Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Specification and Criteria for the DoD UID Labels

The DoD has mentioned the specification and criteria for the DoD UID labels. The contractors and vendors are required to follow these instructions while manufacturing the DoD UID labels.

DoD UID labels are required for IUID marking of items where the direct part marking is not applicable. As the DoD has made it a mandate for the items to have globally unique identification, UID labels has added to the functionality of the system. The UID labels are generally provided by the contractors, which they either manufacture or procure from the vendors. There are several criteria defined for the DoD UID labels to meet the standards of MIL-STD-130.

There are certain specifications mentioned in the MIL-STD-130 for the DoD UID labels and the information is provided for the contractors to meet the standard.

Specifications required for the UID Label Materials to Meet

It is mandatory that the performance of the material of DoD UID labels should meet the MIL-STD-130 requirements. The MIL-STD-130L has mentioned the criteria of marking the DoD UID labels. Basically, it has been specified that the marking should be permanent for the functional life time of the items. The DoD UID labels shouldn’t affect the performance of the items and should be able to resist normal use, cleaning, and environmental changes. The information provided by the contractors to assure that the labels and markings can survive for the functional lifetime of the items includes historical data, manufacturer’s guarantee, commercial standards met, etc.

Quality Checking of UID Labels in Accordance with MIL-STD-130L

As the contractors procure the UID labels or nameplates from the vendors, it is the responsibility of the contractor to secure a Certificate of Conformance from their vendors as an assurance that the labels have been manufactured according to the requirements of MIL-STD-130L. It is the responsibility of the contractors to investigate about the manufacturing procedure of the vendors and ensure that the DoD UID labels meet the specific requirements. The CoC states the Grade of the mark at the time of manufacture. The application process of the contractors is reviewed to confirm that labels are not damaged and the markings are not altered. The MIL-STD-130L has mentioned a re-verification process if any type of alter in marking is discovered.

Criteria Mentioned by the MIL-STD-130n for DoD UID Labels

  • Depending on the requirements, the labels (name plates, data plates or ID plates) can be made up of metallic or non-metallic materials.
  • It is mentioned by the standard that the labels can be of same or different material than the material of the item that requires this DoD UID label. However, if the materials are different, care should be taken that the materials don’t harm each other and the material of the labels should get affixed to the part or item.
  • The length of the UID labels shouldn’t be more than 50 characters.
  • According to the MIL-STD-130N standard the DoD UID label should contain both machine-readable information and free text marking for item identification.
  • The verification of the IUID marking is done as per the MIL-STD-130N standard.

The contract between the government and suppliers states about the nature, utility and condition of the objects regarding the number of operation, for days, months and years.

Various Features of IUID Marking

The IUID marking has numerous functional benefits for the DoD. However, the marking system has various aspects that are essential to be taken care of while marking the items.

According to the Department of Defense, the items that require DoD recognized IUID marking may include government furnished property in the possession of the contractors, items procured under ongoing contracts and new solicitations, and items in inventory, operational use, or undergoing depot maintenance. As the IUID marking program is a strategic program of marking the items with a globally unique identification number, it has become an essential aspect of asset management for the Department of Defense. Looking at the functionality of the IUID marking, the DoD has made it obligatory for all the items that department owns or buys.

Advantages of IUID marking

  • The IUID marking program ensures the enhanced traceability and visibility of the uniquely identified items across the Department of Defense.
  • IUID marking is considered as an aid to DoD’s financial management statement as the data provided in the UID are used for operating materials and equipment management, and audit of the property.
  • As data available for the similar items are better handled with their unique identification,IUID marking is a strategic approach to purchasing the items.
  • As the IUID marking of the items are for the functional life-time of the item, the DoD can achieve a long-term and improved management with the available data.
  • IUID marking is also a great help to the mission oriented activities that require improved execution and planning.
  • As the IUID marking program has enhanced the efficiency of the items, the DoD has been able to reduce its frustration and improve the availability of the items.
  • The consistent use of lifecycle asset information has literally reduced the cost of personal property management.

