Thursday, December 27, 2012
The IUID Registry Works in Combination with Today’s IUID Compliance Process
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
What is an IUID Verification System?
What is ATA SPEC2000?
Common Facts about MIL-STD-130 Compliance
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Ins and Outs of ATA Spec
UID System Requirements Learn More from Online Education Pages
The Basic Criteria of MIL SPEC 130 UID Basics for Compliance
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Understanding the UID Registry and UID Verification Process
Understanding the Basics of IUID Online
Saturday, October 1, 2011
UID Compliance: A Brief Overview
UID, or Unique Item Identification, has been made a mandatory practice by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). All military property, assets, and products are now required to possess compliant UID markings, or tags. This exclusive system of assigning specific ID codes to unique items was introduced with a strong motive for protecting these valuable assets from loss, damage, or misuse. Compliance with the requirements outlined by the DoD, means that the manufacturers’ experiences will be more positive throughout the duration of their government contract. Non-compliance may result in hefty fines and ultimately, the loss of a contract.
UID Specifications and Requirements:
The Department of Defense has a wide range of essential UID requirements. For improved adoption and compliance by contractors, the DoD has prepared a series of published guidelines to assist in meeting these requirements. Two excellent resources for UID compliance include MIL STD 129 and MIL STD 130 guidelines.
Both these documents contain a many of do’s and don’ts for the manufacturers. Generally these articles are categorized under the UID compliance regulations on the basis of the cost, usage, or overall value of the product. These processes are very rigid and fulfillment of successful contract terms requires full compliance on each product or part supplied to the U.S. military.
UID Compliance Methods
UID compliance, as stated earlier, covers a huge area. Starting right from accepted methods of UID marking, label substrate materials, UID scanner models, and data collection, storage, and analysis, the DoD has carefully thought through each facet of product identification to ensure better end results. Each and every process has specific rules and regulations of critical importance. Therefore, before a manufacturer enters into a contract to supply the U.S. Government one must attain thorough knowledge of these guidelines and restrictions as provided in detail throughout all MIL STD 130 and MIL STD 129 documentation for full UID compliance.
UID Compliance and Verifiers:
UID compliance verification helps to systemize the entire chain of production, storage, and circulation of production data amongst manufacturers. Such identification solutions immensely help to actually track down records, capture and analyze valuable production details, and enforce safety and quality control measures. Many successful contractors choose to integrate a UID verifier into their UID application solution for an added measure of quality improvement when it comes to meeting UID compliance requirements.For more information on UID compliance and the wide range of solutions, visit ID Integration at www.id-integration.com.
UID Software for MIL SPEC 129 Compliance
Unique item identification is a remarkable process of tracking, storing, and analyzing data collected throughout the manufacturing, distribution, and installation of just about every asset registered under the U.S. Government. This initiative was managed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in order to prevent the misplacement, misuse, or loss of items and products exclusively belonging to the military.
All methods are well described in the compliance protocols known as MIL SPEC 129 and MIL STD 130. These regulations, restrictions, and specifications are all covered extensively by the standards outlined in MIL SPEC 129 and MIL STD 130 documentation. These details cover everything from basic manufacturing requirements; like which articles are required to be registered with unique identification. These guidelines also include how to proceed with registration, what’s contained on a compliant UID label, what substrate materials and marking technologies are recommended, and so much more.
There are also some specific rules that influence the use of UID software for marking, scanning, data capture and analysis, as well as other special requirements. Thus, it can be understood that a compliant UID solution depends on hardware and software programming as part of their overall solution.
MIL SPEC 129 states that anything under the government’s possession must have item-unique identification. This unique identification will features essential manufacturing data; like the manufacturers’ location of manufacture, the product’s production date, item code, serial number, service data, expiry date, and more. Ideally, this data is also written in an accepted bar code format, such as 2D data matrix code, and this level of automation requires the use of compliant and proven UID software solutions for the best success rate.
MIL SPEC 129 states the basic parameters for compliant scanners. These compliant models must be able to read and store 2D data matrix codes containing the standard identification details. In addition, recommended models should be installed with memory backup and storage to a secure network for more efficient data analysis.
To learn more about MIL SPEC 129 guidelines and UID software as well as other solutions for UID applications, visit ID Integration online at www.id-integration.com. These seasoned experts have a wide range of products to offer custom-fit solutions for all your DoD application needs. From industrial marking and coding systems to UID scanners, UID software, and verifiers, ID Integration has got you covered. Read our blog for even more informative and useful articles on this critical area of government contracts.
