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.

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.

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.

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

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 Maintain Quality Standardization with AS9132

The aerospace industry, automotive industry and medical sectors are concerned about direct marking and traceability issues. Thanks to the highly developed reading and marking technologies of the present day, the problems inherent to the conventional and manual marking methods have been solved by the innovative automated marking technologies. This is why the AS9132 standard is extensively used for Dot Peen marking of Data Matrix codes.

People who are new to AS9132 might wonder what this standard is and why it is important. AS9132 is essentially a new Unique Item Identifier (UID) coding standard which defines the uniformity, quality and other technical requirements for Dot Peen marking and other metal components using Data Matrix symbologies. This AS9132 standard also defines the standard criteria essential to ensure electronic scanning or reading of the symbol. The AS stands for Aerospace standard. It was originally developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Specific AS9132 guidelines with regards to the direct part marking of aerospace components have been issued by the Air Transport Association (ATA). These issued guidelines (SPEC 2000, Chapter 9) state that permanent part identification using bar code technology and, in particular, Data Matrix symbologies must be undertaken. The main objective is to mark a part with a ‘unique identifier’ to allow tracking of serialized parts during full life cycle of the parts and facilitate the use of automated processes in parts handling. Chapter 9 has explicitly mentioned data content although technical requirements or quality for Dot Peen and other marking technologies has not been mentioned.

AS9132 specifies uniform quality technical specifications that are required for 2D-Data Matrix symbols for direct marking onto the metal surfaces. This new standard AS9132 helps accessing the quality of Data Matrix symbols which are marked directly onto the surfaces of metal. AS9132 standardization helps evaluating the symbol quality and receives a PASS or FAIL based on the six parameters that are included in the standard.

The six parameters of AS9132 standard are described as follows.

· Symbol contrast: The difference in reflectance between the light and dark regions is the symbol contrast. But this symbol contrast doesn’t apply to Dot Peen dat a matrix symbols.

· Dot center offset: Dot center offset parameter refers to the deviation of a round element from the actual center of a cell.

· Angle of distortion: It is the amount of deviation from a 90degree relation between the X and Y axes. An acceptable angle of distortion is plus or minus 7 degree.

· Cell Fill: The percentage of ideal cell size that the element fills is called the cell fill area. 60% to 105% is the acceptable cell fill area.

· Dot Ovality: The extent to which round elements deviate from an ideal circle is called Dot ovality region. Up to 20% deviation is acceptable.

· Quiet Zone: At least one element in width, quiet zone is the unmarked area around the symbol.

Once the symbol quality clears all the parameters of AS9132 standard, the data matrix symbols now are ready to be used as per the Department of Defense (DoD) norms.

UID Laser Marking: an elementary Component of UID Registration

These days a number of industry groups including ISO9000 and other international manufacturing standards have mandated permanent part identification and Direct Part Marketing (DPM) to boost the traceability of their items. Therefore, the Unique Item Identifier (UID) laser marking method bears immense significance in this scenario. The product identification must be permanently marked directly onto the part’s surface as per the directive of Department of Defense (DoD). Among all the methods used for marking identification number onto products, UID laser marking is considered to be the most efficient and error-free.

UID marking is compulsory for all the items delivered to the Department with a unit acquisition value of $5,000.00 or above, including all embedded sub-assemblies, mission essential components or parts that are serially managed by the DoD. In addition, the format of the mark must satisfy the requirement of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Advantage of UID Laser Marking
UID laser marking is one of the most lasting, dependable, high contrast, and versatile marking technology available for UID applications. The rising popularity of UID laser marking applications can be attributed to the following advantages.
1. UID laser marking is an eco-friendly option to silk screening, chemical etching, pad printing, mechanical engraving, stamping and various other costly, lower quality processes.
2. UID laser marking has higher resolution than other methods, which makes it easy for embedding more data in the UID marks.
3. Laser marking and engraving are a unique method to identify and decorate your product items.
Therefore, for the different fields of medical, ad specialties, automotive, to the latest in UID code identification, serialization, and verification, UID laser marking is suitable for a variety of marking purposes.

Benefits of UID Laser Marking to the DoD
The UID laser marking 2D Matrix symbol on parts or sub-assemblies helps the DoD to improve inventory accuracy, accurately source items on property, decrease inventory management costs, improve access to part history during the design or lifespan of items, and reduce workforce burden through augmented efficiency and productivity.

How Do UID Labels and UID Nameplates Affect Your UID Compliance?

An Introduction to UID Label

The Unique Item Identifier (UID) labels and UID nameplates play a critical role in the process of achieving UID compliance from the Department of Defense (DoD). As a matter of fact, UID labels are mandatory, particularly when you want your items to be UID compliant. Only after correct UID labels are on your items are you qualified to apply for UID Registry. In recent times, UID label is used for all the Department’s identification requirements and serialization tracking programs (SNTs). Selecting the right UID label is extremely important for achieving UID compliance. The UID Labels, UID tags and UID nameplate s you use must be long-lasting under challenging climatic conditions and should not wear away.

To manufacture the UID labels, there is a huge choice of materials to select from such as stainless steel, polyester, aluminum or laser marked adhesive backed tape. However, the UID label s or plates have to meet the MIL STD 130 code standards.

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

Full Resource Medium-to-Large Size Companies – Usually these companies have all the available resources to fully implement Mil-Std 130M compliant label and tag, UID verification and WAWF and UID registering processes. Yet, they still search for a UID partner that can help them choose suitable UID equipment or processes for their operation.

Limited Resource Small-to-Medium Size Companies – These companies have a Mil-Std 130 requirement but cannot afford to buy thermal transfer printers, CO2 laser etching equipment or UID label verification equipment and qualified staff to cater the UID orders. Thus, they generally look for a reliable UID partner who can offer UID compliance labels, UID nameplates, verification reports and also a process to submit UID information to the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) and UID Registry.

Selective Resource Medium-to-Large Size Companies – Even though these companies have abundant resources to implement the critical equipment and processes to attain Mil-Std 130 UID compliance, they choose to partner with a vendor that can provide UID labels and UID nameplate s including on-demand and verification reports in a timely fashion.

UID Data submission practice to the UID Registry

Brief into about UID Registry
The (Unique Item Identifier) UID registry is a software system developed by the Department of Defense (DoD). It acts just like a database containing a bank of information on all the items that cater to the UID standards and criteria. In addition, it also facilitates the Department of Defense’s need to exercise a better visibility into their wide network of assets. If you want to comply with the DoD’s mandate for UID, you must submit all relevant and essential UID information to the UID Registry.

The items to the UID Registry can be submitted in the following ways:

UID Registry Web Interface: you can submit your UID information through the UID Registry Web interface. The UID registry website allows you to type in all UID data directly. Though it’s a time-consuming, cumbersome and error-prone process it can be used efficiently in cases where you deal with a very low volume of UID shipments.

Direct UID Registry Transaction: You can submit all computer files that contain your UID information via the Internet but you must take adequate precaution regarding security while sending the files.

Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) Web Interface: UID registry can also be done via the WAWF Web Interface. The WAWF system can accept the UID data with receiving reports and combo (2-N-1) documents. The WAWF system forwards all the UID data to the UID Registry.

UID Registry Data Elements:The UID registry data elements include contract and shipment numbers, product identifier (NSN/PN), the item number (CLIN) and unit cost of each marked item.

1. Fully constructed UID
2. UID Type (Construct 1 or 2)
3. IAC (Issuing Agency Code) which controls the Entity ID
4. Entity Identifier (such as CAGE) of company assigning the UID
5. Serial Number
6. Part Number (Construct 2 only)