The Basic Formats of IUID Marking

The IUID marking requirements for the DoD recognized items include product serial number, product part number and manufacturer’s enterprise identifier. The data required for the marking is entered as machine readable 2D data matrix code and decoded with the help of data matrix scanner.

There are two basic format of IUID marking –

Construction #1- serialization within enterprise identifier

Construction #2- serialization within the original part number, batch number or the lot number

Basically, the constructs are two types of templates meant to mark the DoD UID to the items.

Basic Requirements of IUID Marking

According the DoD mandate the IUID marking of the items should comply with the standard set by the MIL-STD-130. The IUID marking can be applied to the items using to alternative methods- Direct Part Marking and Nameplates or Labels. If the environment of the parts doesn’t allow for the direct part marking, use of nameplates or labels becomes the ultimate choice. Whatever may be the method of IUID marking, it is essential that the marking should be permanent for the functional lifecycle of the item. There are certain other aspects that are considered while IUID marking.

  • The IUID marking should be able to resist environmental conditions and chemicals.
  • The color of the text and its background should be contrasting
  • The IUID marking should be permanent.

The data entered for the IUID marking should be accurate.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Various Options for IUID Marking

There are different IUID marking methodology for the DoD items and the methods varies depending on the type of item.

The Department of Defense has defined vendors’ instructions and requirements for IUID marking and submission of IUID data to the UID Registry. IUID marking includes an encoded data string applied to the item as 2D Data Matrix Symbol. MIL-STD-130 is the governing document with the instructions for the application of 2D Data Matrix and regarded as DoD Standard Practice for IUID marking of US Military property.

IUID Marking Options

As the IUID marking is affixed to or etched on an item to identify it throughout its functional life time, it is essential to give prime consideration to the marking methodologies. The MIL-STD-130 has allowed two types of IUID marking methods for the DoD items- indirect part marking and direct part marking.

Indirect Part Marking:

With indirect part marking, a tag, label or nameplate is attached to the item that contains the IUID data as 2D Data Matrix symbol. There are also two options for indirect part marking:

Label Printing:

It is the best option for the DoD contractors to satisfy their marketing needs for the DoD items where a permanent adhesive label can be affixed. The method uses two technologies – thermal transfer on demand printers and direct thermal- for critical barcode labeling applications such as aerospace, manufacturing, logistics and other industries. The thermal-transfer printers work with wide range of durable media and best for outstanding printing quality. Direct thermal printer applies heat directly to the chemically treated media. The advantage of the method is that it is a cost effective method for in-house IUID marking option and simplifies the work of the operators to load media. However, the down side is that the thermal transfer-printers are inadequate with their capabilities of label media.

Data Plates:

The data plates for IUID marking are either created in-house or ordered from the suppliers. In case the data plates are supplied by the DoD contractors, the suppliers have to ensure that the plates contain correct IUID data and are affixed to the correct items. Generally, data plates are made up of metals that allow them to resist adverse environmental conditions and chemicals. The advantage of data plates over adhesive label is that they can be attached to the items screws, rivets and other fasteners where the adhesive doesn’t work. The disadvantage of data plates is they require expensive equipments for manufacturing. Again, it requires expense to marking process, fasteners and skilled labours for affixing the plates.

Direct Part Marking:

Direct part marking is the process of directly etching the IUID data to the items that require IUID marking. Ink jet printing, chemical etching, dot peening, laser bonding, and laser etching are the main techniques of direct part marking. However, while applying this marking technology the structural tolerances and composition of the items are taken into consideration. The process of direct part marking (DPM) is preferred for its durability and space efficiency. As the symbols are not read optically, they can perform despite of being covered by dirt or paint. But this IUID marking technology has a serious disadvantage. In case the symbol is not applied correctly, the item is wasted.

