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.