Good UID labeling

MIL STD 130 is one of many standards used by the Department of Defense. A good portion of this standard involves UID labeling. Every UID label must be UID compliant as part of MIL STD 130 requirements. These standards were created to ensure that all DoD property can be tracked and accounted for when in use or in storage. Using the proper UID labeling will ensure that the items in question are accounted for and are properly tracked by the DoD. All UID labeling must meet all MIL STD 130 standards before being used.

When choosing a UID label, it is vital that the label is durable and is a permanent solution for the UID compliance process. Various types of UID labeling do exist for various different types of applications. Different types of materials used for UID labeling include aluminum, stainless steel, polyester and laser marked adhesive-backed tape. When choosing a type of material for a UID label, it would be best to consult with a UID label service provider on which material would be best for the application it will be used for.

Each UID label includes a 2D data matrix code, which is encoded with a unique identifier number. The 2D data matrix must also meet quality standards set forth by the ISO. The UID label must meet these additional ISO standards to allow for various scanners to be capable of scanning these labels. The MIL STD 130 standards require that all labels be UID compliant and must contain a 2D data matrix.

During the lifetime of the item the UID label must also maintain its 2D data matrix code legibility to allow for easy identification. Using a metal tag with a permanent adhesive or a suitable polyester label will work for many different environments but some conditions require a label using different materials.

All items currently owned or in contract with the DoD are required to have UID compliant labels. Also all UID labels must also meet all MIL STD 130 standards as well. These standards are considered obligatory by the DoD and must be followed. Since the MIL STD 130 standards can be rather complicated, it is recommended to consult with the experts over at ID-Integration (www.id-integration.com) for further assistance.