Understanding and simplifying MIL STD 130

What is MIL STD 130?

MIL STD 130 is the set of standards that the Department of Defense is using to mark, identify, and track military property. Various specifications and standards are consolidated into MIL STD 130, and if any conflicts with any other documentation arise, MIL STD 130 takes precedence. Any items that already have unique identification such as a serial number are generally excluded from MIL STD 130.

What is required for MIL STD 130 certification?

Items must be marked with either a stiff metal band that includes an identification number or a marking applied directly to the item itself. The marking should be able to survive the life of the item, including any necessary cleaning and rebuilding, and should be visible during normal use if at all possible. Every attempt should be made for the item identification to be a machine readable identification (MRI), and in the even that there is not enough room on the item for the full ID, then the most essential information should be marked. Various guidelines as to text size and font are also included in MIL STD 130, and many different industry specific guidelines also apply.

What should be included in an MRI?

There are various specifications involved in marking an item with an MRI ranging from amount of data required to the quality of the marking itself. Even the arrangement of the MRI is specific in order to assist the machines in reading the identification codes. The MRI will also be updated with any maintenance or repair performed, as well as information regarding warranties, repair facilities, dates of repair, and other data.

How to simplify things

With all of the various information that MIL STD 130 requires, it is generally best to leave the identification process to those with proven methods and standards. The experts at ID-Integration know MIL STD 130 by heart so you don't have to.

The easiest way to decipher the MIL-STD-130N UID standards

Inventory and inventory tracking are a serious matter to any business, and the Department of Defense (DoD) is no different. The MIL-STD-130N is, essentially, a set of DoD standards that determine requirements and methods used for marking, identification and tracking of military property. Each item being tracked must carry a Unique Identification or UID. These standards apply to any property that is produced, issued or stored by or for the Department of Defense.

All items must carry some form of UID, whether it is an applied mark or an existing UID such as an electronic serial number or Vehicle Identification Number on a car. Whenever possible, Machine Readable Identification (MRI) or “barcodes” are the preferred form of UID. Regardless of the method used, numerous specifications cover the specifics of the type of UID, placement and information contained. Some of these standard specified criteria are:

• The type of material that the UID mark is applied to
• The method used to secure the UID marking to the item
• The location of the UID mark
• The visibility of the UID mark
• Permanency of the UID mark throughout the life expectancy of the item
• Ability of the UID mark to withstand environmental conditions
• The ability of the UID mark to withstand maintenance

The regulations regarding UID markings are also extremely specific. For instance the text size for a human readable marking must be 0.2 centimeters or 0.08 inches. All of the letters of the text must be in a sans-serif font and numbers should be in Arabic. The exception to this rule is the usage of Roman numerals, in which case you must turn to other documentation to determine what type of font to use. Text markings are also limited to 50 characters and should use the Data Matrix EEC 200 symbol using ISO/IEC 15418 semantics and ISO/IEC 15434 syntax, unless they are subject to DFARS mandated markings.

To cover all of the standards and regulations here would be an exhaustive process for both reader and writer. Suffice it to say that for the uninitiated, digging through the specifications of the MIL-STD-130N and its attached documentation to determine the correct marking for a product is a nightmare.

This is where ID-Integration steps in to save the day. Fortunately for us, the experts there live and breathe the MIL-STD-130N each day. Let them handle the tedious task of digging through the MIL-STD-130N to determine the nomenclature used, how tall it should be, whether it should be on metal or plastic and whether or not it should be a tag, label, band or plate. They’ll do what they do well and give you the opportunity to get on with doing what you do well.

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

UID Registry: Uncover The Significance of UID Registry to DOD

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has attempted to increase its data quality, accuracy and visibility with the Unique Identifier (UID) registry. On July 29, 2003, Acting Under Secretary of Defense Michael Wynne stated that the goal of the UID system was to assist in DoD item tracking and asset management. The UID registry is the database storage area for all tangible items that make up the barcode identification system for military property.