A Good UID Scanner Ensures Better MIL STD 130 Compliance
Finding a good UID scanner for testing to see if UID labels are compliant with MIL STD 130 standards has been made easier by ID Integration, Inc. Visit the ID Integration website at www.id-integration.com to find today’s leading selection of UID compliant scanners. The Department of Defense’s guidelines for tracking military property, involves proper marking identification of every item, and is collectively called MIL STD 130. This MIL standard contains many government documents and books. The current MIL-STD-130 specifications possess full authority in resolving conflicts with older documents and contain a complete list of documents in Section 2. The required IUID or UID labels are easily read using a UID scanner. Finding a reliable and compliant UID scanner is necessary for successful applications.
Section 1.3 of the MIL STD 130 guidelines contains a list of items not requiring a UID mark. This is because these items already have appropriate marking or UID labels (Unique Identification). The VIN number of a car or serial number of a cell phone is a perfect example of this. If a UID label is required, it is highly recommended that you supplement your identification solution to include a good UID scanner for verification purposes and testing. Testing is often necessary to avoid costly mistakes.
The U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, specifies that the UID markings must be applied to identification plates, tags, or UID labels that are made of a rugged and durable material. Marking may also be made to the actual surface of a manufactured part or product. Ultimately, this UID marking must remain visible and readable, while in operation and use. UID labels are much easier to read when using a UID scanner. The UID marking must be permanent, throughout the full lifecycle of the item.
If the item is not large enough to include the full UID marking specifications on a UID label, the item is required to be marked with at least the EID (Enterprise Identifier) and the PIN (Part or Identifying Number), Lot, or Batch Number. If an item is too small for any marking, then the UID marking on the UID label should be on the packaging. MRI (Machine Readable Information) is the DoD’s recommended marking method. If you are trying to find a good UID scanner, consider the experts in MIL STD 130 technology at ID Integration, Inc. Visit www.id-integration.com for more information.
The Importance of MIL STD 130
MIL STD 130 is a document detailing the process of UID labels or marking for products that are produced, stored, stocked, and issued by the Department of Defense, or DoD. Any organization that works with products intended for use by the DoD must follow the UID label guidelines as specified in MIL STD 130. This managed process is used to ensure that each product has unique identification so that it can be tracked throughout its usage and lifetime. MIL STD 130 plays a big part in Department of Defense projects, or contracts. This is especially true when this branch of government works with outside organizations and manufacturers. MIL STD 130 has been developed to provide a useful manual of specifications to ensure full compliance of UID labels.
In cases where a product has already established a history with a unique identification number, MIL STD 130 allows for some exceptions. These are typically products such as motor vehicles, cell phones, and other products with separate and unique UID labels already in place. The best examples of these exceptions include; cell phones, which are already defined by their Electronic Serial Numbers; and cars, which are already identified by a Vehicle Identification Number.
MIL STD 130 provides the minimum requirements that UID labels must meet in order to be used by the DoD. The list of requirements is too long to list in this brief article, but some of the more basic requirements can be discussed. To start, MIL STD 130 requires that all UID labels be marked on a hard surface that will withstand industrial environments. UID labels may be affixed to the part, itself, or with a plate, label, tag, or band. In some cases UID labels aren’t actually labels, but rather an identification mark that has been printed or indented directly onto the surface of the part.
MIL STD 130 explains that these UID labels need to be located in a highly visible area, if possible. UID labels need to be designed to last for the full lifetime use of a product, taking into consideration the environment it will be exposed to. Compliant UID labels also need to have both human and machine readable codes visible on the identification.
MIL STD 130 enforces several requirements for how the human readable and machine readable information should be provided. Specifications for human readable information typically include information about the font size and style, among other things. All machine readable information must be arranged in a certain way, and there are minimum requirements for the information that must be identifiable.
Depending on the industry, the requirements for ID integration are different. Since MIL STD 130 is a lengthy document that can't be easily shortened, anyone working with the Department of Defense (DoD) should contact an experienced integrator like ID Integration, Inc. for assistance in evaluating the many solutions.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Interesting Facts on the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier
The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier is a very popular device that proficiently reads and grades unique identification coded data for many complex applications. The accepted methodology for identifying all assets, or parts, belonging to the U.S. Military was established in July of 2003. The government undertook this measure to maintain a more secure and accurate record of its valuable property. As part of this function, it also maintains a registry of the products manufactured by government contractors on assignment. The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier plays a vital role in the government contractor’s quality control process.
