SQU-Standard (Part Labeling)

Document Number: BMS-0000007 Revision: 10

1. General Information
1.1 Table of Contents
1. General Information ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................ 1
2. Purpose: .............................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 Overview: ............................................................................................................................................ 1
3. Scope: .................................................................................................................................. 2
3.1 Factories: ............................................................................................................................................ 2
4. Terms and Definitions: ....................................................................................................... 2
5. Labeling Requirements ....................................................................................................... 3
5.1 Barcode Content.................................................................................................................................. 3
5.2 Barcode Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 4
5.3 Label Format ....................................................................................................................................... 6
5.4 Label Position ...................................................................................................................................... 7
6. Printing ................................................................................................................................ 7
7. Label Materials .................................................................................................................... 7
8. Direct Part Marking ............................................................................................................. 7
9. Reference Documents ........................................................................................................ 8
10. Document Control: .............................................................................................................. 9
10.1 Document Metadata: ........................................................................................................................... 9
10.2 Revision History: ................................................................................................................................. 9

2. Purpose:
2.1 Overview:
The purpose of this document is to define the part label format, location, and material requirements for
part/component labels and packaging (excluding shipping packaging) received by Tesla for inventory
management and product genealogy.

For shipping label specifications, please refer to:

BMS-0000003 - Shipping Label Specification.

For part serial number format, please refer to:

BMS-0000002 - Serial Number Format Instruction.

All labels must adhere to the following industry standards unless explicitly stated otherwise in this
document:
AIAG B-4:2003: Part Identification and Tracking Application Standards
AIAG B-10:2004: Trading Partner Labels Implementation Guideline

Any deviation from this document must be approved by Tesla in writing.

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3. Scope:, Factories: 2 of 9

3. Scope:
The Part Labeling Specification is intended both for internal Tesla use and for suppliers who directly
supply parts and/or materials to Tesla. It serves to work in conjunction with relevant industry standards
and to provide clarification of Tesla’s requirements and expectations.

If a supplier has a pre-existing labeling format they propose to use for parts not specific to Tesla, this can
be submitted to Tesla for review; however, all efforts should be made to follow the Tesla standard. All
Tesla specific parts must follow this standard.

As a business partner, your feedback is extremely valued and we encourage you to share your input on
all areas covered in this and any other documents, or in any other aspect of our business. You should at
all times feel free to provide feedback, whether minor or major.

3.1 Factories:
The following factories shall follow the label standards outlined in this document:

• Gigafactory Nevada – all production lines and manufacturing processes

• Gigafactory New York – all production lines and manufacturing processes
• Kato Road (Roadrunner) – all production lines and manufacturing processes

4. Terms and Definitions:

Terms Definition

Batch Number A homogeneous group or batch of parts that were processed in a consistent manner
in a single production run over a limited time, with consistent raw materials, equipment
and processing. A lot may refer to a subset of the Batch. A batch may be divided into
numerous lots while a lot can be traced back to only a single batch. For the purpose of
this procedure both a Batch and a Lot are a homogeneous group or batch of parts
processed in a consistent manner.

Data Identifier A specified character, or string of characters, that defines the intended use of the data
element that follows. For the purposes of automatic data capture technologies, Data
(DI)
Identifier means the alphanumeric identifiers, as defined in ISO 15418, UCC/EAN
Application Identifiers and FACT Data Identifiers and Maintenance and ANSI MH10.8.2.

Direct Part A marking applied directly to a parts surface.

Marking
Element In a linear or multi-row bar code symbology, the nominal unit of measure in a symbol
character (X dimension). In a data matrix, a single cell of the matrix used to encode one bit
of the codeword.

Human Readable Interpretation A human readable interpretation should be surrounding the data matrix but not
interfering with it. Message headers/trailers and data field separators should not be
(HRI) displayed in the HRI. The data identifiers should appear in parenthesis.
Quiet Zone A quiet zone is the area or border around a data matrix code that does not contain any
information. The quiet zone is separates the code from its surroundings and a minimum
width improves change of machine decodability.

Serial Number A number used to uniquely identify an individual part or subsystem to allow one to
trace back to processing information applicable for that individual part or subsystem.
Serial numbers may be used to trace back to functional test records, dimensional
measurements, production dates, operator names, equipment used, heat treatment, raw
material properties, etc.