The UID registry is the storage repository for military property with barcode markings. This system enables the DoD to track, update and record important information related to the these items. If a product recall were to occur, the UID registry could be used for replacement of defective equipment.

Just like many large organizations, the DoD runs numerous software and hardware platforms. The UID registry is a central clearing house to ensure standardization of data across all computing systems. The Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) maintains the UID registry.

Barcode markings permit the DoD to track equipment, so they will always know its whereabouts. Updates can be made to database records; administrators can perform useful queries and searches based on the data components of the UID: type, contract and Issuing Agency Code (IAC). Other data components, like the unit acquisition cost, can be used in accounting documents for DoD financial management.

UID Registry Purpose

The UID registry permits consolidation of equipment data for DoD purposes. This government classification system has been gradually built up over time by requiring different vendor numbers for government contractors involved in military procurement. The UID registry attempts to create one key database for storage of item information in order to streamline the government contractor registration system.

Standardization across the entire DoD government procurement system is established by the UID registry, which will lead to improved item, finance and asset management. Auditing checks can be performed more easily with this uniform system. Military property, spread across the entire world, can be made more tangible with the UID registry.

UID Registry Importance

Accountants can update financial depreciation records with the lifecycle management tool - the UID registry. In the end, the UID registry should lead to reduced costs (improved financial management), due to a better understanding and more efficient approach to long-term inventory management.

The UID registry is vital to keeping track of DoD property, allowing for modification of data to achieve information management goals. It makes equipment location more tangible for DoD personnel who can ensure better data integrity, accuracy and quality.

The UID registry is a final storage area for the DoD barcode identification system, which allows for better data verification. It increases the reliability of data on military property that is used throughout the world.

Understanding MIL-STD-130

In December of 2007, the Department of Defense released an update to MIL-STD-130, the regulation governing the proper labeling of items in the military's inventory. This important set of standards ensures the efficient tracking and cataloging of every product and piece of equipment belonging to the United States government. By understanding a little background of this standard, you can ensure compliance with this important governing regulation.

First, it is important to understand that this regulation is constantly updated. Though the latest version of MIL-STD-130 was released on 17 December 2007, the previous version was released only two years earlier. This reflects the response of the Department of Defense to new technology, so understanding the emphasis and reasoning behind MIL-STD-130 is important to be prepared for its next iteration.

MIL-STD-130 is a specification of standardization already happening in the global marketplace. The regulation builds upon, and at times uses, standards and requirements from the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, and the International Electro technical Commission, or IEC. The ISO/IEC guidelines help streamline and codify the unique labeling of all products, and MIL-STD-130 goes further to customize these standards for its own use. This reflects a realization by the DoD that rigorous standards are necessary now to ensure organization of millions of items in the future. MIL-STD-130 represents the continuing effort to incorporate this thinking into its procurement process.

Though MIL-STD-130 is demanding, it is also accommodating. The most recent update, called MIL-STD-130N, allows for several technologies to be employed in the process of marking items with a Unique Identification code, or UID. The first is a more traditional UID nameplate that meets specific criteria in text and location in order to organize items in the inventory. The second kind of UID marking is Machine Readable Identification, or MRI. There are two major kinds of MRI: barcode and data matrix. Barcodes are familiar to most consumers today, as they are present on just about all kinds of goods. Data matrix labels are used most recognizably by shipping companies, and these matrices hold a multitude of information as well. They use a square field of smaller black and white squares to code information.

For suppliers, understanding the technology and the code of the UID labels is essential to compliance. First, suppliers must allow for space for the various kinds of UID markings, since readability is a requirement of MIL-STD-130. Additionally, the Part Identification Number, or PIN, of a product must be considered to allow easy integration into the standards of MIL-STD-130.

Understanding MIL-STD-130 requires familiarity and experience with its implementation. ID-Integration is a leader in this field, having created various kinds of UID labels for use in DoD applications. The basics are important to understand, but the specifics of MIL-STD-130 are essential, and no one knows them better than ID-Integration.