While applying the IUID marking, the contractors need to decide the marking methodology for the items.

Significance of DoD UID Labels of Item for Department of Defense

The basic asset management system of DoD items requires unique identification of each item. With globally unique identification, the items offer an easy maintenance to the department and assist the DoD to keep track of them. The DoD UID labels are the identification marking affixed or etched to items and are marked with DoD data elements. The data to a DoD UID label is entered as high density machine readable 2D data matrix barcodes. The UID data are either etched to the items through direct part marking or permanently affixed to the items as labels.

The Item Unique Identification Program is designed by DoD so as to get implemented across the multinational organizational boundaries. The structure is also inter-operable among the various departments of the organization. Although the DoD UID labels are basically designed to globally and uniquely identify the items across the Department of Defense, the structure of marking and labeling has significantly enhanced the accountability and valuation of the assets.

The department of Defense made the DoD UID label mandatory for the items of the organization after 1st January 2004. The policies of the structure have been constantly changing for improved management inside the organization. The recent policy has made it mandatory that all the government furnished property- tangible personal property or property in the possession of the contractors- should have proper UID marking and registration. DoD also plans to mark all the embedded assets and items with DoD UID Labels within 31 December, 2010.

The criteria that make the items eligible for DoD UID labels are as follows

  • The acquisition cost of the item should be more that $5000
  • The item should be consumable, serially managed, controlled inventory or the any other item that requires a permanent identification mark.
  • The item ought to be an element required by the program manager to have unique identification

As it is mentioned that the DoD UID labels contain machine readable 2D data matrix barcode symbols, there are certain specified elements that combine to construct the total DoD UID. The elements are a unique part number, unique serial number that is assigned to that item, and the identification of the manufacturer or the enterprise. The data is encoded with a specific language and format. The IUID data is decoded with Automatic Identification Technology. There are two construction methods of UID marking-

Construction #1- serialization within enterprise identifier

Construction #2- serialization within the original part number, batch number or the lot number.

The marking procedure of the DoD UID labels should ensure that the markings are permanent for the functional life time of the items. The DoD UID of an item is either affixed to it with as a label or engraved to the item as direct part marking. The labels and nameplates are used where direct part marking is not possible. Whether it is the nameplate or mark, they should be able to withstand adverse environmental conditions and chemical cleaning procedures.

As the DoD UID labels are crucial for submission of UID data to UID registry proper care should be taken to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Building and Decoding Techniques of DoD UID

There are two basic constructs to build DoD UID. The barcodes also need special technology for their identification.

The DoD UID unique identification system that distinguishes the items possessed by the Department of Defense allowing the department to keep track of the items in an easier way. The DoD UID of an item is marked as a High Density 2D data matrix barcode. The symbol is etched on a square grid. It is a globally unique item identifier that is affixed to the item of etched on the parts so as to make it permanent for the functional lifetime of the item.

For a commercial identifier, there are certain criteria required to consider it as a DoD UID equivalent.

  • It should contain an enterprise identifier
  • It should uniquely identify an individual item within an enterprise identifier, product, or part number
  • It should have an existing DI or AI listed in American National Standard, Data Identifier and Application Identifier Standard

The DoD UID Building Technology

There are two basic methods to construct DoD UID for an item-

Construct #1, with serialization within the enterprise identifier,

Construct #2, with serialization within the original part number, lot number or batch number

It is the manufacturing process that decides the construction method to be used. In Construct #1 the DoD UID is developed by adding a unique serial number to the item after the enterprise identification. It can be a CAGE/NCAGE, DUNS, or EAN.UCC number. As long as a suitable data qualifier is used before the enterprise identification, the concatenated UID will have a correct Issuing Identity Code (IAC). It doesn’t require marking the data matrix with the IAC.

Although the Construct #2 also developed with the enterprise identification, it requires other data along with it for a complete DoD UID. The data elements are original part number, batch number or, lot number, and the serial number.The existing part no is not a part of any of the DoD UID construct; it is the additional data element for the item.