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5. Labeling Requirements, Barcode Content 3 of 9

5. Labeling Requirements
5.1 Barcode Content
All barcodes must use data identifiers to identify the field of data being decoded. It details the format to be
used to uniquely identify parts and batch lots. Table 1 contains data identifier information accepted by
Tesla and is extracted from AIAG B-4:2003: Part Identification and Tracking Application Standards
Data Traceability
Item Description Length
Identifier Grade

1 P Part Number assigned by Tesla A Refer to BMS-0000356

2 S Serial Number A Refer to BMS-0000002

In some cases, a barcode may be used on Traceability Grade B / C products. For compatibility with the
existing Tesla systems, the following format should be used in those special cases. For traceability
grade definitions, please refer to BMS-0000151 - Traceability Specifications.
Data Traceability
Item Description Length
Identifier Grade

1 P Part Number assigned by Tesla B/C Refer to BMS-0000356

T Batch traceability number assigned by Tesla B/C

2 Refer to BMS-0000002
1T Batch traceability number assigned by Supplier B/C

Data separators must be used to delimit the data contained in individual data fields. The data separator
accepted by Tesla for part labels are specified in Table 2.
ASCII/ISO-646 Decimal Output Hexadecimal Output

: 58 3A

For part number definition, please refer to BMS-0000356 - Part Number Definition.
Base No. Style Code Pedigree

1234567 -00 -A

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5. Labeling Requirements, Barcode Requirements 4 of 9

Note that Tesla only accept alphanumeric characters and does not accept any special characters.
Traceability Grade Data Matrix + HRI Encoded Data String

(P)1015486-01-C
A (S)TFR15011000246 P1015486-01-C:STFR15022000246

B/C
(P)1015486-01-C
(Tesla)
(T)TFR15010000246 P1015486-01-C:TTFR15022000246

P)1015486-01-C
B/C
(Supplier)
(1T)ABC15010000246 P1015486-01-C:1TABC15022000246

5.2 Barcode Requirements

All part labeling must include a 2D Bar code (QR Code or Data Matrix). The element size for the 2D
barcode should be 0.51mm (0.0075 in) or larger. The quiet zone must be a minimum of 10 times the
width of the narrowest element or 6.4mm (0.25 in), whichever is greater. For PCBA, the maximum 2D
barcode size shall be 0.23 in by 0.23 in. with minimal quiet zone (for example, one element dimension).

Figure 1 - Quiet zone.

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5. Labeling Requirements, Barcode Requirements 5 of 9

Error Correction:
Data Matrix: Error Correction Code (ECC) Level. ECC 200
QR Code: Error Correction (EC) Level. Error correction Level M (15% EC).

All barcodes must meet performance requirements to the following standards at the time of scanning at
Tesla:
• ISO/IEC 15415:2011: Bar Code Symbol Print Quality Test Specification - Two-
Dimensional Symbols.
• ISO/IEC 16022:2006 Data Matrix Bar Code Symbology Specification.
• ISO/IEC 18004:2015 QR Code Bar Code Symbology Specification.

Note that all barcodes must adhere to the performance requirements, no matter the surface of the part
that the barcode is placed on. The traceability grade of the barcode should not be compromised by the
part’s curvature, material, or texture.

If 2D barcode is not available at time of launch, linear (1D) barcode according to ISO/IEC
15417:2007 Bar Code Symbology Specification - Code 128 can be used with Tesla approval until
capability is sufficient to support 2D barcodes. Data identifiers and HRI (Human Readable Interpretation)
are both required. Due to the separate 1D barcodes per data field, data identifiers prevent scanning of
the barcode.

Figure 2 - Code 128 example.

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5. Labeling Requirements, Label Format 6 of 9

5.3 Label Format

Traceability Grade A part labeling shall consist of a barcode and an HRI of the barcode data. Traceability
grade B/C part label content is commodity specific and shall be as defined on the released part drawing.
HRI data must use Arial Narrow BOLD or Helvetica Condensed font and be printed in uppercase with the
exception of titles. Font size should be 6 pt. or larger, with the exception of PCBA components, where 4
pt. font size is a minimum.

Company logos may be permitted for use as shown; however, the label format must be submitted to Tesla
for approval prior to introduction.

Below are acceptable label formats:

Figure 3 - Acceptable affixed label formats with optional company logo.

Small parts, such as PCB assemblies or parts built with processes that require special consideration, may
not support a full label due to size constraints or other reasons. Every effort should be made to include
both bar code and HRI on a single label; however, a label can consist of only the barcode for scanning
purposes with prior approval from Tesla. If the PCBA to be labeled is too small to accept a label directly,
the label shall instead be placed on one of the break-away rails of the PCB array with Tesla approval.
The label shall be either placed on a tag attached to the PCBA or on the ESD protective packaging
containing the PCBA.

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6. Printing, Label Position 7 of 9

5.4 Label Position

For Grade A/B level traceability parts, all label locations must be specified on the Tesla drawing as
required in BMS-0000023 - Drawing Block and Notes Standard. If the labeling location is not specified on
the drawing, then a request for clarification and subsequent drawing update is required. Labels shall not
be visible to the customer after vehicle installation.

For Grade A/B/C level traceability parts, serial or batch number information must be placed on any
packaging. BMS-0000003 Supplier-Generated Shipping Label Specification standards will be followed.