IUID Marking Within the Department of Defense

In order to keep track of the wide variety of equipment produced, issued, and possessed by the military, the Department of Defense adheres to an identification standard known as MIL-STD-130N. One of the most important functions of this standard is the notation of requirements for proper IUID marking (Item Unique Identification), which grants every single item its own identity and history. Even items that are identical in production will have a unique number, setting them apart as specific and separate entities. This assigned identification will never be changed, and a suitable IUID marking ensures that this identity remains with the item.

One important set of requirements within the MIL-STD-130N details the appropriate location for applying an IUID marking to a piece of military equipment. First of all, the label must be easily visible and accessible during the item’s normal usage, and should remain so for the entire lifespan of the item. The IUID marking should be placed on a sturdy metal or plastic piece which can be attached to the item or even directly on the item itself when appropriate. This mark must also be sustainable throughout any repairs or cleaning the item might regularly go through. If there is no available space for such an IUID marking to be positioned, one may be placed on the actual packaging of the item.

While some instances allow for a text-based marking which would be readable by a human, the preferred form of IUID marking is the MRI (Machine Readable Information). A standard known as MH10.8.7 is followed when making MRI marks unless a partner association (such as NASA) follows its own marking protocol which is supported by the Department of Defense.

MIL-STD-130N also specifies the particular information which an MRI provides. An IUID marking must contain an EID (Enterprise Identifier) of the issuing organization or activity, a unique serial number, and the PIN (Part or Identifying Number) or batch number of the item.

In order to ensure the proficiency of the MRI system, the Department of Defense additionally denotes certain requirements towards the quality of an IUID marking. The MIL-STD-130N references specific protocols for inspecting the quality of an MRI mark both as a linear bar code and as a data matrix symbol.

Considering both the quantity and nature of the equipment used by the Department of Defense, the necessity of proper identification and tracking of these items is paramount. For this reason, such explicit standards as the MIL-STD-130N are required for the placement, information, and quality of any IUID markings within this system. However, this explanation has only touched the surface of what is clearly a complicated subject, and those seeking further information should turn to the experts at ID-Integration.

Functional Benefits of Direct Part Marking

Direct part marking is growing popular in many industries for its remarkable benefits.

Direct part marking involves marking the item or the part directly on its surface. Unlike the use of UID labels where the nameplates, tags or the labels with the UID codes are affixed or attached to the items, the direct part marking is a method of UID marking that uses different techniques to mark the item or the parts. Mostly preferred by NASA to mark parts of spacecraft, the direct part marking methods are often used in civil industry. Of late, this method is being used in a wide variety of logistics and processing companies to mark the parts and the items. The growing popularity of DPM is due to its numerous advantages and lower implementation cost.

Use and Implementation Results of Direct Part Marking

Generally, the direct part marking is used to mark the subassemblies and components within the automotive, aircraft, armament, electronic, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and medical industry and many other fields. The DPM marking method enhances efficient production management and goods traffic in conjunction with enhanced documentation of these processes. Along with goods traffic the marking method ensures reliable quality and efficiency of marking, better production and dispatch of goods. Apart from simplifying closed monitoring of the marked object starting from their production to withdrawal, direct part marking allows data integration and exchange between seller, manufacturer and career.

Benefits of Direct Part Marking

Direct part marking is popular due to the benefits that it offers. In fact, it provides all benefits of automatic identification technology starting from supporting efficient resource management to eliminating human error and accessing current information on assets. The new techniques of direct part marking is more durable in comparison to traditional labels for the technique allows to encode more information in a small area and the markings can withstand harsh external conditions. There are several other benefits of DPM

• Durability of the UID marking is the most prominent benefit of DPM. The new

technologies of DPM help to produce durable codes that can’t be removed, erased and faked.