The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier reads each item’s unique identification code; complete with 2D Data Matrix scanning. This testing procedure includes important specifications that are part of all MIL SPEC applications. This verifier also plays an instrumental role in the quality control of the items subjected to the marking of a unique identification code; in accordance with MIL standards such as MIL-SPEC 130 or MIL- SPEC 129.
How does the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier work?
The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier is a highly integrated scanner or tester which contains unique features such as a camera, fixed optics, illuminated reader, and high-tech memory support. The synchronization of this entire array of features enables accurate reading and verification of identification data. The permanent identity plate of an item is placed in an optimum location for screening by the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier. Related instructions and codes are fed to the verifier through special software which enables the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier to identify and relate data from the item’s identification marking to that of the internal software; allowing easy assurance of a successful registration process.
Special features of the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier
The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier is user-friendly and easy to operate without requiring external programming. Apart from the regular mechanics, the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier also has the latest validating protocols such AIM and DPM. Also, the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier complies with all MIL standard regulations and provides quality service.
One thing to be kept in mind regarding all scanners is that these are sensitive devices and should be properly maintained. Modifications to the device by anyone other than a dependable technician are not desirable. In order to learn more about the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier browse product details at www.id-integration.com.
Important Facts on IUID Data Matrix Verifiers
Some government contractors complain that UID is a confusing concept. However, this is probably because of the lengthy information that is currently available. The unique identification code, or UID, that the U.S. Government requires on all military assets provides enhanced security measures for immediate identification and tracking of each individual item. Each product or part provided to various military units must be marked with its own unique code that is in compliance with MIL-SPEC-130 or MIL-SPEC-129 standards. These identification marks must remain legible, high contrast, and durable for the full lifetime of the product. Marks must withstand harsh environmental and industrial environments while remaining permanent. (This permanence must outlast general weathering and UV exposure over time when stored in outside yards, for example.)
IUID Data Matrix Verifiers
The entire identification process requires certain steps in processing. Beginning with the authentication and registration of the items a particular contractor is assigned to provide. Smarter manufacturers prefer to implement IUID Data Matrix Verifiers to ensure compliance of MIL SPEC requirements. These specifications provide the exact nomenclature, information types, and formats for the entire UID label. Whether these marks are printed onto labels and then affixed to a product; or marked direct-to-part, all are required to meet a series of Department of Defense specifications for successful fulfillment. Often, successful contractors will utilize IUID data matrix verifiers to be sure of compliant codes, or labels. IUID data matrix verifiers are specialized scanners that are programmed to verify and grade presented identification marks. Tracability is the primary reason why the Department of Defense (DoD) developed such a system of security processing; so that even in the worst case their administration can readily track down any item referring to its readable codes stored within the UID registry.
Functions of the IUID Data Matrix Verifiers
IUID data matrix verifiers read codes that are presented to their screening device. Most match the scanned data to internal software that has been pre-programmed relating to the stored data for specialized application specifications. The verifier will typically provide a legibility reading, sometimes known as a grade, to indicate the level of compliance to preset parameters.
IUID data matrix verifiers serve a variety of purposes for verifying marked products prior to distribution. To learn more about IUID data matrix verifiers one can log on to www.id-integration.com for more detailed information. Visit ID Integration to learn more about a full range of UID solutions for government contractors and suppliers.
Basics to Know About the Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier
The Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier is a type of scanner that can read compressed data containing unique identification codes (UID), which are required for U.S. military articles, assets, and parts. The U.S. Government, on July 30, 2003, announced the introduction of the MIL-SPEC 130 AND MIL-STD-139 unique identification coding methodologies. The government has made this system mandatory for all military articles for tracking purposes. These UID specifications enable complete tracking of all Department of Defense property for the full lifetime of each part or product. This tracking enables improved accounting for all assets while also maintaining improved security and safety.
With the introduction of these coding requirements, more accurate and easily accessible records can now be maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Every contactor manufacturing under government assignment is subject to specific standards that require that each article is assigned a unique identification code. Many companies also choose to implement the use of verifiers to ensure proper compliance to all DoD specifications. The Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier provides one of the most thorough verification documentation available to government contractors and sub-contractors.
