Become UID Compliant and Track Your Investments

Product tracking is an essential requirement of business no matter the type of business. A business needs to track its products for several important reasons. A few of these reasons are listed below.

• Helps a business measure its assets.

• When a business knows its assets, it becomes easier to maintain them.

• Asset tracking helps in the process of product distribution and thus reduces product waste.

• UID solutions often help a business to streamline their production processes for increased safety and output.

The UID marking process tries to provide each nameplate with specific codes. These codes are created and authorized after a number of crucial steps. The recommended marking process includes the coding process, data validation, data verification, and many other processes. Each of these methods is guided by a set of rules and specifications. Standards like MIL STD 130, MIL STD 129, ISO 16022, ISO15415, and AS9132 regulate each step of the marking procedure.. Following these guidelines will ensure greater compliance and success in most U.S. Department of Defense applications.

Why are UID nameplates unique?

UID nameplates are unique because of strict UID regulations. Each product manufacturer must go through an official registration process. To obtain UID registration, a manufacturer has to submit the detailed information of the delivered product. As such, a manufacturer or product supplier must mention:

• What type of product it is

• Specific information regarding the use identifier

• Enterprise codes and issuing agency codes

• Part/serial number of the ordered item

• Initial cost and item acquisition cost of a product

• Details of the nameplate including its size and printing features

Unique features of nameplates

Each nameplate features distinct characteristics. The codes used on each label and tag differ from one another. Each of the labels and tags has to contain a part number and a pin number. Every nameplate is characterized with specific part and pin numbers. Apart from these codes, nameplates must meet the rules of MIL STD 130. This standard provides detailed specifications for marking methods, coding, data formatting, and other important processes.

• Laser printing, programmable stylus indenting, chemical etching, embossing, engraving, and inkjet printing are recommended marking procedures.

• 1D data matrix format is recommended where 2D data matrix is not applicable.

• Each nameplate has to pass quality testing before the registration process.

Nameplates help with product identification, tracking, and management by providing globally unique codes. If you want to track your company assets and investments, learn more about UID marking and nameplates. Visit www.id-integration.com to learn more about UID Basics.

Learn More about UID Basics for Better Compliance

It can be difficult to provide the many details of unique identification basics in just three or four paragraphs. UID marking procedures are complex and consist of many crucial rules. These basic rules focus on every aspect of the item marking process from material selection, the printing or marking methods, reader technology, registration, and data verification processes. MIL SPEC 130 is the recommended standard for DOD unique identification marking.

Basics relating to material selection

According to MIL SPEC 130, metal plates like aluminum, stainless steel and other non-metallic counterparts, like polyester nameplates, are approved. This standard permits the usage of engraved, cast, and stamped nameplates along with laminated, photosensitive, and even laser generated plates. For small items (that offer no space to very little space for marking) these plates can be attached in the form of a tag or cable band.

Basics relating to the marking process

MIL SPEC 130 allows a vast number of marking procedures. The most popular marking applications are given below.

• Metal stamping is the most recommended marking method. Metal and non-metallic plates that can toil the stamping pressure are allowed to use this marking procedure.

• Other than metal stamping, some recommended methods include programmable stylus indenting, engraving, chemical etching, embossing, laser marking, industrial inkjet printing, and others.

• Metal and rubber tags, as well as permanent decals, are allowed when other methods fail to create unique item marking.

Registration basics

The product suppliers and manufacturers have to undergo registration. They have to provide a unique manufacturer’s or enterprise number along with part number and product number. The manufacturer has to provide details of the marked item during data invoicing. This data is often transmitted through a wide area workflow.

Data formatting basics

Both types of 1D data matrix and 2D data matrix are allowed during the UID product marking process. However, 1D data format is only permitted only when 2 D data format is not applicable. The standard permits both human readable and machine-readable data. For each type of data, it is essential to pass through the data validation and data verification process. Data validation is done using bar code verifiers. Data verification is done to ensure printing quality and other necessary aspects of unique identification. It is important to use specific types of barcode readers and scanners recommended by these regulations.

To understand more basics of unique identification processes and MIL SPEC 130 guidelines please visit ID Integration online at www.id-integration.com.