• It allows a large quantity of data to get encoded on a smaller area- upto 3600 characters can be encoded.

• The two dimensional barcode marked on the items through direct part marking can be read at any angle.

• It is possible to use the DPM marking technology on various materials such as metals, plastic and glass.

• It has the ability to eliminate human and machine errors. The 2D data matrix barcode is 20% read correctly even if it is broken.

• The durable marking of the items ensures that the all information about the objects can be accessed easily by cracking the codes of the marking. It also helps tracking the items starting from its manufacture and acquisition to maintenance and repairing.

• The methods generally have low operation cost; at least the operation is cheaper than traditional methods of using labels.

• DPM can be used for marking even item of small size such as electronic subassembly. The data matrix barcode marking doesn’t affects it’s functionally.

• DPM improves work efficiency as the object identification and marking is completely automated.

• It is a faster implementation marking technology.

UID Registry Submission Process For the Vendors

Submission to the UID Registry is an important process for the vendors while shipping or delivering the items and the shipment to the DoD.

The contractors or vendors, who ship items to the DoD, are required to include the UID data of the shipment along with the items. The UID data of the items are submitted to the UID Registry by the suppliers or the vendors. According to the UID guidelines and standards, certain data elements about the shipment are mandatory to get uploaded to the data base of the UID Registry. Actually, the UID Registry is a depository of information about the UID data of the DoD items. As the UID programs for the DoD items have been introduced to keep track of the items and enhance the item management program of the DoD, the UID data stored in UID Registry becomes the source of accessing information. Hence, it is essential for the contractors to be careful about the data that they submit for verification.

The Vendor Information Required for Submission to UID Registry

UID Registry contain all required info about the DoD items that are useful to keep record of the item beginning from the production or procurement of the items to their withdrawal. Hence, the vendors need to submit correct data of each shipment that contains items with UII. The required data are Vendor Name, Gov’t. Contract Number, Gov’t. Delivery Order (D.O.) Number, GDLS Purchase Order (P.O.) Number, Shipment Number, Ship Date, Carrier and Tracking Number, Ship-to Address, Ship-to Address DoDAAC. The data required for each UII qualified item in the shipment are GDLS Purchase Order Line Item Number, EIN Issuing Agency Code, Enterprise Identification Number, Original Part Number, Current Part Number, Serial Number, UII Number, UII Type, Parent UII Number, P.O. Unit Price, and attached validation report.

In case the part number of a UID Registered item changes, the data elements that are included along with the UID information are original part number, current part number and effective date of the current part number. The information should be submitted by the vendors to the UID Registry.

The Required Format for Submission to UID Registry

There is a UID Registry maintenance team that receives the UID data from the vendors and requires that data should be entered in a particular format. This format is meant to maintain equilibrium between the documents submitted by various contractors. The vendors are required to follow the particular data while submitting the details. The formats of the data are modified according to the products and the details that are going to be submitted by the vendor. The general format for the document is XML format.

In case the contractors don’t have their document in the required format, they need to change their documents to XML format before being submitted to UID Registry. The external files of the property management database are adjusted and rewritten according to the UID requirements and the UID Registry schema.

The Government has right to inspect the UID data for the quality verification. The vendors are required to produce IUID quality verification reports at the time of material shipment. However, before submitting the UID data to the UID Registry the vendor must register themselves with the UID Registry to obtain access right and login credentials to the UID Registry.

An Insight into Direct Part Marking Technology

Direct part marking is growing popular in various business sectors for its various uses in marking the items. With this method, the barcode is directly imprinted on the products, subassemblies and materials. Although, DPM is primarily used by the civil industries, of late, the process is being used by varieties of companies. The increasing popularity of direct part marking is due to its numerous advantages, reduced implementation cost as compared to its previous generation, and availability on universal scanning.