The Technique of Decoding the DoD UID marks

The DoD UID is not formally imprinted as data matrix as it is derived from its component data elements each time the data matrix is accessed. The data elements that form the DoD UID are included within the data matrix and are identified with the help of a barcode reader or an automated reader. While scanning the marks, the data elements must be introduced to the automated reader with the prefixes that have been used to represent instructions. The ‘prefixes’ are data qualifiers that can be used in any of the following threes forms in commercial use.

  • Alphanumeric Data Identifiers
  • (DI), numeric Application Identifiers (AI), oralpha
  • Text Element Identifiers (TEI)
The 2D data matrix codes are the human unreadable codes and hence, the symbols must be written and read using Automated Identification Technology (AIT).The latest technology of 2D data matrix code for DoD UID marking has created a new revolution in the DoD management system. It has also enhanced the efficiency of barcode.

The IUID Marking System In Accordance to the MIL-STD-130

The MIL-STD-130 has set a standard for the IUID marking system along with the requirements, marking procedure and minimum print quality of IUID.

As per the Department of Defense mandate, the IUID of the items acquired by the department should comply with the MIL-STD-130. MIL-STD-130N requires that all IUID qualifying items should be marked with machine readable 2D Data Matrix code and the codes are identified with the help of sophisticated barcode readers.

The Requirements for the IUID Markings

The MIL-STD-130 standard requires that the IUID marks of an item can be marked with the help of identification plate, band, tag, or label. However, it is essential for the contractors to ensure that the materials of the marking should not affect the performance of the items. Again, care should be taken to place the IUID marking in such a way that it doesn’t interfere the normal use of the items.

The DoD requires that all marking should be permanent for the functional life time of the items. The IUID marking should withstand adverse environmental conditions and chemicals, and resist the cleaning procedures of the items.

The Marking Procedure of the IUID

According to the MIL-STD-130N, the DoD items that qualify the IUID criteria should be marked with machine readable codes. The length of the IUID code should be limited to 50 characters to comply with ISO/IEC 15459-4. All letters must be capitals, where as the fonts can be any one from Futura, Arial, Trebuchet MS, Gothic, or any other sans-serif fonts. However, it should be noted that the numerals should be in Arabics. Otherwise, if designated by Government standard or applicable industry Roman numerals can be used.

According to ISO/IEC 16022 the IUID should be marked with Data Matrix ECC200 symbol. The data elements required for the IUID marking are encoded into the Data Matrix Symbol with the syntax of ISO/IEC 15434. The formats for the marking are-

  • Format 05 for Application Identifiers (AI)
  • Format 06 for Data Identifiers (DI)
  • Format 12 for Text Element Identifiers (TEI)

The size of the modules should be minimum 0.0075 inch and maximum 0.025 inch. In case it is a square symbol, the size should not exceed one inch.

Linear bar codes can be of Code 39 Symbols, Code 128 Symbols, GS1-128. The range of the ratio of wide elements to narrow elements can be anything from 2.1:1 to 3.1:1.

Minimum Print Quality of IUID Symbols

The MIL-STD-130N has determined a minimum print quality for linear bar code and Data Matrix Symbols.

For the Linear Bar Code IUID, the minimum grade is 3.0 and it is measured with an aperture of 0.005 inch size with a 660nm light source wavelength.

The minimum quality of Data Matrix Symbol is measured with 0.005 inch aperture and 650 nm ± 20 nm light source wavelength.

It is essential for the DoD contractors to understand the IUID and MIL-STD-130N to build perfect IUID for the items. It also requires quality equipments and advanced manufacturing technology for manufacture of the IUID labels. As the IUIDs are designed to reduce the complexities of DoD management, care should be taken that they should be developed in accordance with the MIL-STD-130N standards.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

DoD UID Labels and Their Different Aspects

DoD UID labels are a system developed by the Department of Defense to keep track of the assets. However, there are various aspects of the marking procedure.
What Are DoD UID Labels?

