLANT313-555-5555

Max. Characters = up to 5 lines of text up to 25 char’s on a single line

supplier/vendor



Figure 24. An Example of a Description Balloon for a Bar Code Sub-block

Container Label Serial Number

Block Title = PKG ID-UNIT (3S)Data = Control number, assigned by supplier,unique for this container, not to be repeatedwithin 365 days

Maximum Length = 11: Max. Data Chars = 9 DI Chars = 2

1948M0925PKG ID-UNIT(3S)

Data Identifier (DI) = 3S

DI Container ID Serial Number


The compliance specification sheet(s) should besent to suppliers with a cover letter explaining itspurpose and its relationship to the AIAG B-10document.

At a minimum the cover letter should state:

1. The name and phone number of a contact at thecustomer company who could answerquestions;

2. The due date for the supplier to reply indicatingtheir intended date of compliance;

3. The due date for submission of a sample labelfor evaluation;

Copies of this copyrighted document (AIAG B-10)can be purchased by calling AIAG’s CustomerService Representatives at (248) 358-3003.




4. The due date for the start of labeling;

5. A requirement that this specification be kept ina file or binder along with a copy of the AIAGB-10 guideline, accessible to the peopleapplying the labels, the people quality-checkingthe labels, and the people supporting the systemthat produces the labels;

6. Information about how the supplier canpurchase a copy of the AIAG B-10 TPLGuideline.



Figure 25. An Example of a Completed Customer Compliance Specification SheetDI Container ID Supplier/Vendor ID



APPENDIX F. RECOMMENDED FORMAT FOR SMALLLABELING AREA (SLA)

Designers of label segments are urged to plan no more than four building blocks per label segment,normally resulting in a label segment size of four inch by six inch or smaller, which generally fit in alabel area of 36 square inches. This section describes a variation from the rules of ANSI MH10.8, whichcould be used when the area on a container available for a label is less than 36 square inches.

SLA LABEL RULE INTERPRETATION

What is a Small Labeling Area (SLA)?

A Small Labeling Area (SLA) label shall not beused for labeling surfaces greater than thirty-six(36) square inches. Also, the SLA label shall not beused when an area greater than thirty-six squareinches is available for labeling. Trading partnersshould agree on the use of the SLA Label.

The heights and widths of bar-coded shippinglabels being used today are often larger than thepackaging. Packaging often requires a containerlarger than necessary to make the bar codedshipping label fit the container. Often, users wraplabels around the edges of containers to makelabels fit. These conditions can drive up costs andcan affect the scan performance of bar codesymbols.

This appendix does not attempt to define howsmall is small but to offer a method for labelingcontainers having labeling surfaces of thirty-six(36) square inches or less. The following describesrequirements for developing the label for SmallLabeling Area (SLA) to ensure scan performanceof the bar code symbols while providingconsistency of label formats. The SLA label wasdeveloped to more closely match label size to thecontainer and to provide a more cost-effectivelabeling method.

Label applications for small containers such asthose transported by commercial package carrierswill benefit from using the SLA label. Theinformation contained in this appendix is notintended to replace any existing commercial




package carrier labeling used for sortation andtracking. Both label and tag marking methods arecovered under the general term label. If you areincluding the carrier information in the SLA labelyou should check with your carrier for their barcode specifications.

This appendix recommends that the SLA label bestructured based on the current AIAG B-10 andAIAG B-14 Trading Partner Label concepts. Dueto the SCA label’s smaller physical size, the majordifferences between the SLA label and the B-10 /B-14 labels are noted below.

1. Building Block Size

Building block height shall be 0.5 inch +/- 0.1 inch(13 mm +/- 3 mm) as determined by the printingcapability of the labeler.

One double-height bar code block per segment maybe used to satisfy special printing and scanningrequirements of symbols used on SCLs. Double-height bar code blocks shall be 1.0 inch +/- 0.2inch (25 mm +/- 5 mm).

See Figure 26.

2. Bar Code Symbol Height

The minimum height of the Code 39 bar codesymbol shall be 0.25 inch (6 mm).

See Figure 26.

3. Bar Code Symbol Quiet Zone

The bar code symbol shall have leading and trailingquiet zoneswith minimum widths of 0.250 inch (6mm).

See Figure 26.




4. SymbologyNarrow Element XDimension

The narrow element X dimension when using Code39 shall not be less than 0.010 inch (0.25 mm).

5. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI)for Code 39 Symbols

The height of the HRI should be chosen so that itdoes not interfere with the minimum height of thebar code.

7. Print Quality for Code 39

The ANSI X3.182 Guideline for Bar Code PrintQuality shall be used to determine the print qualityof Code 39 symbols.

See Figure 26.

