What are the Differences Between 2D Datamatrix Codes and 1D Barcodes?

Usually a wide range of electronics devices such as automotive keyless entry system or home audio equipments are marked with a unique coding standard called Data Matrix. 2D Data Matrix is widely used by manufacturers to build an automated tracking system that is machine readable, durable and facilitates unique identification of each product throughout its life cycle. The ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes are manufactured with the help of laser marking. They are one of the most cost-effective methods for tracking products and creating distinctive identification during the manufacturing cycle, sales distribution and after-sale warranty verification stages.

Data Matrix codes are designed so that they can survive complex manufacture processes such as broad cleaning and wave solder, without affecting the circuit performance. This means that the codes’ extensive use in the manufacturing process is widely accepted. The ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes allow for a proficient means of storing alphanumeric character strings in a very small area of printed circuit board.

Advantages of ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes over conventional 1D barcodes are stated below.

• Unlike the analog encoding of data in conventional barcodes, Data Matrix codes encode information digitally.

• Data Matrix codes are scalable and can be printed in various levels of magnification. However, they are only limited by the resolution of the available imaging and printing techniques.

• 2D Data Matrix codes are the highest among all the 2D codes, enabling the placement of a large amount of information in a small area. They offer higher information density in comparison to the 1D barcodes.

• Data Matrix codes offer built-in error correction techniques due to the fact that they have a high information density. The features are designed to allow complete recovery of the encoded message in the Data Matrix symbol even when the mark is missing or if the symbol is damaged up to 20 per cent.

• Data Matrix codes easily hold low-contrast printing directly on the parts without the help of a label.

• Data Matrix codes can be read by video camera, which essentially means that they can be read in any orienta

Ideal Submission Procedures of the IUID Registry

The Item Unique Identification (IUID) acts as a universal method of parts identification. Unique Identification is a system devised and planned by the Department of Defense (DoD) to easily distinguish one object from another throughout their life cycle process. IUID has become an indispensable part of DoD. IUID has been beneficial to the Department in capturing the value of items it buys, controlling these items during their use, and tracking counterfeiting of parts over different periods of time.

The Unique Item Identifier (UII) is regarded as the universally unique and permanent for the item during its entire cycle. The IUID is the key which assists Department in its efforts to locate, control and value its assets over time. Usually, UIIs are stored in the Unique Item Identifier (UID) Registry with pedigree data associated with the item. Though its IUID policy, the Department of Defense has mandated that all the qualifying items must be marked with two-dimensional Data Matrix which should be encoded with a Unique Item Identifier (UID).

Brief info about IUID Registry
IUID Registry is considered the central repository for IUID information. It helps the DoD to identify the types of the item, its preliminary value during its acquisition, its acquisition time, its rightful custody (whether it belongs to the government or contractor), its marking process and other similar concerns.

As the DoD’s information systems have progressively become more web-savvy, the IUID assists with maintenance, integrating financial, accountability systems and the life cycle visibility of the items that are stored within it. Aside from increasing the quality of information available to configuration management, it will help in other important matters such as operational planning, logistics support and systems engineering. In addition, IUID Registry facilitates joint, paperless management of DoD property.

Procedure of Submitting Data in the IUID Registry
All the government manufacturing activities and commercial manufacturers must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CRR) system before registering with the IUID Registry. If you want to do business with Government Furnished Property, you must submit data to the IUID Registry. The users must register themselves to acquire their login credentials and access rights before using the Controlled Access portion of the IUID Registry. In addition, you have to be a government employee or an U.S. Government Contractor with approval from the DoD Program Manager to receive login access to the IUID Registry.