The Function of the Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier
The primary function of the Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier is to scan and read the unique code of each of the military articles. The Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier is also used for sequential testing to ten different lighting angles as specified in MIL-STD-130 guidelines. The Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier can read information on metals, rubber and plastic, but they must be marked with methods that achieve a high contrast with excellent legibility. Most often these higher quality marks may be performed with the use of programmable stylus markers, laser marking equipment, or high resolution inkjet printing. This verification and testing device is available as a portable machine, which can also be connected to a stationary workstation when required. The Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier also has various illuminated light options for more realistic testing ensuring greater compliance with DoD requirements. Operation of the Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier is easy and does not require users with elevated technical skills.
Compliance to all Department of Defense requirements is necessary for successful relationships between the U.S. Military and leading government contractors; or sub-contractors. Use of the Microscan UID DPM Compliance Verifier will make certain that products meet all MIL-SPEC-130 and MIL-STD-129 guidelines for a more successful identification application.
Some Facts to Know About the Microscan UID LDP Compliance Verifier
The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier is a device that tests or verifies unique identification codes of items, assets, properties, or possessions of any type belonging to the U.S. Military. The codes are marked as well as read according to certain standards established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD); and contained in both MIL-STD-130 and MIL-SPEC-129. The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier performs UID data verification and will ensure proper compliance to all existing military spec applications. The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier helps government contractors and sub-contractors to ensure their identification marks comply with DoD guidelines for improved delivery of materials.
How does the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier help?
Every unique item secured under the governmental registry is marked by a unique code. This code contains much information like the item category and type, the manufacturer’s identity code, the serial number of the product, the quality type, and the asset value of the item; among many other factors. As part of the DoD’s MIL-SPEC-130 and MIL-STD-129 standards, specific nomenclature and coding are required for proper UID markings. The use of a verifier, like the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier, helps to check, grade, and verify these necessary marks before delivery to the U.S. Military.
This is where the application of the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier becomes very prominent. The Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier is preloaded with the codes and programs that will enable it to recognize the details on the identification marks of the items that will either be stocked within the U.S. Military, or sold to other countries. Substrate materials must be relatively thin to work with the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier’s fixed focal length design. It is ideally for the verification of thin labels and nameplates only for the best results.
If you want to know more about the Microscan UID LPD Compliance Verifier, it’s easy to learn more online at www.id-integration.com. Visit ID Integration for all your UID integration needs. From programmable stylus indenters to industrial inkjet and even YAG laser marking equipment, we provide complete solutions for military spec applications. In addition to modern and efficient marking systems, ID Integration also offers a full line of scanners, verifiers, and other devices for production management with data analysis.
Build a UID solution that meets Department of Defense compliance requirements, while also improving your plant productivity. Reduce overhead costs by identifying flawed or superior steps or methods in your manufacturing processes. Mount identification solutions in-line for seamless integration of UID solutions.
Basic Know-How on UID
Ever since the unique identification coding process (UID) was introduced by the U.S. government to maintain registration and record of the assets belonging to the military, several manufacturing companies began producing quality verifiers. In order to understand the concept of the verifiers one has to know their functions. A verifier is a scanner that verifies the UID codes given to each individual product of the U.S. military. These codes are unique to each single article. The scanners are ready to check for MIL-SPEC-130 compliance and their programming will enable them to recognize certain signs, symbols, and other special features that are inscribed on the UID mark of the items. These verifiers play a very special role in validating and verifying information contained within compliant UID codes for the most efficient operation.
In the context of reading UID codes, it can be said that the market has been flooded by several manufacturers who claim their verifiers as capable of reading even the most complicated UID codes. However, the Cognex DataMan 7500V has established such a high standard of performance among all other verifiers that it has developed great popularity and demand. Cognex products are known for their integrated functioning and longevity. The Cognex DataMan 7500V has many operational advantages, including accuracy of readability of unique identification (UID) codes along with smoothness of functioning without making the process complex and messy.
What is unique about Cognex DataMan 7500V?
The first advantage of Cognex DataMan 7500V is that it is a user-friendly product. This means that the person using the device should not face any technical problems while operating the Cognex DataMan 7500V. The convenient and integrated style is another popular feature of the Cognex DataMan 7500V. This product is available in corded and cordless versions; and is also a lightweight product, which allows the user the convenience of being mobile and comfortable at the same time. The technical synthesis of Cognex DataMan 7500V is also remarkable. With 30-degree dark-field lighting, this verifier also provides the ease of optimized distance reading of today’s UID codes.
