Monday, December 22, 2008

MIL-STD-129 Requirement Norms As Per The Dod Mil Specs

To standardize the military products, the US Department of Defence (DoD) has introduced certain DoD MIL Specs. The purpose of these DoD MIL Specs is to ensure that all defence related products are manufactured as per a common requirement standard and similar defence-related objective. They should also have proper compatibility with logistics systems.


MIL-STD-129 is one of the major standards of DoD MIL Specs meant for uniform military marking for shipment and storage. Ammunition and other military equipments that are supplied through shipments are clearly specified in the MIL-STD-129 standard. Contractors who want to supply their products are mandated to follow the instructions as per the standard for the application of numbers, labels, symbols, tags, and colors to expedite handling during shipment and storage.


As per the DoD MIL Specs, the MIL-STD-129 standard has made shipment container labelling exercise a bit more rigorous. While one set of labels is required for unit and intermediate containers, and another set is mandated for exterior containers.


The MIL-STD-129 requirements for unit, intermediate and exterior containers are discussed as follows.


For Unit Containers:

Serial Number Barcodes are assigned by the manufacturer or the Government for identification or control and only then can be listed. The serial numbers for each item in the container should be in clear barcode format.

Every minute detail about the barcodes such as National Stock Number (NSN) Barcode, quantity, part number, contract number, item description, unit of issue, date of preservation, and method of preservation code should be listed in plain text format.


As per the MIL-STD-129 standard, Shelf life markings are a must for deteriorative items. The Shelf Life Markings indicate the date an item needs to be tested or disposed of.


For Exterior Containers:

Here the basic label format is similar to that of unit containers, however as per the DoD MIL Specs, there are a few exceptions. Like the Contract Number, NSN, and CAGE Code must be in barcode format. Also item description which was there in unit containers marking is not necessary here. Besides these, certain additional labels are also required which are summarized below.


Military Shipment Label (MSL): both the DoD and contractors are mandated to address this special markings using a bar coded MSL. This label includes barcodes for the transportation control number (TCN), Piece Number and to and from Mark-For address information necessary to route shipments to defense users. A 2D-barcode that encodes all of the data on the label for automatic process is also included in this MSL.


Direct-Vendor Delivery (DVD) Label: According to the MIL-STD-129 requirement standard, vendors are required to follow this DVD shipments standard address marking with bar codes format. This DVD label includes the NSN and composite barcode, requisition TCN, Unit of Issue, Condition Code, made up of Quantity, Routing ID Code, Unit Price, and finally the Distribution Code.


Serial Number Barcode(s): As per the DoD MIL Specs, "SERIAL NUMBER LIST INSIDE" should be clearly marked on the identification-marked side of the exterior container. If more than five bar codes are there, two serial number lists shall be provided instead of a single one. The first serial number must be placed inside the container while the second one should be in the packing list.


The intermediate containers follow the same rules as that of both the unit and exterior containers.


Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A Brief Overview of IUID Registry Process

The Item Unique Identification (IUID) Registry is commonly known as the vital repository of IUID information. It has a critical role in the identification and classification of items that are at the disposal of the Department of Defense (DoD). Likewise, it also assists the DoD to find out the preliminary value of items during their acquisition, acquisition time, rightful custody and the marking process.


Unique Identification is a system designed and planned by the Department of Defense to differentiate one object easily from another through the entire life cycle process. The IUID has grown to become the most important part of the Department. The IUID has been useful to the DoD in capturing the value of items it buys, controlling these items during their use, and tracking counterfeiting of parts at regular intervals.


The IUID acts as a universal method of parts identification. It is the most significant element which assists the DoD to locate, control and value its assets frequently. Through its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has made it mandatory that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID).


As the DoD’s information systems have become more web-savvy, the IUID helps with financial integration, accountability systems, maintenance and life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from augmenting the quality of information available for management configuration, it will facilitate other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. In short, The IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.


Procedure of Submitting Data in the IUID Registry


All the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers ought to be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registering with the IUID Registry. If you plan to conduct business with Government Furnished Property, you must submit data to the IUID Registry. The users have to register themselves to get their login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry. Also, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to receive login access to the IUID Registry.


