How IUID Simplifies Inventory Management

How would you keep track of your possessions if they were spread across the Earth? The US Department of Defense (DoD) deals with this problem every day, and thus developed a set of standards for tracking their massive inventory. MIL-STD-130N, released on December 17, 2007, takes advantage of recent advances in barcode technology to ensure that their entire inventory uses Item Unique Identification (IUID).

IUID allows for better inventory control because each individual product is accounted for. Even individual parts used to assemble a finished product are accounted for during manufacturing, greatly minimizing the risk of loss. Though many products need tagging to fulfill IUID requirements, several industries already utilize IUID concepts. For example, every automobile has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and thus a unique identifier, already. Products ranging from cellphones to firearms come with the idea of IUID built right into their serial numbers.

However, several products lack such careful cataloging. These require tagging with a method that will remain durable throughout the life-cycle of the item. Metal or stiff plastic plates take precedence over flimsier label materials. Stamping or etching the tag directly onto the item offers an even more durable solution. Some items, such as ball bearings, elude any of these methods. In these cases, it's acceptable to tag the item's packaging with the IUID instead. In the past, humans would need to read this tag, but these days computers have taken over much of the information processing responsibility.

Machine Readable Information (MRI) used to be encoded in linear barcodes, like the kind found on everyday consumer goods. Though still acceptable under MIL-STD-130N, linear barcodes have fallen into disuse in favor of two-dimensional barcodes. 1s and 0s are represented by black and white squares, which are then arranged into a larger square. This method offers numerous advantages, chiefly that large amounts of data can be packed into an incredibly small space. Currently, up to 50 characters will fit in the space of 3 square millimeters. This comes in handy since an item's tag grows with its history.

In addition to its IUID, each item's tag tells its story, identifying who has designed, manufactured, and repaired the item throughout its lifetime. Even items not requiring an IUID require this tracking information. In a way, these life stories become an IUID in and of themselves as items journey down their own unique paths. Still, giving each item an IUID right as it rolls off the line, like giving each baby born in the US a social security number, allows for easy cataloging before such life stories develop.

IUID concerns are far more complicated than the brief summary given here. For more information visit ID-Integration at http://www.id-integration.com

The facts about MIL-STD-130: Understanding UID Labels

The December update of MIL-STD-130 outlines the essentials of marking military property. While there are many technical aspects of this standard, it is important to first understand the basics of this important mandate. There are a few key aspects of the standard, and understanding the basics is essential to complying with the standard. These simple questions and answers below will give you a comprehensive introduction to using unique identification, or UID labels, for military use.

Who needs to be able to read these UID labels?
Either machines or humans need to be able to read the UID label. The easiest way to determine which should be used is the lifespan of the item. If a machine readable information, or MRI, label can be used that will last as long as the item it labels, then an MRI should be used. If not, a durable marking of lasting material should be used.

What should be on these UID labels, and where should they be located?
Ideally, all of the required information should be listed on a UID label, but there are a few essential pieces of information that must be on each label. First, the label requires an Enterprise Identifier, or a code that identifies the organization of the manufacturer or supplier. Second, the part must be identifiable through a Part or Identification code, or PIN.

For MRI, more information can be encoded in smaller space, so more information is required for these kinds of labels. In addition to the above requirements, an MRI should contain information about an item's history like UID label changes. Consult the standard to be sure the MRI is complete.

The label should be easy to read in normal operation, but should also be in a location that is not subject to wear during the life of the item. If absolutely necessary, a UID label can be put on the packaging of an item.

What should these UID labels look like?
For labels readable by humans, there are specific guidelines to maintain a standard of readability. First, the text of the UID labels must be at least 0.2 cm/ 0.08 in/ 5.76 points. This text should be in a simple sans-serif font, or font with no terminators (for example, there should be no lines at the base of a capital letter A), and numbers should be Arabic.

For MRI labels, MIL-STD-130 references specific standards for linear bar codes and data matrix labels. The International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission reference these two formats in ISO/IEC 15416 and 15415, respectively. Consult these two standards to be sure the MRI meets the appropriate description.

As you can see, MIL-STD-130 is both simple and complicated. There are basics that are essential for any UID label, but there are also important details to ensure compliance with this standard. The experts at ID-Integration have proven experience in UID labels and can answer any questions you have about MIL-STD-130. Be sure to understand these basics and consult the experts at ID-Integration.