The UID Registry Helps Track Products

UID markings are unique identification numbers given to products that help identify assets, parts, and products used and produced by the United States government. According to the Department of Defense, all military products should contain UID markings.

MIL SPEC 130 is a protocol guideline pertaining to the UID registry and marking system. MIL SPEC 130 contains specific rules all contractors are required to follow while marking their products with UID labels and applying for the UID registry.

The need for the UID Registry

UID registry application is scrutinized by an official branch of the government. MIL SPEC 130 contains the essential guidelines that qualify a product for UID registry. The contract differs on the basis of item type, mass volume, production cost, and more. Items and products are categorized to avoid confusion. Every rule is thoroughly specified by MIL SPEC 130 in several clauses and articles.

UID Registry How-To

MIL SPEC 130 has several clauses that state the compliant marking methods and technologies for UID marking. MIL SPEC 130 also specifies that UID labels, or markings, should include a 2D data matrix barcode. This barcode can be easily detected with a UID compliant scanner. The UID scanner should be able to decode the barcode of the article.

It is required that the UID marking on each item be permanent and able to last a lifetime. This is an important consideration when a product is judged for UID registry issuance. Thus, UID markings should be created with high quality permanent ink, dot peen marking equipment, chemical etching, or laser etching; among other methods. This ensures durability of the markings. Such markings include a contractor’s license code, the item number, the product type, and the serial number. This information should be easily readable by a UID scanner. Also it is stated in MIL SPEC 130 that the nameplates should be placed in a visible area on the product.

In case a product has not been marked as per the mandate, then it is likely that it will face rejection and the entire production line may be cancelled. Therefore, manufacturers should be very careful to take adequate preventive measures to ensure proper markings before applying for the UID registry.

The objective of following such guidelines it this: To regularize a track report that will be convenient to handle for government officials. The introduction of UID has organized the whole system and improved security measures. The success of this program was even a catalyst for consumer-based manufacturers to implement their own tracking procedures. For more information about the UID registry, please visit www.id-integration.com.