Wednesday, April 28, 2010

MIL-STD-130 Compliant UID Scanners

The Unique Item Identification or UID Scanner is ideal for reading labels that have been marked with unique barcodes and cannot be read by any other device. The UID is a standard introduced by the Department of Defense that requires assets to have a unique and universal mark of identification. The DoD requires the use of UID labels that enables it to separate one item from the other and easily keep track and record of various items. The labels contain a 2D matrix system barcode that contains the item’s part number and its serial number that can only be read by a UID Scanner.

For the UID label to be authorized, it has to meet MIL-STD-130 specifications and standards that are approved by the Department of Defense. Items having this standard are identified as UID certified and their markings can be distinguished from other items markings. In accordance with the MIL-STD-130 spec, items marked with the unique code can only be read by use of a UID Scanner.

Using the Automated Identification Technology or AIT, the UID scanner helps in decoding of the UID data elements that are imprinted on the UID labels. As it decodes and derives data elements from the UID, the scanner identifies each of the data elements, which are then introduced to the UID scanner alongside the items prefixes. The data prefixes are utilized in form of numeric Application Identifiers or AI, alphanumeric Data Identifiers or DI and the Text Element Identifiers or the TEI.

For the label to be read by the scanner, it has to meet the standards as set out by the MIL-STD-130 spec. The standard requires that the label should in no way damage or cause harm to the item. In addition, the materials used for designing the labels should be durable and not easily affected by adverse weather conditions, sunlight and chemicals among others. To ensure the UID markings are read by the UID scanner they have to comply with the standards set out by the MIL-STD-130 spec. To get more information and expert advice on the UID and types of scanners to use, consult experts at ID-Integration.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

An Overview Of The UID Imager For DoD UID Labels

UID or the Unique Item Identifier labeling was introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD), as a way of submitting UID data of items to the UID registry. The UID registry acts as a storehouse for information about items belonging to DoD and the item’s UID data. The submission of data using UID imager to the registry enhances data maintenance and enables personnel at DoD to easily monitor the items. Currently, the UID label is applied to all Department of Defense identification requirements and for SNT’s or serialization tracking programs. It is important to select the correct UID imager so as to achieve UID compliance.

For any UID imager to become UID compliant, it has to pass the MIL-STD-130 standard. This standard allows the marking or printing of this UID symbol with the same methods that are used in the production of nameplates or labels. This UID is engraved on items in form of 2D data matrix barcode symbol that is imprinted in a square grid. The markings on the item can be either affixed or engraved using nameplates or labels. To guarantee longevity, the markings affixed must be permanent for the entire duration of the item.

In order to identify or decode the engravings on the nameplate or label, an UID imager is used. These UID imagers make it easier for users to understand the coding. While the UID is being derived from the data elements, the imager identifies each data element on the label and decodes the Unique Item identifier. The UID Imager uses the latest Automated Identification Technology in decoding and encoding the code and is able to read data included in the UID labels. Such data may include item number, marking method, part number and the agency code among others. In order for the data to be read using the UID Imager, the labels need to be made using either the construct #1 or construct #2. Data elements written in formats other than the above might not be read correctly by the imager.

To get more understanding on benefits of the UID Imager seek expert advice from ID-Integration who will provide additional information.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Get a High Quality UID Imager That Is MIL-STD-130 Compliant

There are certain criteria that have been set by the MIL-STD-130 for marking of all UID compliant items. This Unique Item Identification or UID is utilized by Department of Defense for ease in tracking of items. As per the MIL-STD-130 standard, for items to qualify for the unique identification and be read by the UID Imager, they need to have an acquisition value of more than 5000 dollars, controlled inventory, serially managed items or mission essential.

The MIL-STD-130 spec also requires the items to have labels or markings made with the two dimensional data matrix barcode that can only be read by an UID Imager. Data included in the barcode includes the item’s part number, CAGE code and serial number among others. According to the MIL-STD-130 data specifications, the data elements entered in the matrix barcode can only be decoded using the UID Imager. This data imager is an electronic device that interprets the barcode printed on an item. In terms of technology, the imager device is designed using decoder circuitry, which makes an analysis of the barcode’s data image and then transmits the decoded data to the UID Imager output port.

The popularity of the UID Imager has increased tremendously especially with the widespread use of the two-dimensional item bar code symbols. Although there are various methods that can be used to connect the device, one method that is widespread is using personal computers. The personal computer or PC and normal computer keyboard are mostly used to make connections with the UID Imager. The device can be attached to a keyboard wedge that is attached to the computer via the keyboard port. However, with the emergence of USB ports the device can be easily connected to the computer via a software wedge instead of the usual keyboard wedge. However, compared to former models, it is not mandatory for the new UID Imager to use special software for it to work. This is because of the use of the Universal Serial Bus or USB port.

Although the above description might seem complicated, more information can be received from imager experts at ID-Integration.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

DoD Certified UID Scanners And Their Benefits

Unique Item Identification or the UIDs are special recognition marks that are used on items in an attempt of distinguishing them from others and enabling owners to keep track of them. The UID is engraved or affixed on items in form of a 2D data barcode system, which is then read by a UID scanner so as to decode the data elements of the item. In order for the UID items to be recognized, the DoD introduced what are known as the MIL-STD-130 specs that among other things require that the item’s acquisition value be more than $5000 and that it be serially managed.

An UID scanner is an application that has been developed for UID clients that is able read 2D matrix barcode systems on all of the UID labels or markings. These devices are effective in reading all types of labels that have met the MIL-STD-130 spec. The use of the UID scanner has enabled businesses, both large and small to transform their operations. These highly effective products are considered to be indispensable mainly because of the various advantages derived from them.

The UID scanner, which is able to read all MIL-STD-130 labels allows for data to be entered at very high speeds. Usually, it takes an individual between 10 to 20 seconds to manually enter digits of a barcode. However, with a UID scanner is able to capture the barcode in less than one second, allowing for large volumes of operations to be carried out in the shortest time possible. The other advantage of the UID scanner is that it is able to capture data with pinpoint accuracy; there are no more incorrect entries.

The use of the UID scanner on MIL-ST-130 certified UID labels ensures quicker and accurate capture of item information that guarantees smooth operation of the business. In addition to this, learning how to operate the UID scanner is simple and very easy. The scanner uses the very latest technology to be able to read the serial and part numbers of items. To be able to benefit from this technology, get in touch with UID scanner experts at ID-Integration.