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.

UID: Universal Identification System

The set of standards that is used by the United States Department of Defense is vital in keeping provisions and property well monitored in accordance with the strict identification requirements. With the variety of items that are owned and maintained by the DoD an identification system must be able to record and store critical data about the qualities of the item.

The UID or Unique Identification System provides this systematic way of recording and storing data. This data can include information regarding the total cost of ownership, logistics systems, and compatibility with other transportation and use systems. This method creates a system-wide and universally compatible method of identification and data retrieval.

First adopted in 1995, non-governmental agencies have seen the benefits of the UID method and are adopting this standardization system for themselves. The recent interest in the DoD specifications has created a new level of participation in the MIL Specs that outline the use of UID. Technical and non-technical companies and groups are using this method to take advantage of its efficiency and effectiveness.

In order to be in compliance with the Department of Defense standards concerning the UID, each item must be provided with a way for data to be obtained via a scanning device. This is through a machine readable matrix bar or sections. Being machine readable is only part of the requirement. Additionally each item must be marked with text and imagery that is readable by human personnel. Shelf life, quantity, preservation methods, and item number are among the basic information that must be printed on the exterior of the item for use and legibility.

The UID system serves to communicate the information regarding a specific item in a quick and efficient manner. Having both the machine and human readable text allows this to take place. It is the goal of the system to minimize error during the items use, storage, and transportation throughout its lifetime.

While being transported and stored, the UID will make the item more compatible with shipping and containing requirements

An added benefit of the UID is that each identified item is placed in an governmental registry. This allows an item to be stored and information to be acquired quickly during shipping for tracking and logistic purposes

If an employee of the government or a contractor working for the government wishes, an item and its UID information can be placed in the registry. This acts as a collection of all Department of Defense assets that are controlled internally or by third parties.

UID Marking Basics: Creating and Reading MIL-STD-130 Compliant Labels

In order for the US Department of Defense (DoD) to track vast amounts expensive equipment, it has mandated the standard UID marking criteria MIL-STD-130N; specifically section 252.211-7003 entitled “Item Identification and Valuation” [1]. The specifications for this standard stipulate detailed criteria that industry developers and DoD suppliers must follow when labeling products. The DoD dictates these criteria for labeling everything from ammunition to parts for rocket motors.

The standard specifies that all physical property and equipment of a certain monetary value must be marked with compliant Unique Identifier (UID) labels. UID marking components consists of a succession of bits, a series of characters, or a unique number to distinguish equipment from other gear much like a serial number. Each UID can be used no more than once within one project or scope [2]. A variation of UID marking technology is used by the shipping companies UPS and FedEx. These companies use a 2D data matrix label to track shipments (you may have noticed the grid-style label on a package; it resembles a newspaper crossword puzzle).

US Military personnel and contractors utilize DoD equipment that is subject to UID marking standards. The equipment must be inventoried and audited at regular intervals to ensure DoD capabilities and readiness. While it is possible to read UID labels with sub-par equipment, prudent users turn to DoD-certified UID label readers and scanners to automate the reading of UID labels.

To meet the rigorous criteria of MIL-STD-130N, equipment manufacturers must deploy the most reliable and advanced UID marking and UID scanning technology available. The UID marking process for nameplates can include methods such as ink jet, laser etching, or even dot-peen [3]. It is imperative to manufacture nameplates with quality UID marking equipment. It is also important to employ durable and versatile label scanners. Equipment manufacturers must also use only the best UID marking equipment available to ensure long-lasting and durable labels. Today there are a few US companies manufacturing UID marking and scanning equipment. When choosing a manufacturer one must take multiple variables into consideration. For any questions or expert advice, visit ID-Integration at http://www.id-integration.com.

Information on UID Labels

Logistics is a complex process that involves the shipping, handling, and storage or a vast number of objects. A system must be in place that can meet the requirements and demands posed by such a challenging task. There are many solutions that can be used to address the logistics issue, but many of them are not optimized and well designed. The Military has used a standardized system for their logistic needs for many years. Beginning in the 1990s, this system was adopted by commercial and private sector groups. As its use expanded, more groups began using the UID system for object identification. UID labels play a central part in this system.

The Department of Defense requires that all items that it owns must be in accordance with MIL-STD-130. This is a series of documents that outline the requirements of item labeling. Among these requirement UID labels must convey information regarding a specific object or group of objects through two methods. The first is through clearly legible text that is accessible to humans. The text is required to be of a certain size and style. Secondly, a bar-code matrix must be available on the item for scanning by a computer system. UID labels are in place to make the logistics process more efficient through proper identification.

In order to be in accordance with the Military labeling scheme, a certain amount of information must be expressed through the UID labels. Expiration date, group number, transportation and storage requirements, all must be clearly and easily available to determine. Many problems can develop at any point during the logistics process. An item may become misplaced or kept in an inadequate environment, leading to lost capital and time.

Each item that is marked with UID labels also has the benefit of being included in a large database. This database is known as the UID registry and it is a information warehouse that contains data on all items owned by the Department of Defense or owned by third party contractors. Having a central database has innumerable benefits to the logistic cycle.

The Military has used UID labels with a great deal of success. Recently, it has become an effective tool for the private sector as well. Logistical issues can be reduced and managed through the use of UID labels. Adherence to the labeling system is a complex topic and an expert in the field should be contacted to aid in the integration process.

UID: The Keys to Compliance

The Unique Identification (UID) program of the U.S. Department of Defense is an inventory and property management system. The Department of Defense implemented the Unique Identification program to provide efficiencies with acquisition and repair of UID marked items and to enhance deployment and other logistics processes of property under the control of the Department of Defense.

The Unique Identification program specifies what items require UID markings, the information to include in the UID markings and how the UID markings are to be applied to the item. MIL-STD-130N, Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property, provides the specifications for Unique Identification. MIL-STD-130N must be followed for all items subject to Unique Identification produced or serviced for the Department of Defense. The items subject to Unique Identification are defined in DFARS Clause 252.211-7003, Item Identification and Valuation.

In general the items requiring UID markings are:
a) all items with a cost per unit of $5,000 and greater
b) Department of Defense serially managed, embedded, mission critical and controlled inventory items regardless of cost
c) any item if requested

Businesses that do not work directly with the Department of Defense as suppliers or contractors may also be required to mark items in compliance with the UID program. This will occur when a business sells items or components to a Department of Defense supplier and these items or components are embedded into an end product supplied to or serviced for the Department of Defense.

According to MIL-STD-130N UID markings must be applied in such fashion the markings will remain permanent and readable for the expected life of the item marked. To ensure the markings will be permanent for the expected life of the item the environmental conditions and the typical maintenance procedures the marked item will be subjected to must be considered when determining the marking method. Items subjected to extreme environmental conditions or harsh cleaning chemicals will require more durable marking methods and materials. MIL-STD-130N provides flexibility in the materials used for UID markings and the methods of marking while being specific regarding the information required in and format of the UID markings. Although UID markings may be in human readable formats machine readable format is preferred when there is insufficient space to mark in both formats.

Correctly implementing the Department of Defense's UID program according to MIL-STD-130N and DFARS Clause 252.211-7003 is complicated as shown by this overview of the Unique Identification program. It is wise to turn to the experts at ID-Integration for more information.