Finding a Good UID Scanner- ID-Integration

Finding a good UID scanner for reading the complicated Department of Defense UID labels is made easy, by a company called, ID-Integration. See the ID-Integration website at www.id-integration.com to find a good UID scanner. The Department of Defense’s standard for keeping track of military property, by way of marking the item, is called the MIL-STD-130N. The MIL standard contains many government and non-government documents and books. The MIL-STD-130N has authority over any conflicts with the other documents and contains a complete list of documents in Section 2. The IUID or UID labels are easily read using a UID scanner. Find a good UID scanner for successful applications.

Section 1.3 of the MIL-STD-130N contains a list of items not requiring the markings, because they already have appropriate marking or UID labels (Unique Identification). The VIN number to a car or serial numbers of a cell phone would be a perfect example of this. If a UID label is needed, you will also need to find a good UID scanner for verification purposes at the very least.

The Department of Defense specifies that the IUID markings must be applied to identification plates, tags, or UID labels that are metal or hard plastic. Marking may also be made to the actual surface of the manufactured item. The IUID marking must be visible and readable, while in operation and use. UID labels are much easier to read using a UID scanner. The IUID marking must be permanent, during the life cycle of the item and it must remain readable after cleanings.

If the item is not big enough to include the entire UID marking specifications on a UID label, the item should 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, the UID marking on the UID label should be on the packaging. MRI (Machine Readable Information) would be the Department of Defense’s recommended IUID marking method. If you are trying to find a good UID scanner, try the experts in technology at ID-Integration. Visit www.id-integration.com for more information.

Good UID labeling

MIL STD 130 is one of many standards used by the Department of Defense. A good portion of this standard involves UID labeling. Every UID label must be UID compliant as part of MIL STD 130 requirements. These standards were created to ensure that all DoD property can be tracked and accounted for when in use or in storage. Using the proper UID labeling will ensure that the items in question are accounted for and are properly tracked by the DoD. All UID labeling must meet all MIL STD 130 standards before being used.

When choosing a UID label, it is vital that the label is durable and is a permanent solution for the UID compliance process. Various types of UID labeling do exist for various different types of applications. Different types of materials used for UID labeling include aluminum, stainless steel, polyester and laser marked adhesive-backed tape. When choosing a type of material for a UID label, it would be best to consult with a UID label service provider on which material would be best for the application it will be used for.

Each UID label includes a 2D data matrix code, which is encoded with a unique identifier number. The 2D data matrix must also meet quality standards set forth by the ISO. The UID label must meet these additional ISO standards to allow for various scanners to be capable of scanning these labels. The MIL STD 130 standards require that all labels be UID compliant and must contain a 2D data matrix.

During the lifetime of the item the UID label must also maintain its 2D data matrix code legibility to allow for easy identification. Using a metal tag with a permanent adhesive or a suitable polyester label will work for many different environments but some conditions require a label using different materials.

All items currently owned or in contract with the DoD are required to have UID compliant labels. Also all UID labels must also meet all MIL STD 130 standards as well. These standards are considered obligatory by the DoD and must be followed. Since the MIL STD 130 standards can be rather complicated, it is recommended to consult with the experts over at ID-Integration (www.id-integration.com) for further assistance.

Becoming UID Compliant

When working with the Department of Defense, the MIL-STD-130 is a set of standards that is mandatory for labeling any item either owned by or in contract with the DoD. The MIL-STD-130 standards include a set of standards for UID compliance as well. These standards are also obligatory for all identifying labels used for DoD property. There are also various guidelines for the UID compliant labels as well in the MIL-STD-130 standards. Being UID compliant is an absolute requirement when working with the DoD.

One of the MIL-STD-130 requirements for UID labels is that all labels must contain a 2D data matrix code. This data matrix must also be ISO compliant as well. It is very important that the 2D data matrix meets the MIL-STD-130 standards or else the scanner used to read the label will have problems. These labels were designed to allow for all DoD property to be tracked and accounted for in a more efficient manner. The 2D data matrix used on these labels must also include a unique CAGE code. No two labels are to have the same CAGE code as well.

Another requirement of the MIL STD 130 standards is that all UID labels are to be permanent. All MIL STD 130 UID compliant labels must also be very durable as well. All labels once applied to an item, the UID for that item is not changed even if the item is modified or re-engineered during its lifetime. As per MIL STD 130 standards the UID for any item is also never reused for another item.

Regarding MIL STD 130 standards, UID labels can be made from various different materials or even permanently marked, directly onto the item in question. Some of these methods include dot peen engraving, ink jet printing, laser marking, or chemical etching. Other labeling options include a durable polyester label or a metal plate, which are usually attached with a permanent adhesive. All of these methods are MIL STD 130 compliant if using the proper 2D data matrix code with the proper CAGE code.