Unique Identification or UID is an asset management system initiated by the Department of Defense (DoD) that requires the assets have globally unique identification mark. The system allows the DoD to distinguish the objects from each other and keep track of them. Basically, the DoD UID labels are machine readable, high density 2D matrix style barcodes that are either directly marked on the parts or affixed permanently as labels.

The Background of DoD UID Labels

The Department of Defense introduced the Item Unique Identification (IUID) program in an attempt to manage plants, property, equipments, supplies and operating materials and improve their tracking system throughout the organization. The structure is designed to be implemented across the multi-national organizational boundaries and it is also inter-operable. Besides, the framework of UID labels is comparable across the business systems of DoD. Principally intended to uniquely and globally identify the items across the department of Defense, the marking and labeling program has enhanced the asset accountability and valuation.

After January 1 2004, the DoD UID labels have been mandatory for the organization. According to this recently established policy, UID markings and registration of the UII is essential for government furnished property in the possession of contractors and tangible personal property. The DoD also aims at completing UID marking of embedded assets and items within the DoD system by December 31, 2010. however, there are certain criteria for the items delivered to DoD to have UID labels

  • The acquisition cost the items should exceed $5000.
  • It should be a consumable item, controlled inventory, serially managed or material that requires a permanent identification mark.
  • The item should be a component required by the program manager to have unique identification.

As the DoD UID labels are data matrix barcode symbols, the data of the symbols are combination of certain codes- a inique part number and/or serial number that is assigned to that item and the identification of the manufacturer or the enterprise. The data is processed to be encoded with a specific language and format and decoded with Automatic Identification Technology. Basically there are two methods of UID label construction for an item-

Construction #1- serialization within enterprise identifier

Construction #2- serialization within the original part number, batch number or the lot number

Marking Procedure of DoD UID Labels

The identification plate with UID labels is affixed to the item securely or the UID label is directly applied to the surface of the item. The marks should be permanent according to the normal life expectancy of the item. The nameplate and the marks are designed to resist difficult environmental tests as well as the specified cleaning procedure for the item to which the plate or label is attached.

Quality Checking for DoD UID Labels

Quality checking for the validity of the data content and verification of print quality is important for the UID labels. The data validation is checked by scanning the marks with an automated barcode scanner.

DoD UID labels are crucial for the submission of data to UID registry. However, the contractors require keeping in mind the marking procedure and quality checking for submission of data.

Functional Aspects of IUID for the Department of Defense

The IUID marking procedure is the strategic item management system for the Department of Defense for its various functional aspects.
The
IUID program of U.S. Department of Defense provides the suggested methods of implementing the marking requirements for the DoD recognized items. The scope of the program includes items in inventory, operational use, or undergoing depot maintenance, items procured under ongoing contracts and new solicitations, Government-furnished property in the possession of contractors.

The IUID is a strategic essential for the Department of Defense that permanently identifies an individual item of the department for better management. It is also an identification that distinguishes an item from all other items that the Department owns or buys. IUID is machine readable, globally unique data element used for marking personal property items.

The DoD enterprise has been benefited in several ways with the IUID procedures

  • Providing IUID is the best commercial practice that is used for asset visibility and traceability methods.
  • IUID of the items are used for the advanced audit options for the property, plant, operating materials and equipment management. It is also an aid to DoD’s financial management statements.
  • IUID provides an extensive approach to strategic purchasing as the data available for the similar personal property items are more accurate with the unique identification.
  • The DoD can achieve an improved and long-term inventory management as the IUID provides better visibility of enterprise assets.
  • The mission-oriented activities can have improved planning and execution through total asset visibility.
  • The DoD has achieved improved item availability and reduced frustration with IUID of the items that has enhanced the efficiency of item management, improved data availability and asset visibility.
  • IUID has lowered the cost of personal property management that has been possible due to consistent use of lifecycle asset information.
  • It also allows total asset visibility for personal property in both peace and wartime.

Marking Requirements of IUID

The required markings of IUID include the products part numbers, manufacturer’s enterprise identifier, and products serial number. The information is provided as embedded data matrix code that is identified by special data matrix scanners. Apart from the data matrix code, the alpha-numeric human-readable information is also embedded with the IUID. Basically, the IUID marking follow two formatting categories- construct#1 and construct#2. These constructs are the two basic templates that are used for etching information of the IUID.

The MIL-STD-130 is the standard to determine the acceptable IUID marking method. There are basically two methods of applying the IUID to an item- direct part marking and use of nameplates or labels. Nameplates are used in case the environment and location of the part is not feasible for marking. However, the IUID should be permanent to a part and should take certain key elements into consideration.

  • The color of the text should contrast the color of the background to facilitate machine readability
  • The IUID marking should be permanent for the products’ functional lifetime.
  • The marking should withstand adverse environmental conditions and chemical.

As the IUID of the items provide accurate and accessible information about the items, they are used to track and value the acquisition, repair and deployment of the DoD items.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The IUID Marking Requirements for the DoD

The IUID marking of the items in the Department of Defense needs some specific requirements for improved marking systems of the items.

Normally, an IUID marking is required for the items at the US Department of Defense for their easy classification and serialization. The IUID marking include an encoded data string etched with 2 dimensional data matrix symbols.

The machine readable information (2D Data Matrix) of the IUID marking is required to match the standard of MIL-STD-130. The contractors or the suppliers need to specify some of the essential data in the proposal for IUID marking of parts. The data includes construct, marking methodology, syntax, and quality methodology that are selected for IUID marking of the parts.

IUID Marking requirements

According to the IUID part marking requirements

  • The nameplates and the labels for IUID marking of the parts are preferred over the direct part marking. Direct part marking is preferred only when the environment and size of the parts are not suitable for labels.
  • The nameplates and labels should be designed with a metallic or white background with black letters or high contrast black background with metallic or white letters.

There are some other IUID Marking Requirements for the Contractors

The instructions defined for the vendors and contractors mentions that the IUID of the parts are essential for their submission to UID Registry. The instruction provides information about the application of a 2D data matrix symbol, encoded data and the submission of required data to UID Registry. The main purpose of the Vendor Instruction is to educate the contractors and subcontractors about the generic IUID marking requirements for delivery of materials to the DoD customers.

  • The IUID of each part should be unique and clear. The selected contractors use a third party to provide IUID marking and it should be mentioned in the contract. The parts registered with duplicate IUID marking shall be rejected by the authority.
  • The contractors need to identify the place of IUID marking for each affected part number. If the IUID is placed on the nameplate that contains the current part number, the nameplates should be able to contain the original IUID. The contractors are also required to place the IUID marking outside the existing nameplate, on a permanent nameplate. The principal aim is to make the IUID viewable.
  • The applied IUID marking are required to be permanent under normal service conditions for the life of the part.

The contractors should also ensure that the DoD recognized IUID marking on the part use one of the following data qualifiers:
  • Data identifiers
  • Application Identifiers
  • Text Element Identifiers

All the delivered items whose unit acquisition cost is more that $5000 requires DoD recognized IUID marking. The DoD policy has determined that the contractors should identify the sub line, contract line or exhibit line item number along with the item description for each item that costs below $5000 or that requires unique identification.

With all these policies and instruction for the contractors about the IUID marking, the DoD intends to achieve lower cost of item management. The DoD also plans to provide reliable asset visibility and accountability of the property. However, the IUID marking system has improved the operational readiness of the items and reduced the burden of the workforce.

Features of 2D Barcode Scanners

2D Barcode scanners solve the basic purpose of reading the highly sophisticated 2D barcodes. Informati

on about the scanner can speak volume about the device.

Before discussing about the 2D barcode scanner, it is imperative to know about 2D barcode. Basically, 2D barcodes are upgrade of 1 dimensional barcodes and they contain more data than the conventional barcodes. In contrast to the conventional linear barcodes that gets wider with more data, 2D barcodes uses vertical dimensions to get more data encoded to it. The sophisticated markings of 2D barcode need a high-end device to decode them. In fact, laser scanners and auto scanners have replaced the traditional scanners and the 2D barcode scanners are getting more popular with their functionality.

About 2D Barcode Scanners

2D barcode scanners are advanced barcode scanning devices that can interpret the complex two-dimensional barcodes. They use both imaging and CCD technologies to decode the data matrix coding. The scanner can be integrated with a PC via USB port and can be configured with software to direct the data to a file.

Technologies Used in 2D Barcode Scanners

The 2D barcode scanners use CCD as well as imaging technologies to interpret the 2D barcodes.

CCD Technology

The barcode readers based on CCD technologies use an array of numerous tiny lights in a row in the head of the scanner. The individual light sensors are extremely small and can be considered as single photo diode that can immediately measure the intensity of light in front of it. A voltage pattern is generated in the reader that is similar to the pattern in a barcode and it sequentially measures the voltage across each sensor in a row.

Imaging Technology

The fourth generation and the newest kind of 2D barcode readers are developed with the imaging technology that uses a small video camera to take images of the 2D barcodes. A sophisticated digital image processing technology in the scanner decodes the barcode. The camera of the device has numerous rows of sensors organized in a two-dimensional array to generate an image.

Networking of 2D Barcode Scanners

The 2D barcode scanners USB cables for networking. These days, the connectivity of electronic devices is being enhanced with the help of wireless networking. The modern age scanners also allow wireless networks that are supported by rechargeable batteries. The scanners connected to a Mobil computer can be operated in a local area network or wide area network.

2D barcode scanners provide an increased and sophisticated barcode reading output for virtually any kind of barcode reading applications. The high resolution capacity of the scanners simplifies the decoding of difficult data- poorly printed or damaged barcodes. These days, with the development of technology, high-end 2D barcode scanners are available that support the mobile computers. However, the mobile computers need to have built-in 2D data matrix technology.


The features of the 2D barcode scanners include linear illumination, omnidirectional scanning, illumination forward design and multiple codes select.

Since the 2D barcodes are introduced to compact more data per unit area, and use barcode symbologies to achieve high data density, only a high-end 2D barcode scanner can solve the purpose.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The IUID Marking Requirements for the DoD

The IUID marking of the items in the Department of Defense needs some specific requirements for improved marking systems of the items.

Normally, an IUID marking is required for the items at the US Department of Defense for their easy classification and serialization. The IUID marking include an encoded data string etched with 2 dimensional data matrix symbols.

The machine readable information (2D Data Matrix) of the IUID marking is required to match the standard of MIL-STD-130. The contractors or the suppliers need to specify some of the essential data in the proposal for IUID marking of parts. The data includes construct, marking methodology, syntax, and quality methodology that are selected for IUID marking of the parts.

IUID Marking requirements

According to the IUID part marking requirements

  • The nameplates and the labels for IUID marking of the parts are preferred over the direct part marking. Direct part marking is preferred only when the environment and size of the parts are not suitable for labels.
  • The nameplates and labels should be designed with a metallic or white background with black letters or high contrast black background with metallic or white letters.

There are some other IUID Marking Requirements for the Contractors

The instructions defined for the vendors and contractors mentions that the IUID of the parts are essential for their submission to UID Registry. The instruction provides information about the application of a 2D data matrix symbol, encoded data and the submission of required data to UID Registry. The main purpose of the Vendor Instruction is to educate the contractors and subcontractors about the generic IUID marking requirements for delivery of materials to the DoD customers.

  • The IUID of each part should be unique and clear. The selected contractors use a third party to provide IUID marking and it should be mentioned in the contract. The parts registered with duplicate IUID marking shall be rejected by the authority.
  • The contractors need to identify the place of IUID marking for each affected part number. If the IUID is placed on the nameplate that contains the current part number, the nameplates should be able to contain the original IUID. The contractors are also required to place the IUID marking outside the existing nameplate, on a permanent nameplate. The principal aim is to make the IUID viewable.
  • The applied IUID marking are required to be permanent under normal service conditions for the life of the part.

The contractors should also ensure that the DoD recognized IUID marking on the part use one of the following data qualifiers:
  • Data identifiers
  • Application Identifiers
  • Text Element Identifiers

All the delivered items whose unit acquisition cost is more that $5000 requires DoD recognized IUID marking. The DoD policy has determined that the contractors should identify the sub line, contract line or exhibit line item number along with the item description for each item that costs below $5000 or that requires unique identification.

With all these policies and instruction for the contractors about the IUID marking, the DoD intends to achieve lower cost of item management. The DoD also plans to provide reliable asset visibility and accountability of the property. However, the IUID marking system has improved the operational readiness of the items and reduced the burden of the workforce.

Features of 2D Barcode Scanners

2D Barcode scanners solve the basic purpose of reading the highly sophisticated 2D barcodes. Information about the scanner can speak volume about the device.

Before discussing about the 2D barcode scanner, it is imperative to know about 2D barcode. Basically, 2D barcodes are upgrade of 1 dimensional barcodes and they contain more data than the conventional barcodes. In contrast to the conventional linear barcodes that gets wider with more data, 2D barcodes uses vertical dimensions to get more data encoded to it. The sophisticated markings of 2D barcode need a high-end device to decode them. In fact, laser scanners and auto scanners have replaced the traditional scanners and the 2D barcode scanners are getting more popular with their functionality.

About 2D Barcode Scanners

2D barcode scanners are advanced barcode scanning devices that can interpret the complex two-dimensional barcodes. They use both imaging and CCD technologies to decode the data matrix coding. The scanner can be integrated with a PC via USB port and can be configured with software to direct the data to a file.

Technologies Used in 2D Barcode Scanners

The 2D barcode scanners use CCD as well as imaging technologies to interpret the 2D barcodes.

CCD Technology

The barcode readers based on CCD technologies use an array of numerous tiny lights in a row in the head of the scanner. The individual light sensors are extremely small and can be considered as single photo diode that can immediately measure the intensity of light in front of it. A voltage pattern is generated in the reader that is similar to the pattern in a barcode and it sequentially measures the voltage across each sensor in a row.

Imaging Technology

The fourth generation and the newest kind of 2D barcode readers are developed with the imaging technology that uses a small video camera to take images of the 2D barcodes. A sophisticated digital image processing technology in the scanner decodes the barcode. The camera of the device has numerous rows of sensors organized in a two-dimensional array to generate an image.

Networking of 2D Barcode Scanners

The 2D barcode scanners USB cables for networking. These days, the connectivity of electronic devices is being enhanced with the help of wireless networking. The modern age scanners also allow wireless networks that are supported by rechargeable batteries. The scanners connected to a Mobil computer can be operated in a local area network or wide area network.

2D barcode scanners provide an increased and sophisticated barcode reading output for virtually any kind of barcode reading applications. The high resolution capacity of the scanners simplifies the decoding of difficult data- poorly printed or damaged barcodes. These days, with the development of technology, high-end 2D barcode scanners are available that support the mobile computers. However, the mobile computers need to have built-in 2D data matrix technology.

The features of the 2D barcode scanners include linear illumination, omnidirectional scanning, illumination forward design and multiple codes select.

Since the 2D barcodes are introduced to compact more data per unit area, and use barcode symbologies to achieve high data density, only a high-end 2D barcode scanner can solve the purpose.