Definitions:
BAT \b.a.te\
From French bon à tirer – “good for print”
BAT card
BAT card is a non-operational card produced using the materials, inks and finish that will be used in the mass production of the product. Although BAT card cannot be technically tested with a device, both marketing and technical verification is required for printing and personalization details.
BAT approval (graphical profile and physical dimensions)
BAT approval is a document signed by customer confirming that the product sample (BAT card) has been examined and approved for mass production.
BAT testing can be combined with BAP testing if the BAP card is produced as per the complete graphical and electrical card profile. Both BAT and BAP card approvals play an essential role in the SIM manufacturing process and represent two important elements of T-zero (Time zero is the time when all components are verified and ready for mass production, i.e. purchase order, input data, BAT approval, BAP approval, packing and label requirements).
Responsibilities:
SIM vendor’s responsibility: It is the SIM vendor’s responsibility to provide a BAT card that is produced as per the ISO standards (ISO/IEC 7816-1 (1998) – “Physical Characteristics”, ISO/IEC 7816-2 (1999) – “Dimensions and location of the contacts”) and follows agreed customer specifications and confirmed artwork (graphical profile) prior to releasing commercial order for mass production.
During mass production the SIM vendor is responsible for following the exact specifications, personalization and overall quality as per the approved BAT card. Due to the nature of the printing process there may be some minor variations in visual appearance within industry tolerances which will not jeopardize the overall integrity of branding or functionality.
Customer’s responsibility: The customer shall notify the vendor of any required changes during digital proofing stage prior to BAT production. It is customer’s responsibility to examine a BAT card against specifications and artwork and provide written feedback to the vendor in the form of approval or rejection.
Comparisons to other manufacturer samples are not valid if only introduced after production of BAT and not highlighted at the artwork digital proof stage.
The following characteristics must be checked during BAT approval process. It may not be a comprehensive list of items to review so every element must be checked carefully.
BAT rejection:
If the BAT card is rejected due to error(s) occurred during BAT production, the vendor will rectify the issue(s) and provide the second set of BAT cards free of charge.
The vendor shall not accept any responsibility or compensation claims for errors overlooked by the customer and highlighted after BAT approval (refer to responsibilities section above).
If mass production has not yet commenced such errors can be fixed and a new set of BAT cards provided at additional cost. If mass production has started, the vendor and customer shall mutually agree when and how the issues need to be rectified; all additional costs for such rectification shall be covered by the customer.
| Physical dimensions of card body and measurements | Full, half, quarter size or plug-in only |
| Form Factor | 2FF, 3FF, 4FF or combination |
| Artwork | Match to approved digital proof |
| Colour scheme | Match to any defined colours |
| Word proofing | Text, language and numbers |
| Variable data | Position and syntax of ICCID, IMSI, MSISDN, PIN/PUK, expiry date, etc. |
| Barcodes | Presence and position of barcodes |
| Finishing | Gloss, matt |
| Plug-in area | Quality of cut |
BAT waiver:
BAT testing is not required for repeat production runs (no changes in the graphical profile).
BAT testing can be waived in a case of minor changes on the graphical profile that can be re-proofed via digital proof (position of graphical elements, additional personalization, text, numbers, etc.)
BAT approval form:
The customer shall provide signed BAT approval form supplied along with the physical card sample. No e-mail or verbal approvals will be accepted. Production will commence upon receipt of the signed approval form.
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