Rules to Be Applicable for IUID Registry


  • All items for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more when the Government’s unit acquisition cost is less than $5,000 and the requiring activity determines that permanent identification is required.

  • Ensure the delivery of IUID data to the IUID Registry and marking of UIIs on items purchased by the Department of Defense (including those for foreign customers), consisting of new equipment, major modifications, reprocurements of equipment and spares, by issuing solicitations that include the clause at DFARS 252.211-7003 or by alternative implementation that will result in marking and registration no later than 30 days after receipt of materiel.

  • Purchases initiated by the Department of Defense and executed through the General Services Administration or other federal agencies shall comply with the UID policy

  • Modernize acquisition, logistics, and property management Automated Information Systems with UII requirements including use of the IUID Registry.

A Brief Overview of IUID Registry Process

The Item Unique Identification (IUID) Registry is commonly known as the vital repository of IUID information. It has a critical role in the identification and classification of items that are at the disposal of the Department of Defense (DoD). Likewise, it also assists the DoD to find out the preliminary value of items during their acquisition, acquisition time, rightful custody and the marking process.


Unique Identification is a system designed and planned by the Department of Defense to differentiate one object easily from another through the entire life cycle process. The IUID has grown to become the most important part of the Department. The IUID has been useful to the DoD in capturing the value of items it buys, controlling these items during their use, and tracking counterfeiting of parts at regular intervals.


The IUID acts as a universal method of parts identification. It is the most significant element which assists the DoD to locate, control and value its assets frequently. Through its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has made it mandatory that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID).


As the DoD’s information systems have become more web-savvy, the IUID helps with financial integration, accountability systems, maintenance and life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from augmenting the quality of information available for management configuration, it will facilitate other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. In short, The IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.


Procedure of Submitting Data in the IUID Registry


All the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers ought to be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registering with the IUID Registry. If you plan to conduct business with Government Furnished Property, you must submit data to the IUID Registry. The users have to register themselves to get their login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry. Also, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to receive login access to the IUID Registry.


Rules to Be Applicable for IUID Registry




  • All items for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more when the Government’s unit acquisition cost is less than $5,000 and the requiring activity determines that permanent identification is required.



  • Ensure the delivery of IUID data to the IUID Registry and marking of UIIs on items purchased by the Department of Defense (including those for foreign customers), consisting of new equipment, major modifications, reprocurements of equipment and spares, by issuing solicitations that include the clause at DFARS 252.211-7003 or by alternative implementation that will result in marking and registration no later than 30 days after receipt of materiel.



  • Purchases initiated by the Department of Defense and executed through the General Services Administration or other federal agencies shall comply with the UID policy



  • Modernize acquisition, logistics, and property management Automated Information Systems with UII requirements including use of the IUID Registry.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Submission Process to IUID Registry – An Overview

The Item Unique Identification (IUID) Registry is considered as the central repository for IUID information. It helps the Department of Defense (DoD) identify the types of the item, and track the value of the item during its acquisition. The IUID information also helps track the acquisition time, and rightful custody (whether it belongs to the government or contractor).

The IUID is the key which assists DoD to locate, control and value its assets over time. Through its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has mandated that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID). The IUID acts as a universal method of parts identification. Unique Identification is a system devised and planned by the Department of Defense to easily distinguish one object from another throughout their life cycle process. The IUID has become an indispensable part of DoD. The IUID has been beneficial to the DoD to capture the value of items it buys, control these items during their use, and track the counterfeiting of parts over periods of time.

As the DoD’s information systems have become more web-savvy, the IUID helps with maintenance, financial integration, accountability systems and life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from adding to the quality of information available for management configuration, it will help in other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. Simply put, the IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.

Procedure of Submitting Data in the IUID Registry

All the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers must be registered with the (Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registration with the IUID Registry. If you are interested in doing business with Government Furnished Property, you have to submit data to the IUID Registry. The users must register themselves to acquire their login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry. In addition, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to receive login access to the IUID Registry.

What Data Must be Submitted to The UID Registry?

