Mil-Std-129 - ID-Integration the company for Barcode Identification Systems

Identifying equipment and supplies for storage and shipment is essential for those companies with military contracts. Mil-Std-129 is the standard necessary to define those requirements to insure that all markings are readily identifiable with a code that is unique and uniform for asset management.
The definition of the Department of Defense Unique Identification program is:

The tangible data set that is unique and unmistakable that ensures integrity and quality throughout the life of an asset while supporting multi-faceted business applications and users.
Implementing the Unique Identification (UID) policy in support of the Department of Defense (DoD) mission and interpretation of Mil-Std-129 can be overwhelming.

Barcode Identification Systems selection:
The requirements of Mil-Std-129 make the decision for which company creates this system very important. Having an education system in place to inform customers and keep them updated on policy changes is essential. ID-Integration is the company that will guide a business through the regulatory environment, the policy, implementation, business rules, and changes while implementing Mil-Std-129.

Regulatory Environment
Complying with the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 started the ongoing solution for addressing the problems facing Federal programs involving inventory and operation readiness. Federal agencies were challenged to provide useful, reliable and timely inventory data and the Unique Identification Program was the solution.

To keep up with the needs of management systems the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996 was passed. The purpose was to accentuate a management style that would align performance with the organizational goals which would reduce costs and encourage responsibility while improving financial management. Mil-Std-129 was a vehicle to help achieve these goals. The Mil-Std-129 defines how and when to use these Unique Identifications.

The Policy
Total asset visibility is a program designed to improve the ability of Logisticians and managers to obtain information of the location, quantity, condition, and movement of assets through logistic programs. Mil-Std-129 defines how equipment and supplies are labeled for a seamless flow and complete visibility. Visibility of the Military's existing assets is critical to track material, maintain accurate records and provide timely information to those who have a need.

During the operations of Desert Shield and Desert Storm asset identification became problematic. Because of a lack for visibility of the contents, thousands of containers had to be opened manually inventoried and resealed, then reinserted into the system. This was a huge undertaking and considerable time was lost in the effort.
Since then the requirements of Mil-Std-129 has enabled existing assets to be more visible making a dramatic impact on Military logistics.

Details of Mil-std-129 and Mil-Std-130 requirements are complicated. Experts at ID-Integration have many experts in this field. Education information and product information for UID Scanners/UID Imagers are available at ID-Integration helping to make it easier to deal with military standard compliant labels.
Contact information is at http://www.id-integration.com.

MIL-STD-130 Compliant UID Scanners

The Unique Item Identification or UID Scanner is ideal for reading labels that have been marked with unique barcodes and cannot be read by any other device. The UID is a standard introduced by the Department of Defense that requires assets to have a unique and universal mark of identification. The DoD requires the use of UID labels that enables it to separate one item from the other and easily keep track and record of various items. The labels contain a 2D matrix system barcode that contains the item’s part number and its serial number that can only be read by a UID Scanner.

For the UID label to be authorized, it has to meet MIL-STD-130 specifications and standards that are approved by the Department of Defense. Items having this standard are identified as UID certified and their markings can be distinguished from other items markings. In accordance with the MIL-STD-130 spec, items marked with the unique code can only be read by use of a UID Scanner.

Using the Automated Identification Technology or AIT, the UID scanner helps in decoding of the UID data elements that are imprinted on the UID labels. As it decodes and derives data elements from the UID, the scanner identifies each of the data elements, which are then introduced to the UID scanner alongside the items prefixes. The data prefixes are utilized in form of numeric Application Identifiers or AI, alphanumeric Data Identifiers or DI and the Text Element Identifiers or the TEI.

For the label to be read by the scanner, it has to meet the standards as set out by the MIL-STD-130 spec. The standard requires that the label should in no way damage or cause harm to the item. In addition, the materials used for designing the labels should be durable and not easily affected by adverse weather conditions, sunlight and chemicals among others. To ensure the UID markings are read by the UID scanner they have to comply with the standards set out by the MIL-STD-130 spec. To get more information and expert advice on the UID and types of scanners to use, consult experts at ID-Integration.

An Overview Of The UID Imager For DoD UID Labels

UID or the Unique Item Identifier labeling was introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD), as a way of submitting UID data of items to the UID registry. The UID registry acts as a storehouse for information about items belonging to DoD and the item’s UID data. The submission of data using UID imager to the registry enhances data maintenance and enables personnel at DoD to easily monitor the items. Currently, the UID label is applied to all Department of Defense identification requirements and for SNT’s or serialization tracking programs. It is important to select the correct UID imager so as to achieve UID compliance.

For any UID imager to become UID compliant, it has to pass the MIL-STD-130 standard. This standard allows the marking or printing of this UID symbol with the same methods that are used in the production of nameplates or labels. This UID is engraved on items in form of 2D data matrix barcode symbol that is imprinted in a square grid. The markings on the item can be either affixed or engraved using nameplates or labels. To guarantee longevity, the markings affixed must be permanent for the entire duration of the item.

In order to identify or decode the engravings on the nameplate or label, an UID imager is used. These UID imagers make it easier for users to understand the coding. While the UID is being derived from the data elements, the imager identifies each data element on the label and decodes the Unique Item identifier. The UID Imager uses the latest Automated Identification Technology in decoding and encoding the code and is able to read data included in the UID labels. Such data may include item number, marking method, part number and the agency code among others. In order for the data to be read using the UID Imager, the labels need to be made using either the construct #1 or construct #2. Data elements written in formats other than the above might not be read correctly by the imager.

To get more understanding on benefits of the UID Imager seek expert advice from ID-Integration who will provide additional information.