Use of Direct Part Marking

Direct part marking is used in many fields such as aircraft, automotive, electronic, armament, pharmaceutical and medical industry, petrochemical, train transport, etc. The logistics and manufacturing enterprises also prefer the item marking technology to support item management and shipment traffic control. The outcome of implementing direct part marking includes more efficient product management and documentation along with goods traffic. The technology also allows enhanced manufacture and dispatch of the items. It is an efficient method of the objects starting from their production or acquisition to maintenance and withdrawal.

Benefits of Direct Part Marking

Durability

Convenience of reading 2D barcode

Convenience of keeping large quantity of data in small area

Suitable for using on different material such as glass, metals and plastics

Eliminating machine and human errors

Easy object identification

With fully automated marking it improves work efficiency

Reduced operating cost

Available option for product serialization

Quick implementation of technology

Method of Direct Part Marking

The direct part marking methods include grooving, engraving, burning, etching and painting. The method is selected according to the implementation cost, material for marking and reading technology.

UID Registry Data Submission Information

Submission of UID data to the UID Registry is crucial for the DoD contractors and hence, it is vital for them to learn various aspects of submission process.

The DoD requires that the contractors must submit the UII details of the items to UID Registry, the storehouse of UID data of the items. Any item that are eligible for UID marking – legacy item currently owned by the DoD, newly procured items and Government furnished property – must be submitted to the UID Registry. The DoD requires that the marking format, required data element and the marking methodology should be according to the MIL-STD-130 standard. Any deviation from the mentioned criteria may lead to rejection of the document. Hence, the suppliers must give proper attention to the accuracy of the data and other marking details of the items.

Who Should Submit the UID Data to the UID Registry

According to DFARS 252.211-7003 and DFARS 252.211-7007, it is the responsibility of the prime contractors to submit the UII and other DoD recognized data for unique identification to the UID Registry. For the new procurements the UII data for the items are submitted to the UID Registry under a DoD Contract. The DoD also allows voluntary submission of UID data for the Government furnished equipments. The item managers are responsible for the operational use and application of UID to the legacy items and hence, they are also required to submit the UID data of the items to the UID Registry.

When Should the UID Data be Submitted to UID Registry

For the new procurements the IUID data for the items must be submitted while creating the receiving report and electronic material inspection. Generally, it is created through Wide Area Work Flow. WAWF stores the UID data of the items and forwards the data to the UID Registry. The UID data of the Government furnished equipments must be submitted to the UID Registry before 30 September of the applicable contract year. The DoD aims at submitting the data about UID registration and marking of the legacy items before December 31, 2010.

Submission to UID Registry via WAWF

WAWF allows electronic submission of the invoices, material inspection and receiving reports. It provides a platform for the authorized DoD personnel and Government contractors to capture generate and process receipt and other payment related documents with the help of web-based interactive application.

The Required Data for Submission to UID Registry

The UID Registry is the repository of UID data where all the information is captured and accessed when necessary. The submission of UID data of the items or parts to the UID Registry requires several essential data such as UID Type (Construct 1 or 2), Entity Identifier (such as CAGE) of company assigning the UID, IAC (Issuing Agency Code) which controls the Entity ID, Part Number (Construct 2 only), Serial Number, Fully constructed UID, the item number (CLIN), shipment numbers, product identifier (NSN/PN) and unit cost. These data elements are crucial part of the UID marking and play key role in item tracking process of the DoD. The UID Registry also requires accuracy of the data elements and the contractors must pay attention to enter accurate data.

Of late, the UID Registry has started providing information through its website for the convenience of the contractors and Government personnel.

The Decisive Features of Direct Part Marking Methods

There are various direct part marking methods, but the appropriate method for marking a part is selected by considering certain factors.

Direct part marking is an important method of marking parts. The UID data of the item is directly etched on the surface of the item for permanent UID marking of the item. Generally, the industries like automotive, aerospace and electronic manufacturers opt for direct part marking system of their items for reliable marking solution. Assuring warranty, safety and satisfying regulatory solution for their requirements, the direct part marking enhances the item tracking and management of various Government and personal assets.