Some critical data that must be submitted to UID Registry includes:

Configuration:

Item Description

Part Number Changes

Embedded Items

Valuation:

Major Modifications

Initial Acquisitions

Accountability:

Custodial Contract Data

Contractor Custody Information

Acceptance Data

Pedigree:

Shipment and Delivery Information

Acquisition Contract Information

Serial Number

Original Part, Lot, or Batch Number

Methods of UID Registration:

The ideal data submission method is executed through the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF), a Paperless Contracting environment. The WAWF helps contractors to transmit shipping notices electronically and DoD to perform both receipt and acceptance electronically. Novice users can reach WAWF on the Internet at https://wawf.eb.mil/ and follow the link called "Self Register to use WAWF (New Users)" to obtain access. When IUID data is transmitted as part of the WAWF submission, the IUID Registry will be automatically updated and no other contractor action is required.

Friday, December 5, 2008

What is the Submission Process to IUID Registry?

What is IUID?

Unique Identification is a system devised and put in place by the Department of Defense (DoD) to distinguish one object from another throughout their life cycle process. The Item Unique Identification (IUID) helps the DoD capture the value of items it buys, control these items during their use, and track counterfeiting of parts over periods of time. IUID is an indispensable part of the DoD and acts as a universal method of parts identification.


Though its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has mandated that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID). Additionally, the Unique Item Identifier (UII) is regarded as the universally unique and permanent for the item during its entire cycle. IUID is the key which assists DoD to locate, control and value its assets again and again. Usually, UIIs are stored in the UID Registry with pedigree data associated with the item.


What is IUID Registry?

The IUID Registry is treated as the central repository for IUID information. It helps the DoD identify the type of the item, acquisition time, preliminary value during its acquisition, existing custody (whether it belongs to the government or contractor), and the marking process and other similar concerns.


As the DoD’s information systems have become progressively more web-savvy, the IUID will help with maintenance, integrating financial, accountability systems and life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from augmenting the quality of information available to configuration management, it will help in other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. In addition, IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.


Process of Submitting Data To The IUID Registry

You must submit data to the IUID Registry if you are a contractor with Government Furnished Property, or if your contracts require IUID Registry. You must register yourself to acquire login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry. As well, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to receive login access to the IUID Registry. This means that all the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registration with the IUID Registry. It’s a very secure system and access is only granted to specific entities.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Things You Must Know About UID Nameplates and UID Labels

Brief info about UID Label

The Item Unique Identification (UID) label is mandatory for all individuals who need to be UID compliant. The UID label is used for all the Department of Defense’s (DoD) identification requirements and serialization tracking programs (SNTs). The UID Labels, UID tags and UID nameplates you use should last long under difficult conditions and should not wear away. Selecting the right UID label is extremely important for achieving UID compliance.

However, the UID labels or plates must meet MIL STD 130 code standards. There is however, a wide variety of materials to choose from. UID labelscan be made from stainless steel, polyester, aluminum or laser marked adhesive backed tape. ID-Integration.com can help you make a decision.

All companies requiring UID labels, UID nameplates, and Mil-Std 130M UID compliance can be described in three broad categories which are stated as follows:

Full Resource Medium-to-Large Size Companies

These companies generally have all the available resources needed to fully implement Mil-Std 130M compliant labels and tags, UID verification and Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) and UID registering processes. However, they still look for a UID partner that can help them choose appropriate UID equipment or process for their operation. These companies generally purchase stock UID labels and other parts from ID-integration.

Selective Resource Medium-to-Large Size Companies

Although these companies have adequate resources to implement the necessary equipment and processes for complete Mil-Std 130 UID compliance, they choose to partner with a vendor that can offer UID labels and UID nameplates including on-demand and verification reports in a timely fashion.

Limited Resource Small-to-Medium Size Companies

These companies have a Mil-Std 130 requirement but cannot afford to purchase thermal transfer printers, CO2 laser etching equipment or UID label verification equipment and qualified staff to cater to the UID orders. Therefore, they generally seek a reliable UID partner which can offer UID compliance labels, UID nameplates, verification reports and also a process to submit UID information to the WAWF and UID Registry. These companies generally require a full service solution from ID-integration. ID-integration takes care of and ensures complete UID compliance with all DoD standards.

Friday, November 28, 2008

What are the Differences Between 2D Datamatrix Codes and 1D Barcodes?

