DoD Will Reject Item Shipments Without Proper UID Labels

In the latest UID news, all military shipments must have Unique Identification ( UID ) markings and meet certain standards. Those standards are set out in MIL-STD-130N. It is important that all military property be properly marked with UID labels for inventory control purposes. It is not sufficient to simply count the number of M-16 rifles in a shipment and compare that number to a manifest. Each individual item must be tracked and UID labels make this task much easier.

The UID labels must be securely attached to each item and easily visible. The UID labels must conform to ISO 15343 in a 2D matrix. The UID image will not be readable by human eye so a UID scanner will be necessary. The UID image can range in size from 300 micrometers to more than 1 meter. UID labels must be able to contain a maximum of 2kb of data.

UID scanners used in warehouses will differ from the ones used in the field. Typically a portable handheld scanner will be used outside of the warehouse but, a smart phone can be programed to function as a scanner as well. It is therefore necessary that the UID labels be manufactured to very strict tolerances so that the UIDimages can be read whenever necessary.

While UID images and scanners may be very complex, they are critical to keeping the military functioning smoothly. If shipments do not have scanner readable UID labels , the Department of Defense will reject them.UID labels play a vital role in ensuring that supplies reach their appropriate destinations. Shipments failing to do so could have dire consequences for those in the field.

UID Compliance - Navigating the Waters without Hitting the Rocks

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 252.211-7003 ( DFARS 252.211-7003 ) sets forth the definitions and regulations of Item Identification and Valuation under MIL-STD-130N, the standard method of marking, identifying, and tracking military property owned by the Department of Defense. Under DFARS 252.211-7003 , all IUID (Item Unique Identification) markings, as well as marking placement, must adhere to a complicated set of guidelines. Marking specifications require a mark to be securely attached to an item with the use of metal or plastic identification plates, identification bands, identification tags or identification labels. Alternatively, DFARS 252.211-7003 marks can be applied directly to an object. The Id Integration website has additional information on MIL-STD-130N regulations.

The use of an MRI (Machine Readable Information) marking is preferred to allow as much room as possible for the amount of information to ensure a proper IUID. EID (Enterprise Identifier) numbers, PIN (Part or Identifying) numbers, batch number, and lot numbers are just a few examples of Types of IUID DFARS 252.211-7003compliant information than can be used with an MRI marking. There are also a few exceptions to the MRI marking standards such as COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) items that are pre-marked with commercial and parts within an assembly or subassembly. DFARS 252.211-7003 specification regulates the quality as well as the content of MRI markings. Linear Bar Codes must adhere to ISO/IEC 15416 unless otherwise specified in the contractor or order. Data Matrix Symbols have several regulations including ISO/IEC 15415, IAM DPM-1-2006, and SAE AS9132.

Id Integration is dedicated to offering products and services designed to effectively and successfully navigate the complicated standards and regulations of DFARS 252.211-7003 . Id Integration offers many kinds of UID scanners such as UID barcode scanners and 2D parts scanners. The “Smart Scanner” is a low-cost, high-value, innovative UID implementation tool offered by Id Integration . In addition to performing the tasks of most standard bar code scanners and standard 2D UID scanners, the “Smart Scanner” from Id Integration also features UID validation error reporting, on-board database look-up, OCR text capability and photo capture. To ensure DFARS 252.211-7003 and MIL-STD 130N IUID compliance, consult the Id Integration experts for information on UID solutions, UID compliance and UID policy.

Understanding UID compliance

If you manufacture products for the USA Department of Defense, otherwise known as the DOD, then you are required to meet certain requirements set forth by MIL STD 130N. This standard was put into place on December 17, 2007 as a way to standardize the labels for easier reading by a label reader. The part of this standard that dictates identification labels is dfars 252.211-7003. This document requires manufacturers to be UID compliant.UID stands for Unique Identifier and is used to identify the product. This article aims to give you a short overview of what UID compliance is, as well as give you a valuable resource to understand how you can meet these requirements.

UID is used to distinguish all items from one another. The specifications for dfars 252.211-7003 specify that certain things must be used by certain containers.

The first thing that the container must have is a 2D data matrix that includes data elements that are able to be read by a certain machine. These elements include the serial number, the lot or batch number, the part number, and the enterprise identifier, which is a uniquely assigned code that has been given to a vendor or manufacturer.UID readers can help with the process of reading these labels immensely. It can be very difficult to find a reader that is easy to use. In fact, without a reader, the process or reading these labels can be almost impossible.

The next thing that must be included is a stiff plastic or metal ID plate, identification label, identification tag, or identification band that is securely attached to the item, and must contain the ID of that item. In addition, the label must be placed in an area that is easily visible during normal operation.