Different types of direct part marking methods are Electro-chemical etching, Dot peen, forge or mold, Cast, adhesive dispensing, Abrasive blasting, Stencil, Lique metal jet, Laser Shot peeing, Laser marking, Engraving/milling, Embroidery. However, these methods are selected carefully for each of the marking requirement.

Selection of Direct Part Marking Methods

There are various methods of direct part markings. But, all the methods are not applicable to all kinds of parts or items. In fact, the contractors need to select the appropriate method for marking the parts depending on various factors.

Functional Aspects of the Part

If the parts are used for safety critical applications such as in air-craft engines or high-stress systems, the contractors should prefer to use non-intrusive marking methods.

Shape of the Item or the Parts

The geometry of the part is responsible to decide the method of direct part marking of the item. For instance, if the surface of the part is curved it is difficult to enter the UID data making it inconvenient for direct part marking. A flat surface is always suitable for the method.

Texture of the Item Surface

It is easy to etch the 2D data matrix code on a rough surface through direct part marking where as difficult for a highly polished surface. In case it becomes essential to mark the part with DPM, the glare of the surface is reduced before the method is applied.

Size of the Part/Item

The application of the UID and 2D data matrix code are not dependent on the size of the items. In fact it is the size of the codes that are determined by the size of the items. In case the part is too small the size of the codes are adjusted accordingly and the methods also selected accordingly that can produce the required result.

Operating Environment of the Item and their Life Span

As it is important to have permanent marking solution with the direct part marking, the marking methods are determined according to the working environment. For instance, if the part is more exposed to heat, the efficiency and durability of the marking should be selected accordingly. Also, the functional life-span of the items differs for different items, which influences the selection of marking method for the items.

Width of Items

Thickness of the items are one of major matters of consideration while direct part marking. Otherwise, there are chances of deformation of the parts affecting their functionality. With most of the marking methods, the marking depth doesn’t exceed 1/10 of thickness of the item.

Advantages of UID Marking for The DoD

The Department of Defense introduced the UID marking of the items keeping in mind its advantages for the item tracking process.

The U.S. Department of Defense started the IUID program to mark the DoD items with unique identification (UID). The implantation and the marking of UID to the DoD recognized items principally aim at keeping track of the items and helping the strategic item management process. The item that come under the scope of UID marking program include item in operational use, in inventory or undergoing depot maintenance along with new solicitations, items procured under ongoing contracts, and the Government-furnished property in the possession of contractors.

UID is a globally unique permanent identification of an item under the Department of Defense that distinguishes individual item from all other item. The UID of an item is a machine-readable 2D data matrix code etched to the item or the label that is affixed to the item. It is a set of globally unique essential data that helps tracking and better management of items.

The UID marking procedure has been proved beneficial for the DoD in several ways.

• Asset visibility and asset traceability are the major parts of asset management and UID marking system provides the best management practice for the business organizations in this regard.
• UID of the items are an aid to DoD’s financial operation for the operations are done with the item identification number. It also helps in advanced audit option for the plant, property, equipment and operating material management.
• The data available for the strategic purchasing of the items, their repairing and maintenance is more accurate with UID of that particular item.It also provides an extensive approach strategic maintenance of item reports.
• The better visibility of the items and the better tracking ability through the UID has helped a long-term and improved inventory management system for the DoD.
• The organizations that aim at mission oriented activities will achieve enhanced planning and execution of item with the help of total asset visibility.
• As the UID of the items has enhanced the efficiency of management with asset visibility and improved data availability, it has also reduce the frustration of the DoD regarding keeping record of data starting from acquisition to repairing and management.
• The consistent use of lifecycle asset information with the help of UID has significantly reduced the item management cost for all the departments of DoD.
• During the peace as well as the war time, the DoD allows total item visibility.