Figure 26. An Example of a Label Printed According to the SLA Label Rules (not to scale)

FROM: Any Good Supplier9924 Sunshine Blvd.Mapleville, OH 61547

TO: Best Customer Inc.350 West St.Bloomingdale, IL 61630

PART #CUST (P)

QTY (Q)

SPLR IDCUST ASG (V)

PKG ID-UNIT (3S)

LOT #

89247663

155B-342

T2904S0

127238057




APPENDIX G. OBTAINING NORMATIVE REFERENCES

Contact these organizations for information on the references in this document:

AIAG Documents:Automotive Industry Action Group26200 Lahser Road, Suite 200Southfield, MI 48034Customer Service: (248) 358-3003Fax: (248) 358-9760Internet website: http://www.aiag.org

ANSI and ISO Documents:American National Standards InstituteAttn: Customer Service11 West 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10036Phone: (212) 642-4980Internet website: http://www.ansi.org

AIM Documents:AIM Inc.634 Alpha DrivePittsburgh, PA 15238Phone: (412) 963-8009Internet website: http://www.aimglobal.org

DUNS Documents:Dun & BradstreetOne Diamond Hill RoadMurray Hill, NJ 07974-1218Phone: (908) 665-5000Fax: (908) 665-5803Internet website: http://www.dnb.com

MIL Documents:USA Information SystemsPhone: (800) 872-8830Internet website: http://www.usainfo.com

http://www.aiag.org/



http://www.dnb.com/

http://www.dnb.com/



INDEX

A

AddressShip-From ..................... 12, 40, 41, 42, 58, 73Ship-To ......................... 12, 40, 41, 42, 58, 73

Alphanumeric ...................................... 10, 12, 35ANSI....... 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 26, 28, 29, 31, 36, 43,

45, 46, 63, 64, 66, 67, 73, 83, 84Autodiscrimination.......................................... 10

B

Bar Code......... 3, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 39,43, 46, 47, 48, 49, 56, 74, 76, 78, 81, 82, 83Dimensions ............. 13, 23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33Quiet Zone .............. 10, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 82Side-by-Side.................. 26, 27, 30, 31, 42, 47Start and Stop Characters.......... 10, 26, 29, 33Symbology ......... 9, 10, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28, 29,

31, 32, 44, 56, 83Building Block ..... 11, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30,

31, 32, 35, 36, 41, 42, 63, 81, 82Bar Code ..... 17, 19, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 47Height............................ 18, 19, 24, 27, 32, 82Size............................................ 18, 19, 23, 82Sub-Block ........ 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31,

32, 38, 40, 41, 76, 77, 78Text ....... 11, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 77Titles .......... 25, 27, 30, 32, 39, 41, 63, 68, 69,

75, 76, 77Width .............................................. 18, 19, 23

C

Carrier ........ 3, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 42, 47, 48, 56,58, 63, 65, 69, 82

Character ........ 10, 11, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29,31, 33, 35, 42, 56, 66, 67, 76, 77

Code 39 ......... 3, 9, 10, 14, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 56Color.......................................................... 28, 32

Container...........8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 47, 49, 51, 52, 54, 58, 63, 67,74, 76, 81

Container ID...................................10, 13, 78, 80Country Codes .............................................9, 72Customer ...........3, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 39, 40, 48,

49, 50, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 73,74, 75, 76, 78, 80

D

Data Content ........................................15, 26, 38Leading Spaces............................................28

Data Identifier ................................ See IdentifierData Limits

Bar Code................................................26, 31Text..............................................................23

DI ................................................... See IdentifierDimensions

Bar Code........................13, 23, 27, 28, 31, 33Label ................................................24, 32, 33Text........11, 20, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 39, 40, 42X Dimension..............................13, 28, 33, 83

DUNS®.......................................9, 11, 66, 68, 84

E

EDI.......................................3, 11, 14, 37, 41, 67Electronic Data Interchange....................See EDI

H

Highlighting Line...........................11, 35, 36, 37HRI.................................................29, 30, 32, 83Human Readable Interpretation ............. See HRI



I

Identifier ..... 9, 10, 11, 13, 39, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68,73Country Codes ............................................ 72Data (DI) .......... 11, 14, 26, 27, 29, 31, 35, 36,

38, 39, 40, 63, 66, 76, 78, 80Package ................... 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 67, 68Supplier/Vendor.................. 12, 13, 35, 36, 73Unique Container......... 13, 16, 35, 36, 37, 38,

39, 40, 48, 58Item.......................................... 11, 12, 66, 68, 70

L

Label......... 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20,23, 24, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52,53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 73, 74,75, 76, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83Color ..................................................... 28, 32Data Content ................................... 15, 26, 38Height........................................ 32, 38, 40, 50Orientation .................................. 8, 47, 49, 51Placement...... 8, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55Quick Receive............................................. 41Size................................ 24, 32, 33, 38, 81, 82Text ....................................................... 23, 38Width .................................................... 23, 33