The available area for a label will dictate size of the bar code, the label, and HRI font size, but must adhere
to the minimum sizes specified in this document. For PCBA, the label size shall be 6.4 mm by 25.4 mm
(0.25 in by 1.00 in) or 6.4 mm by 6.4 mm (0.25 in by 0.25 in). During the launch phase, Tesla and the
supplier must reach an agreement on the 2D element size to be used; to minimize the risk of scanning
issues, the largest practical size element dimension that fits within the available area is preferred.

6. Printing
Printed labels shall be high contrast black print on a white label and must use a 2D Bar code (QR Code
or Data Matrix). Other label and print colors of high contrast to each other may be considered, but must
be approved by Tesla in writing.

Thermal transfer printers must use resin or resin/wax compound based ribbon. Use of direct thermal
transfer or wax based ribbons is not approved. Scratched or smeared printing will not be accepted.

7. Label Materials
Materials used must be compatible with the environmental conditions to which the associated part will be
subjected to during normal shipment, storage, and use. Labels must remain readable and adhered to the
part for the entire life of the part, not to be less than five years after parts are placed in service. Unless
otherwise approved by Tesla in writing, labels shall be of the following materials:

• All material and adhesive substitutes must be UL/CSA and FMVSS302 approved.
• Material: 3M 7871 White Thermal transfer Polyester Label Material or equivalent.
• Face stock: 2.0 mil gloss radiant white polyester.
• Adhesive: 1.8 mil #350 permanent acrylic.
• Liner: 3.2 mil 55# densified Kraft.
• Printing Finish: Top coated for thermal transfer printing.

Labels on thermal system components such as HVAC unit, controls, condensers, radiator, and plumbing,
will proceed with UL compliant, but may be exempt from FMVSS302.

8. Direct Part Marking

Direct part marking may be required or preferred if the part is too small or is exposed to an environment
unsuitable for adhesive labels. Other reasons may include cost or manufacturing efficiency. Examples of
direct part marking may include dot peening, scribing, stamping, inkjet, or laser marking.

If direct part marking is identified on the part drawing, the marking must still follow the specifications
outlines in Section 3 of this document, material marking requirements detailed in BMS-0000408 - Material
Compliance Reporting, and must be approved by Tesla in writing prior to introduction.

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9. Reference Documents, Label Position 8 of 9

9. Reference Documents
AIAG B-10:2004: Trading Partner Labels Implementation Guideline. AIAG B-4:2003:
Part Identification and Tracking Application Standards. BMS-0000002 - Serial
Number Format Instruction.
BMS-0000003 - Shipping Label Specification.
BMS-0000023 - Drawing Block and Notes Standard. BMS-
0000151 - Traceability Specifications.
BMS-0000356 - Part Number Definition.
BMS-0000408 - Material Compliance Reporting.
ISO/IEC 15415:2011: Bar Code Symbol Print Quality Test Specification - Two-Dimensional
Symbols.
ISO/IEC 15417:2007 Bar Code Symbology Specification.
ISO/IEC 16022:2006 Data Matrix Bar Code Symbology Specification. ISO/IEC
18004:2015 QR Code Bar Code Symbology Specification.

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10. Document Control:, Document Metadata: 9 of 9

10. Document Control:

10.1 Document Metadata:
Document Number BMS-0000007
Document Name SQU-Standard (Part Labeling)
Document Owner Christian Taveras
Revision 10
Location http://svn.teslamotors.com/MfgEng/ProcessDocumentation/BMSDocuments/

10.2 Revision History:

Rev Description of Change JIRA # Date Author
01 Initial release 04/2011 Claudia
Summers
02 Section 5 addition of exception for 07/2011 Claudia
components not impacted by the FMVSS 302 scope of compliance Summers
addressing labels.
03 Introduction 2D and data string. 11/2011 Claudia
Summers
04 Correction action provided for lot designation when read error 04/2013 Laurie Paez
occurs only by eliminating the designate “1” from the identifiers.
05 Removed incorrect Barcode Information 11/10/14 Laurie Paez
added example Label
06 Majority of sections re-written, corrected or otherwise altered. Label 07/21/2016 James Pang
format updated, incorrect barcode specifications removed, data
identifiers corrected. Serial number format only referenced in BMS-
0000002
07 Reflect the changes to the Serial Number formatting (BMS- 02/03/2017 Sourabh Biyani
0000002) in this document.
08 Incorporated BMS-0000165 (PCBA) specific labelling 10/01/2017 Laszlo Gunderud
requirements. Updated Grade B/C traceability requirements to
drawing defined.
09 Removed PCBA specific labelling requirements, as it does not align 5/25/2018 Rick Chang
with BMS-0000356 Part Numbering Specification.
10 Extended the requirements of the ISO standards to capture the 3/3/2021 Christian Taveras
MI-
barcode performance requirements on all barcode surfaces, no
21754
matter the curvature, texture, or material.
NA Replaced 3D barcodes in section 5.1 as these were incorrect. Not MI- 05-AUG-2022 M.Hoglund
a process change, just an example change. 38104

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