The MIL-STD-130 is the standard that determines the UID marking methods of the items. There are a required set of UID data that is essential to be marked on the item to get accepted by the UID Registry. The DoD also requires that the alpha-numeric human-readable information should also be introduced to the UID marking of the item along with the machine readable 2D data matrix code. As the UID of the items provide extended marking solution for asset management system, they are growing popular among various business organizations across the world. The permanent marking of the UID has added to the advantage of the UID marking system.

UID Registry Submission- Requirements for UID Compliance

The requirements of UID Registry for the UID compliance of data are the must-know for the contractors while submitting the data to UID Registry.

According to the Department of Defense the data of the UID marking for the items should be submitted to the UID Registry. UID Registry is repository of UID data that can be accessed by the DoD personnel to keep track of the items. However, it is also crucial that the contractors, while submitting the data, should ensure that the data comply with the UID standards. The correct and complete data of the item UID plays a key role in the item management and item tracking process of the DoD.

The UID Registry standards check numerous factors of the UID data to accept or reject the data submitted by the contractors. If the markings match their requirements, they’ll accept it otherwise reject it.

Marking of Item with Unique Identification

After the DoD assigns each item with a unique identification, the UIDs of the items are etched on the items or the labels that is affixed to the item. The UID Registry is particular about the compliance of the UID data with the UID standards. Hence, it is mandatory that UID data should be entered as 2D data matrix code and be in accordance with the MIL-STD-130 criteria. Whether the barcode is entered with direct part marking or as UID labels, they play a key role while submitting the UID data to the UID Registry. Any item, be it government furnished property, DoD qualifying deliverables or property under possession of the contractors should be marked with UID before they are submitted to UID Registry.

Verification of the Marking

At the time of UID data submission to the UID Registry, the DoD feels the significance of verifying the marking of the items and the labels for their acceptability. The UID Registry standards of marking verification are based on the marking technology or procedure (direct part marking or application of UID labels) and the marking formats (Construct #1 and Construct #2) in which the 2D data matrix codes are entered.

Validation of Data

It the ISO 15434 requirements that decides the validation of UID data and marking. Starting from the accuracy of data the standard requires accurate syntax and formatting of the 2D data matrix code including the identifier, serial number and other required codes.

Scanning of the UID data

The essential business practice needs scanning of UID data before the items are taken into custody. The UID Registry also mandates the scanning of UID data provided by the contractors to check their validity.

UID Registry Submission

The MIL-STD-130 has mandated that the contractors should submit the UID data to UID Registry either directly or through the WAWF. Registering into the UID Registry is the important step for the contractors before the submission of data to UID Registry.

Item tracking and Location of the Item

All the UID qualified items are tracked to a specific location. The UID marking of the items helps to access the item information which enhances accuracy of reporting. Although the step is not an essential part of UID Registry submission process, it is an essential part of error-free item management process.

UID Data Verification and Submission to UID Registry

Submission of UID data to the UID Registry is an important process of DoD which requires careful attention to different aspects.

The US Department of Defense introduced the system of submitting the UID data of the items to UID registry during November 2004. UID registry is the storehouse of information about the DoD items and their UID data. The submission to UID registry is important as it enhances the maintenance of data and helps the DoD personnel to keep track of the items easily. In other words, the system of submitting data to the UID Registry enhances the item tracking process across the department of Defense. The records that are stored can be accessed for further use as they contain data such as acquisition or manufacture of the items, their maintenance date or process, repairing information etc. Hence, looking at the significance of the UID data in the DoD, the department has mandated that the UID data entered to the UID registry should comply with the MIL-STD-130 standard.

Submission to the UID Registry is crucial for the item management process of the DoD and it is also essential that the data are correctly entered. Part number, enterprise code, serial number of the item, issuing agency code, construct type (construct #1 or Construct #2), etc. are the basic data required for the submission so as to maintain a balance between different types of data. The UID data required on the items are machine readable 2D data matrix codes and human readable UID data. And it is required that both kind of data should be submitted to the UID Registry.