The main purpose for the various UID standards is to allow the DoD to track and account for all DoD owned or manufactured property efficiently. Since the MIL STD 130 standards are rather complicated it is best to contact the experts over at ID Integration (www.id-integration.com) for further assistance.

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.

Tips and Tricks for Successful UID Marking

It is a necessary evil that all products manufactured for the U.S. Department of Defense possess a permanent UID mark. Any business wishing to sell products to the US Military will be required to implement UID Marking throughout their production processes. Although the world of Mil Spec 130 places complex and stringent requirements on UID Marking, there are some tips and tricks that may make the specification’s adoption easier to your business practices.

Stay Current on DoD Developments

Be sure to spend time staying on top of recent developments to Mil Spec 130 standards. Read recent articles in trade publications, industry associations, and online publications to find emerging information that may affect UID Marking processes. Many industry associations have a number of experienced professionals as members and administration. These general resources will be sure to address Department of Defense questions. Some helpful associations include the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA).

Know Popular Marking & Coding Solutions

Learn the basics of marking and coding to make the smartest decisions possible for your product’s production. If you’re still using a manual process for UID Marking, then become more educated on the automated possibilities that have been field proven for years. Start with the product that will be receiving a UID mark. Consider its composition, size, and manufacturing process then determine which marking technology will provide the best solution for you.

Some basics to consider here include taking a closer look at inkjet and laser technology. Both of these innovative technologies enable marking, on-the-fly, right in your production line. Instead of completing UID Marking at a separate station, you can simply have this function completed as a regular part of your product’s production flow. Are you spending money on separate labels or tags that must be permanently attached to the final product? If you are, then consider reducing costs by choosing a marking process that permits UID Marking directly onto the part itself.

UID Marking Message Formats

There are hundreds upon hundreds of requirements for Mil Spec 130 UID Marking nomenclature. In Mil Spec 130, the DoD specifies everything from accepted acronyms or abbreviations to machine readable code languages and durability requirements. Become familiar with newer bar code languages like Data Matrix to fit volumes of information in a tiny space. Staying savvy of your UID Marking options will assist you when considering your applications challenges and needs.

Overall, UID Marking is pretty serious business and successful execution is vital for projects with the U.S. Department of Defense. If you’re looking for an expert to guide you through this process, you can rely on ID Integration to see you to the top.

Item marking as per the new MIL-STD-130M standard

All military and defense related items needs to be standardized according to the MIL-STD-130L standard to be UID compliant. However, certain problems were observed regarding the item marking method and that’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) made certain amendment in the previous MIL-STD-130L standard and a new standard known as MIL-STD-130M was proposed on 2nd December 2005. As compared to the earlier standard, this new MIL-STD-130M has been proposed in a thoroughly detailed manner so as to offer better guidance.

Starting from label verification to direct part marking, the new MIL-STD-130M standard is involved in every aspect of item identification process. Permanent labels must be used in all tangible military items. However, those labels must be non-removable, chemical resistant, fade resistant, scratch resistant and legible for the life of the item being affixed. Various materials such as polyester, brushed aluminum foil, polyimide, high quality paper, laser etching and dot peened tags are used.

Scope of MIL-STD-130M

As per the MIL-STD-130 SPEC, there was an impending requirement for military product data content to be available for both human-readable information (HRI) i.e. free text and machine-readable information (MRI) applications of item identification marking and the new MIL-STD-130M addresses that very criterion. This item identification marking method is a must for all military property produced, stored, stocked, and issued by or for the Department of Defense (DoD). The figures in this MIL-STD-130M standard are intended only for better illustration of the textual context and hence the presence or absence of figures has no bearing on the applicability of the stated standard.

The two types of identification marking as per the new MIL-STD-130M standard are discussed briefly as follows.

Human-readable information (HRI) marking

As per the new MIL-STD-130M standard, HRI marking should be done in a clear text conveying required information, fully visible and readable without the use of interpretative devices. This is defined in section5.2.2 of the new standard. The HRI based text should have information about the item identifying number, part number and LOT number of the tangible military products. Guidance for the machine-readable information marking protocol utilized should also be included as supplement in the HRT text form.

Machine-readable information (MRI) marking

Along with human readable marking, machine readable marking (MRI) is also mandated for all items according to the new amendment in the MIL-STD-130 SPEC. for MRI marking, pattern of squares, bars, dots, or other specific shapes containing information interpretable through the use of equipment are designed specifically. The patterns can either be visible or can also be applied for ultraviolet, infrared, or other non-human visible reading capabilities including digital protocol applications. It should have serial number, part number, manufacturer’s identification number and National Stock Number (NSN).

However, certain military items such as Electron Tubes, Batteries, Rayon or Woven garment, Rocket Motors, Petroleum and related products and Integrated Circuits manufacturing are excluded from the provisions of this standard as per MIL-STD-130 SPEC. Mechanical Tubing, Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels, Aircraft Tubing and Copper Base Alloy Mill are some of the industries which are also excluded from using the new MIL-STD-130M standard.