In addition, the label must be able to withstand normal usage during the entire life of the item.

As you can see, there is a lot to understand when talking about UID compliance. Having a good reader can make your life so much easier. The experts at ID Integration know what it takes. Contact them at their website at http://www.id-integration.com.

How to proceed with UID compliant

If you are a manufacturer that has a manufacturing contract with the United States of America Department of Defense, sometimes simply referred to as the DOD, then you must meet requirements of a standard known as MIL-STD-130 . MIL-STD-130 was put into effect on December 17, 2007 and dictates the standards used for labels on DOD products. The section of this standard that specifically dictates what type of labels are to be applied to DOD products is dfars 252.211-7003. This specification requires manufacturers with Department of Defense contracts to follow a system known as UID . UID stands for Unique Identifier, and is a specific identification number given to products that are used by the DOD. Since this is a requirement, it is absolutely imperative that any company with a DOD contract understands how to be UID compliant. This can sometimes be a difficult thing to understand. This article aims to inform manufacturers of the different things they must do in order to be UID compliant, as well as comply with mil-std-130 .

MIL-STD-130 dictates to usage of a system to distinguish any unique item from any other unique item. The UID standard, which is a part of MIL-STD-130 has a few things that must be done perfectly in order to ensure compliance.

The main thing that must be done is to ensure that the container used by the manufacturer has a 2D data matrix that s readable by a UID reader. MIL-STD-130 also dictates that you must include a serial number, vendor or manufacturer ID, or a lot or batch number. MIL-STD-130 also dictates that the UID must be visible at all times on the surface of the item. In addition, the UID must be able to withstand any conditions that the item is used in under normal use. This standard basically means that the label should not wear off.

Being sure that you are able to read UIDs is one of the most important things you can do as a manufacturer with a DOD contract. Make sure that you use UID readers that can handle all different types of UID labels. Look to the experts at id-integration.com for all of the UID reader information you may need.

The Importance of MIL-STD-130N UID Images

The US Department of Defense in a quest to improve efficiency and provide better logistical support developed the MIL-STD-130 specification to identify every single item used by the US Military. The MIL-STD-130 has undergone several revisions and is now on version MIL-STD-130N. This specification mandates the use of a unique identifier called a UID on each item provided to the US military. These UID images must be scannable through the use of a UID scanner .

Per MIL-STD-130N, the UID consists of a 2D data matrix conforming to ISO 15434. Utilizing a 2D data matrix, identifying matrices can range in size from 300 micrometers to over 1 meter in size depending on the application. Like the QR codes popular on the web, 2D data matrices can contain up to 2kb of data and are not human readable. In order to read a UID image, you need to utilize a UID scanner .

The versatility of 2D data matrices is an important reason why the DOD adopted their use. Since the only way to read MIL-STD-130N images is through the use of a UID scanner , it's important to ensure that UID images created and put on items are within tight tolerances and well affixed. This is due to the fact that many different types of UID scanners are used in both the warehouse and the field. Whether a desktop UID scanner is used, a handheld portable UID scanner is used, or even a smartphone acting as a UID scanner is used, the data contained in the UID image must be accessible at all times.

While the US Department of Defense has made exceptions to UID labeling for certain items such as vehicles, these exceptions are slowly disappearing. More and more products in even the consumer market are including MIL Spec 130 compliant labels. A standard identification system for products is just smart business.

The importance of UID images cannot be overstated. Without a properly created UID image scannable by a UID scanner , the US Department of Defense can and will reject item shipments, but more than that, improperly created MIL-SPEC 130 labels can keep badly needed supplies from US soldiers in the field. While it can difficult to fully understand and implement the MIL-STD-130N specifications, it's easy to get to help understanding them and implementing them from the MIL-STD-130N experts at ID-Integration.

Meeting UID Compliance

If you are a manufacturer with a Department of Defense (DOD) contract you must meet the minimum requirements of MIL STD 130N enacted on December 17, 2007. Part of this standard is dfars 252.211-7003(Item Identification and Valuation.) Dfars 252.211-7003 requires products to be UID (Unique Identifier) compliant. The purpose of this document is to give you a brief overview of UID compliance and provide a resource to help you to understand and meet these requirements. (For a comprehensive explanation see http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/pdi/uid/attachments/MIL-STD-130N-20080111.pdf)

UID COMPLIANCE MIL STD 130N dfars 252.211-7003

The UID is a system unique and unambiguous identifiers to distinguish a an item from all other like and unlike items.

Marking specifications of dfars 252.211-7003 for UID compliance for items procured by the DOD require:

1. A two dimensional Data Matrix with machine-readable data elements of the UID marked on all items. The data elements of the UID include: the enterprise identifier (a code that is uniquely assigned to a manufacture or vender); the part number; the lot or batch number; and the serial number.