There are certain aspects of submitting data and the contractors are required to follow them so as to get accepted. Although the data should be entered in the XML format, there are other aspects to be considered.

UID Registry Schema Review

It has been stated that the data format should be converted into XML format before making their way to UID Registry. However, it is crucial that the external files of the property management database are modified according to the UID registry schema anf requirements before the files are converted to XML formats. Basing on the GFP, the versions of the schema have been continuously changing and the latest version that is being used for the UID Registry is the 3.0.

Data Format Adjustment for the Submission

The UID Registry maintenance team has prepared a data format for the submission process and the contractors are required to modify their format according to the standard. Depending on the products and details that are required to be submitted, the formats of the data are modified. If required, the formats are changed even after changing them to XML format.

UID Test Registry- The Testing Solution

Before making it to the UID Registry the UID data are submitted to the UID test Registry for verification. The UID production approves the data and sends it to the GEX certified VAN provider. GEX certified VAN provider ensures that the data are submitted to the UID registry’s FTP services.

It is important that the submitted data are approved by the UID Registry. However, the approval or rejection is mentioned through the website of UID Registry.

The MIL-STD-129 Standard For Marking of Shipment

The MIL specs for different items differ depending on the nature of the items. The MIL-STD-129 standards are set of instructions aimed at achieving standard objectives.

MIL-STD-129 is one of the DoD MIL specification standards. This fundamental military standard is meant to maintain uniformity in the military product marking for shipment and storage. It is essential that all military equipments and ammunitions supplied to DoD through shipment should be marked according to standard and specifications mentioned in MIL-STD-129. As any MIL specs, used by DoD to achieve standardized objectives, the MIL-STD-129 is specifically designed for the shipment and storage. The standard mentions the details of marking the items beginning from designing and construction to quality control and maintenance. The MIL-STD-129 has provided separate instruction for tagging, marking and labeling.

The DoD MIL specs keep on changing in regular interval of time keeping in mind the necessary requirements. For instance, the DoD observed certain drawbacks in the marking system according to the MIL-STD-129 standard. As the container marking bears same level of significance as the item marking, the discrepancies in the standard was rectified with the upgraded version of MIL-STD-129, ie. MIL-STD-129P. The revised version of MIL-STD-129 was introduced on 16^th January 2006. Although the MIL-STD-129 standard is a rigorous practice for item marking, the contractors are required to follow the instruction regarding application of numbers, labels, tags along with use of symbols and colors.

The specifications requirements for different kinds of containers are discussed bellow.

Unit Containers

The containers are listed only after they are assigned with unique serial number by the Government or the manufacturer for identification or control. The MIL-STD-129 standard has also mandated that the serial number should be entered in a clear format. The other data required for marking the Unit Containers are National Stock Number (NSN) Barcode, NSN,CAGE, part number, quantity, item description, unit of issue, contract number, date of preservation, lot number (if used), method of preservation code. Shelf marking of the containers is required to specify the start of shelf life of the items that need to be tested or disposed of.

It is to remember that the serial numbers assigned to indicate the quantity produced should not be listed. Sometimes, the exterior containers are used as unit containers, and at that time the exterior container rules are applied for the unit container.

Intermediate container

The rules for marking the intermediate containers are the same as the unit container and the same data are applied except the serial number. When an intermediate container contains more than five serial-numbered items, the exterior container rules for the serial number are applied for the purpose.

Exterior Container

For the exterior container, the basic rules of the unit container are applied except some of the specific identification marking requirements. The MIL-STD-129 specifications, there are few exceptions in the marking procedure. For instance, it is mandatory that the Contract Number, NSN, and CAGE Code should be entered in the barcode format. The marking of exterior container doesn’t require item descriptions. The additional levels required for the marking are Military Shipment Label (MSL), Direct-Vendor Delivery (DVD) Label, Serial Number Barcode(s).

The MIL-STD-129 specifications are crucial part of DoD’s item tracking process.