Tuesday, December 25, 2012

What is ATA SPEC2000?

ATA stands for the Airline Transport Association. SPEC2000 is promulgated by the ATA is concerned with today’s automation methodology that is widely used in the aviation sector. This requirement for automated data collection has evolved through the need for marking aircraft parts and tracking maintenance and service throughout each part’s life cycle. This extensive tracking and data collection enables manufacturers throughout the aerospace industry to ensure higher quality production, improved safety, and timely maintenance – ultimately resulting in greater safety for all end customers.

ATA SPEC2000 includes extensive and well-formulated guidelines based on proven processes. Briefly, ATA Spec2000 specifications influence a broad range of factors throughout this industry and include compliance requirements for manufacturers producing parts and equipment used in aerospace as well as the maintenance processes. Compliant automated data collection (ADC) processes implement the use of a 2D data matrix bar code as well as RFID technology for identification of aircraft products and parts.

Airlines for America collaboratively manage the standards governing business-to-business interaction throughout the commercial airline industry. These standards include detailed specifications and guidelines for part marking, spares interchange, and warranty, among other relevant areas of this industry. SPEC2000 has completed chapters for each of the diverse disciplines it must govern, for example, Chapter 9 provides an explanation of part marking standards.

Though the specifications of ATA SPEC2000 are vast, the ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of passengers and the safety of the aircraft as a whole. Additionally, these specifications are designed to minimize any problems that the aircraft industry may experience in its supply chain. This specification helps to streamline the process while reducing costs associated with the industry. This method of information exchange has created vast improvements i and has reduced the time and money needed to effectively run aircraft operations. Members of the industry are encouraged to learn more about this and other specifications relating to the industry.

To learn more about ATA Spec2000, please visit www.id-integration.com. ID Integration creates custom solutions for customers who need to meet ATA specifications as well as government related compliance issues. Don’t take chances with complex compliance objectives instead ensure more successful ATA SPEC2000 guidance by partnering with an innovative leader in the identification and tracking industry. Our solutions enable contractors and manufacturers to streamline production processes while understanding the specifications required for optimal compliance in a wide range of industries. Visit us online to begin learning more today.

Common Facts about MIL-STD-130 Compliance

MIL-STD-130 is a standard implemented by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It maintains full control over the requirements for Item Unique Identification (IUID) and covers relevant information that is associated with this identification and registration process. These guidelines lay down specific rules and procedures that ultimately regulate the purchase, registration, tracking, and distribution of a majority of government products, parts, and other assets. These rules are applicable to all manufacturers and contractors supplying products or parts to many U.S. government and military offices.

Moreover, this protocol established by the DoD, includes full specifications to regulate necessary processes and identification nomenclature; including compliant marking technologies, quality checks, maintenance documentation, and product storage or distribution processes. These guidelines help to ensure that government assets are manufactured with the highest quality assurance and delivered with fail-safes in place to secure greater safety for the United States through automation-assisted tracking.

Although a large majority of IUID labeling is required for DoD contracts, there are some cases where these specifications are not applicable to all products. These guidelines spell out the necessary information to assist manufacturers, or contractors, with determining whether a product requires IUID labeling or not.

A few other things of significance also find special mention in MIL-STD-130, such as item identification and production numbering, details of production, compliant marking procedures and substrate types. ALL IUID labels must also include a machine readable barcode to meet various automation requirements. In order to understand the specific information required on compliant IUID labels, there are detailed specifications provided in these standards that cover marking/labeling, compliant methods, nomenclature and materials.

According to the identification guidelines established by the Department of Defense, the use of scanners may help organizations to more easily maintain records for full compliance. Apart from this, it must be kept in mind that suppliers must use permanent marking methods for all identification. Government suppliers and manufacturers can choose from a variety of methods to mark their items; such as laser-marking technology, chemical etching, offset printing, indenting, and more. What matters the most is the long-term quality and durability of the labels or direct-part markings. In order to assure that they can withstand tough conditions this identification must be made of materials that are weather resistant, durable, and legible throughout the full lifetime of a part or product.

For more information, please visit www.id-integration.com to learn more about this standard and how to properly meet compliance.