What is best about the Cognex DataMan 7500V is that it is designed under the standards of the AIM DPM guidelines for the U.S. Government’s MIL-STD-130 standards and also complies with the B-17 rules of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).
Apart from this, the Cognex group also provides optional accessories like calibration cards and a 7500-series standoff device.
What Are IUID Data Matrix Verifiers?
Item Unique Identification Code (IUID) is a type of branding that is required by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in order to maintain a record of most possessions of the U.S. military. This system was introduced primarily for security reasons. All contractors producing of any kind of items, weapons, or other assets for the U.S. Government must have a unique individual code marked on each of their products. The IUID code makes possible a very accurate record of every article’s distribution within or outside the borders of the U.S. territory. The codes are composed of numbers, text, and 2D Data Matrix barcodes. These barcodes are readable with the use IUID data matrix verifiers and other data matrix compatible scanners.
What is a UID Data Matrix Verifier?
IUID data matrix verifiers are scanners that decode an item’s unique identification code for compliance verification purposes. This is done in order to ensure the IUID is accurate and meets the necessary Military specifications. These systems typically perform two separate quality control tests of UID data matrix codes as stated in MIL-STD-130 standards. One test often consists of a data syntax check of a barcode's data string. A second test evaluates overall image quality. For a smooth Department of Defense application, all UID codes must be able to pass both of these quality control tests for true compliance to MIL-STD-130.
Before an article is assigned a unique code and tested with a UID data matrix verifier, the coding process must be performed according to the Military standards established by MIL-SPEC-130 or MIL-SPEC-129 guidelines. To minimize confusion, the Department of Defense has elaborately documented the entire process of IUID coding and spelled out the conditions that qualify a contractor and the items produced by them to receive this unique identification. While undergoing registration of the items many important factors must be kept in mind. The best IUID data matrix verifiers are able to read only legible prints, which have to be placed in a proper position so that the scanner can reach that particular part of the item. Until and unless all these criteria are observed, it becomes difficult for a UID data matrix verifier to perform its functions accurately.
What do the IUID data matrix verifiers read?
The IUID data matrix verifiers read codes for a particular item, its serial numbers, the manufacturer’s code, and overall mark quality. The entire system is a very credible means of confirming that identification markings will meet the military asset tracking and security criteria for the United States.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Learn About Gary Moe & ID-Integration
Gary Moe and ID-Integration became popular when the military decided to revise the identification system they used to mark US military property and component parts. This standard is referred to as MIL STD 130 and it is applicable to all the suppliers who provide items to the Department of Defense. A DoD integration expert; President, and Chairman of the UID supplier Alliance, Gary Moe, has introduced methods and solutions to meet this higher set of standards through his leadership of ID-Integration.
Poor inventory control and increased costs to maintain these stores led the military to a more controlled process for improved quality control and tracking of all assets and components. These improved standards require that each supplier manufacture the items they provide with a specific identification system. The system used for Gary Moe & ID-Integration usually includes 2D matrix bar codes with serial numbers, part numbers, and a Commercial and Government Entity Code, among many other specifications.
To streamline the entire process, the Department of Defense also made it necessary for suppliers to mark all shipping containers. The containers must to include a specific code and all these details are included in the Gary Moe and ID-Integration process for MIL STD 129 and MIL STD 130 readiness. This standard categorizes shipping containers into intermediate, unit, and exterior containers. Each container has to have a National Stock Number, part number, and item description. Exterior containers need to possess a serial number bar code, military shipment level, and direct-vendor delivery level among other items. The codes used should be readable by both bar code scanners and humans. Many companies rely on the professional assistance of Gary Moe and ID-Integration solutions for compliance.
Gary Moe and ID-Integration have the experience and knowledge to make DoD compliance easier for any organization. When choosing a company for such integration services, it is better to select one that has been around for a longer time frame. This will prevent expensive mistakes during the process.
The proven Gary Moe and ID-Integration solutions have been put in place to provide an improved opportunity for the Department of Defense to manage its manufacturing, distribution, and logistics processes. In the MIL STD 129 standards, there are two markings that are required. The first one should be legible to humans while the second marking must be readable by approved machines. Storage and retrieval of data is also an essential part of the solutions provided by Gary Moe and ID-Integration. Every item that is marked can be included in an organization's central database for thorough analysis and safety tracking.