Labeler................... 11, 14, 19, 20, 23, 33, 56, 57Like Parts Pack................................................ 11Lines Per Block ..................................... See LPBLPB .... 11, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 39, 40, 42,

77

M

Manufacturer ........................... 10, 11, 63, 66, 68Master Label ................................................... 74Master Load Label .......................................... 38Master Pack......................................... 11, 12, 67Mixed Load Label ............................... 12, 40, 74Multiple Pack ...................................... 12, 39, 65

N

Nonstandard Quantity Pack .............................12

O

Orientation, Label .............See Label Orientation

P

Pack....................................11, 12, 37, 38, 39, 40Package .....10, 12, 13, 35, 36, 39, 40, 42, 47, 65,

67Placement, Label................ See Label Placement

Q

Quality ...........8, 9, 28, 43, 44, 45, 46, 56, 57, 79Quiet Zone .....................................See Bar Code

S

Segment(s) ......14, 15, 16, 19, 34, 39, 40, 47, 48,49, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 73

Serial Number .......16, 35, 39, 40, 48, 59, 60, 67,73, 78

Ship-From Address ..........................See AddressShipping Pack ..................................................12Ship-To Address ..............................See AddressSide-by-Side Bar Codes .................See Bar CodeSpaces, Leading ...............................................28Standard Quantity Pack ...................................12Start and Stop Characters...............See Bar CodeSubpack............................................................12Supplier............................................................36Supplier/Vendor........3, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,

34, 38, 40, 65, 66, 68, 73, 74, 77, 78, 80, 83Supplier/Vendor ID...........12, 13, 35, 36, 58, 59,

61, 62, 68, 73, 80, 83Symbology .....................................See Bar Code



T

Tag(s) .......................................... 3, 8, 12, 13, 49Text .... 14, 17, 19, 20, 23, 29, 32, 33, 35, 41, 56,

77Data Limits ................................................. 23Height.... 11, 20, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 39, 40, 42

Title(s) ...... 25, 27, 30, 32, 39, 41, 63, 68, 69, 75,76, 77

Trading Partner(s) ...... 3, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 34,37, 41, 56, 63, 64, 67, 73, 74

Transport Container ............ 8, 13, 14, 15, 47, 56

U

UL/TP ........................................................11, 13Unique Container Identifier ..........13, 16, 35, 36,

37, 38, 39, 40, 48, 58Unit Load ......3, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 38, 40, 50,

56

V

Vendor ...........................................12, 13, 35, 65Vendor/Supplier................. See Supplier/VendorVendor/Supplier ID....... See Supplier/Vendor IDVerification ................................................43, 45

X

X Dimension ..................................13, 28, 33, 83



ABOUT AIAG

Purpose Statement

To provide an open forum where members cooperate in developing and promoting solutions that enhancethe prosperity of the automotive industry. Our focus is to continuously improve business process andpractices involving trading partners throughout the supply chain.

Core Values

People – Our strength comes from passionate and personally committed volunteers and staff. We providean environment of integrity, trust, teamwork and mutual respect to foster open, frank communication aswe achieve consensus on industry needs and solutions.

Innovation – With a sense of urgency, we drive and support the development and implementation ofcommon, leading-edge solutions that provide value to the automotive industry and its customers.

Excellence – We provide quality and excellence in all we do and how we do it.

We do what’s right for the industry!

AIAG Organization

AIAG is made up of a board of directors, an executive director, associate directors, a full-time staff andvolunteers serving on project teams. Under the direction of the executive director, associate directors,along with the managing director, department managers and program managers, plan, direct, andcoordinate the association’s activities. The executive and associate directors are executives on loan frommember companies for varied lengths of time.

AIAG Projects

Member Committees focus on business processes or supporting technologies and methodologies. Theyconduct research, develop, publish and provide training on standards, conventions, standard businesspractices, white papers and guidelines in the areas of automatic identification, CAD/CAM,EDI/electronic commerce, continuous quality improvement, materials and project management,returnable containers and packaging systems, and transportation/customs.

AIAG - An Association Fostering Total Supply Chain Partnering

Automotive Industry Action Group26200 Lahser Road, Suite 200

Southfield, MI 48034Phone: (248) 358-3570 • Orders: (248) 358-3003 • Fax: (248) 358-3253



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Note: Complete form and return to the AIAG Volunteer Programs Department for consideration.Automotive Industry Action Group • 26200 Lahser Road • Suite 200 • Southfield, MI 48034

Telephone: (248) 358-3570 • Fax: (248) 358-3253Web: www.aiag.org