Usually a wide range of electronics devices such as automotive keyless entry system or home audio equipments are marked with a unique coding standard called Data Matrix. 2D Data Matrix is widely used by manufacturers to build an automated tracking system that is machine readable, durable and facilitates unique identification of each product throughout its life cycle. The ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes are manufactured with the help of laser marking. They are one of the most cost-effective methods for tracking products and creating distinctive identification during the manufacturing cycle, sales distribution and after-sale warranty verification stages.

Data Matrix codes are designed so that they can survive complex manufacture processes such as broad cleaning and wave solder, without affecting the circuit performance. This means that the codes’ extensive use in the manufacturing process is widely accepted. The ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes allow for a proficient means of storing alphanumeric character strings in a very small area of printed circuit board.

Advantages of ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes over conventional 1D barcodes are stated below.

• Unlike the analog encoding of data in conventional barcodes, Data Matrix codes encode information digitally.

Data Matrix codes are scalable and can be printed in various levels of magnification. However, they are only limited by the resolution of the available imaging and printing techniques.

• 2D Data Matrix codes are the highest among all the 2D codes, enabling the placement of a large amount of information in a small area. They offer higher information density in comparison to the 1D barcodes.

• Data Matrix codes offer built-in error correction techniques due to the fact that they have a high information density. The features are designed to allow complete recovery of the encoded message in the Data Matrix symbol even when the mark is missing or if the symbol is damaged up to 20 per cent.

Data Matrix codes easily hold low-contrast printing directly on the parts without the help of a label.

• Data Matrix codes can be read by video camera, which essentially means that they can be read in any orienta

Friday, November 21, 2008

Ideal Submission Procedures of the IUID Registry

The Item Unique Identification (IUID) acts as a universal method of parts identification. Unique Identification is a system devised and planned by the Department of Defense (DoD) to easily distinguish one object from another throughout their life cycle process. IUID has become an indispensable part of DoD. IUID has been beneficial to the Department in capturing the value of items it buys, controlling these items during their use, and tracking counterfeiting of parts over different periods of time.

The Unique Item Identifier (UII) is regarded as the universally unique and permanent for the item during its entire cycle. The IUID is the key which assists Department in its efforts to locate, control and value its assets over time. Usually, UIIs are stored in the Unique Item Identifier (UID) Registry with pedigree data associated with the item. Though its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has mandated that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID).

Brief info about IUID Registry
IUID Registry
is considered the central repository for IUID information. It helps the DoD to identify the types of the item, its preliminary value during its acquisition, its acquisition time, its rightful custody (whether it belongs to the government or contractor), its marking process and other similar concerns.

As the DoD’s information systems have progressively become more web-savvy, the IUID assists with maintenance, integrating financial, accountability systems and the life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from increasing the quality of information available to configuration management, it will help in other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. In addition, IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.

Procedure of Submitting Data in the IUID Registry
All the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registering with the IUID Registry. If you want to do business with Government Furnished Property, you must submit data to the IUID Registry. The users must register themselves to acquire their login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry. In addition, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to receive login access to the IUID Registry.

How to submit in the IUID Registry

Unique Item Identifier (IUID) acts as a universal system of parts identification. Unique Identification is a system devised and planned by the Department of Defense (DoD) to easily distinguish one object from another throughout their life cycle process. IUID has become an indispensable part of the DoD.

IUID Registry is considered as the central repository for IUID information. It helps the Department to identify the types of the item, its preliminary value during its acquisition, its acquisition time, its rightful custody (whether it belongs to the government or contractor), its marking process and other similar concerns.

IUID is the key which assists the DoD to locate, control and value its assets and through their entire life cycle. It helps the DoD keep track of munitions, spare parts, and other items under its possession. Though its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has mandated that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID). IUID has been beneficial to the DoD in capturing the value of items it buys, controlling these items during their use, and tracking counterfeiting of parts at different periods of time.
As the DoD’s information systems have become more web-savvy, the IUID assists with maintenance, financial integration, accountability systems and life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from its incremental affects on the quality of information available for management configuration, IUID will help in other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. In a nutshell, IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.

Method of Submitting Data in the IUID Registry
If you are interested in conducting business with Government Furnished Property, you have to submit data to the IUID Registry. To do so, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to get login to the IUID Registry. All the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registering with the IUID Registry. The users must register themselves to obtain their login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry.