Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Simplifying the creation of UID labels

The purpose of UID labels
UID labels define the unique identification of an item. MIL STD 130 specifies the various items that must be included in UID labels as per the Department of Defense to assist in tracking military property. Many different standards and specifications are consolidated into MIL STD 130, and in any conflict in creating UID labels, MIL STD 130 takes full precedence over any other documentation. Items such as automobiles and cell phones, which come with their own identifications, may be considered non IUID items and therefore may not require a UID label.

How should the UID be marked?
UID labels should be either on stiff metal bands that are attached to the identified items or applied directly to said items. The label should be able to survive any cleaning or rebuilding that may be necessary during the item's life-cycle. The UID label should also be visible, if at all possible, any time the item is in use under normal circumstances. The label should also be a MRI (machine readable identification) if at all possible. If the entire UID label does not fit on the device, it should be distilled to its most important data. MIL STD 130 includes guidelines on text size and font to be used on UID labels.

What all should UID labels contain?
Though some information will vary depending on the construct of the UID labels, both require the EID of the activity that assigns the serial number as well as the serial number itself. Procedures involving the item's PIN number and its marking may vary as per MIL STD 130.

Simplifying the creation of UID labels
The creation of UID labels can be very time consuming, and errors are common due to the complexity of MIL STD 130. The experts at ID-Integration can generate approved UID labels in a fraction of the time it would take to even understand MIL STD 130.

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