2. A metal or stiff plastic identification plate, identification band, identification tag, or identification label containing the UID securely fastened to the item or applied directly to the surface of the item itself.

3. Placed in a location where it will be visible and easily read during normal operation and use of the item if possible.

4. Permanent throughout the entire life expectancy of the item and can withstand normal environmental conditions; including cleaning and rebuilding.

In order to meet the dfars 252.211-7003 specifications you need a way to mark your product and a way to read the markings. Marking the UID may be done by dot peen, ink jet, laser etching or chemical etching. A number of scanners are available to read the markings. Your scanner must be able to read the 2D data and validate the UID.

Talk to the experts at ID-Integration for more information on the complicated subject of dfars 252.211-7003 ,UID compliance and for help finding the right marking system and scanner to meet your needs. Go to http://www.id-integration.com; email info@id-integration.com.

Department of Defense Mandates All Inventory Purchases Over $5k Carry a UID

In December of 2007 the Department of Defense (DoD) issued its revised Standard Practice Identification System for Marking of US Military Property commonly referred to as mil std 130, applicable to all suppliers of items to the DoD. It had been estimated at one point that the military had lost over $2 billion because of inadequate inventory control. Mil std 130 mandates that suppliers mark each and every item with a unique identification system or uid . The uid is basically a two-dimensional matrix bar code that must include a serial number, a part number and a CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity Code), In addition, the uid has to include the supplier's Personal Identification Number (PIN), as well as the purchase order number, and contract number.

Mil std 129 Outlines DoD uid Standards for Shipping Containers.

To further streamline the process, the DoD also requires that the shipping containers be marked with a code and these requirements are outlined in MIL STD129. These markings simplify the work of military personnel in managing inventory. According to mil std 129 , shipping containers can be categorized into three types, unit containers, intermediate containers and exterior containers. For all containers, the shipper must include the National Stock Number (NSN), item description and part number. For exterior containers, mil std 129 specifies additional labels such as Military Shipment Level (MSL), serial number bar code and Direct-Vendor Delivery level (DVD). This uid code must be readable by both humans and bar code scanners. Both mil std 129 and mil std 130 spell out many additional refinements and specifications. Most business find that they need outside help to achieve complete compliance.

Hiring Experts To Insure Compliance Is The Smart Choice.

ID-Integration specializes in helping businesses be mil std 129 and mil std 130 compliant. With 12 years of experience, the experts at ID-Integration help their customers avoid costly and time consuming mistakes in complying with these complicated but very important DoD requirements. And ID-Integration is a complete source, providing both information and a complete product line. Not only do they offer an assortment of marking equipment--laser, dot peen, chemical etch, and ink jet, but they also carry a variety of imagers, scanners and verification systems. ID-Integration has the answers and the hardware to make any business uid compliant.

Being UID Compliant Is Essential In Business?

The Department of Defense has mandated that all contracts, property, property in the possession of contractors, and any deliverable items be marked with a unique serialized identification number. This identification number is required to meet MIL-STD-130 standards and is called UID or unique identification code. The UID is essentially a two-dimensional, matrix bar-code symbol where data is scanned and interpreted into three major parts such as Serial Number, Part Number and CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity Code). This unique number is used by the DoD for tracking purposes and to manage all the assets at its disposal.

Just What Are MIL-STD-130 Standards?

MIL-STD-130 lays out the standard wherein all government furnished property must be marked with a machine readable (MRI) 2D matrix bar code. Whatever material is selected for the UID , it must be a permanent label solution. The supplier can choose to use a durable polyester label, aluminum, stainless steel, or laser-marked adhesive-backed tape; however, the bar code must meet printing or marking specifications.

Adhering to MIL-STD-130 Standards Requires Expertise

It is essential that product engineers adhere to the criteria set by the MIL-STD-130 standard. Simply defining the product in accordance with the standard is not enough. The product designers have to take every aspect of their end product into consideration to satisfy the criteria. This process starts with the geographic location of the product, includes size of the product, and so on. Each item should also have a Personal Identification number (PIN) marked with the supplier's name and show the purchase order number and the contract number. This is a very sophisticated and complex process and requires the help of experts in the field.

Id-Integration Is An Expert In Applying MIL-STD-130 Standards.

When dealing with UID standards, it is not only wise but cost effective to hire experts. ID-Integration specilizies in ensuring that your company and all products you sell are in accordance with MIL-STD-130 standards. They also provide UID compliant scanners which make it even easier to insure that the right code is employed and lessens the chance of human error. These scanners provide fast, reliable readings and quickly identify codes which are not in compliance. Helping business be UID compliant is the sole aim of the experts at ID-Integration.