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Innovation plays a significant role in driving business, which in turn drives our economy. Although an indelible mark is being made on nearly every aspect of modern life, few of us ever stop to reflect on how property identification through UID labels impacts us personally. They aren't overlooked in industry however, where asset tracking capabilities are crucial for operating a successful, profitable business. In today’s economy, there are definite cost savings that occur from maximizing the use of a company's assets. This means knowing where the assets are, how they are being used, and how they are being maintained and serviced. This can all be realized by using UID labels.

Many companies have been using asset tracking systems by way of UID labels, to keep better tabs of all of their assets since the 1950s. Metal plating, bar codes, and RFID tags are just a few of the ways that asset tracking can be accomplished. While the oldest and perhaps simplest method of creating UID labels is serialized metal plating, it is probably also the most durable. The embossed aluminum stainless steel and anodized aluminum plates are still manufactured and used to this day. These plates carry barcodes which are used almost everywhere, from simple office furniture to Department of Defense military helicopters.

Versatility is just one of the reasons that barcode technology has achieved such widespread use with the military and its UID labels initiative. Barcodes are a good way to automate what was formerly a manual asset tracking process. Companies that wish to implement a system but aren't sure if they want to go directly to barcode technology can print the barcodes on the tag and then just use only the human readable portion of the tag. They can do this until they are prepared to use a fully automated asset tracking system.

Once an automated barcode system with UID labels has been implemented, the benefits are twofold, comprising of accuracy and efficiency. In a traditional fixed asset example, manual methods would require somebody to go around and collect all of the asset information and then subsequently key it into a computer. This not only is inefficient, as it delays the transport of much-needed inventory, but prone to error. Studies have indicated that the error rate with a manual system can be as high as 1 in 300, while the error rate from an automated system is as low as 1 in 3 million.

Over the years, various materials such as polyester, polycarbonate, and specially formulated ceramics have been added to the list of durable materials used in modern UID labels. Since UID labels are one-of-a-kind and need to be durable, they are often subjected to strenuous environments which test their ability to maintain their accuracy over time. In this way, the military can fulfill its initiative of making UID labels accurate, durable, and versatile.

The United States Department of Defense's standard MIL-STD-130 encompasses specific standards mandated by the Department of Defense with regard to identifying, marking and maintaining accurate records of military property. All government contractors must comply with MIL-STD-130 regulations, which require that certain products be properly labeled with a Unique Identifier (IUID marking).

The IUID marking requirement stipulates that mandated items be labeled with a machine readable 2 dimensional data matrix bar code. Regardless of their composition, all items must meet specific printing and/or marking specifications. In addition, items subject to IUID marking must adhere to stringent specifications. Specifications require that all marking must be applied to either a stiff plastic or metal identification plate, and contain an identification tag, band or label. IUID marking must also be located where it is clearly visible and easily read, and markings must be permanent and impervious to normal environmental conditions.

IUID markings are composed of character strings, numbers, or sequential bits that are unique to the product being labeled. IUID marking regulations are rigorous, and must include details of the product’s geographic location, product size, serial number, agency code, a personal identification number and both contract and order numbers. Moreover, the specified data must be globally unique.

The IUID marking policy was established to improve asset management, lower the cost of item management, improve inventory management, improve item availability and provide the DoD with the ability to conduct concise audits. The standard is also used as a guide to ascertain governmental needs when designing specific contracts.

Through their expert input, Jet City Laser, experienced distributors of marking and reading technologies since 1994, provided the DoD with invaluable assistance in the development of Unique Identification techniques. Jet City Laser offers an ironclad guarantee on all of their products, including 100% verification that their nameplates and labels meet MIL-STD-130 requirements as well as a 100% guarantee that all product data is archived for future reference. The company further simplifies the complicated process of IUID marking by offering product registration in the UID Central Registry.

All nameplates and labels manufactured by Jet City are verified to be readable from 10 angles, an ideal solution for difficult to reach spaces, such as curved surfaces. In accordance with DoD regulations, all materials used in the production of IUID marking are 100% guaranteed to meet conformance specifications for all products that they service. In addition to the company's reputation for excellence in the industry, customers can expect exceptionally speedy delivery of their orders.

Those who must comply with IUID marking regulations need not worry about the complexities involved in complying with the mandate. Customers can rest assured that Jet City Laser and its partner company, ID-Integration, consider providing their customers with the proper specifications for their needs an integral part of their job.
Contact Jet City Laser for further information and expert advice on your unique needs.

If you are an end item equipment manufacturer that produces an article for sale or resale to the U.S.   military, you need your equipment to be in compliance with the specifications and standards defined by MIL-STD-130N. This is the latest iteration of the   long-established MIL-STD-130 which contains the changes additions and modifications pertaining to the use of Item Unique   Identifiers (IUID) to mark items used by the military.

The IUID comprises a number of specific elements, when   used combine to make every item – regardless of similarity or difference – completely unique. Portions of the IUID are machine-readable identifiers (MRI). These include bar codes in several   formats, 2D data matrix elements in two formats, and standardized fonts and type styles which may be machine readable,   although that is not the primary use of alphanumeric designators. Human-readable Identification (HRI) includes alphanumeric   data distinguishing one item from another. This also includes Free Text, which is usually a description or common name of the   article for convenience purposes. The IUID, when used in routine conversation or when referring to the name plate, tag or   other marking is generally seen as “the UID” as a convenience. Because of potential ambiguity or confusion with the use of   the UID acronym, it is referred to formally as the IUID.

There are a number of discrete elements which are   concatenated to form a Unique Item Identifier. Among the elements which are displayed on the name tag, ID plate, data plate   or similar generic term for an IUID, are Text Element Identifier (TEI), Part   Identification Number (PIN), Enterprise Identifier (EID), and provisions for other refinements which may be used for future   applications.

The days of an item being identifiable by make/model and serial number are gone. As a point of   fact, some legacy equipment is required to be assigned a UII and have an IUID data plate affixed to the item.

The defense contractor or end-item provider is generally not equipped or prepared to manufacture ready-to-install IUID   plates. Standards are modified and technology changes constantly and it is a daunting task to conform with mandated changes.   By using a qualified subject matter expert and using third-party IUID plates and tags that are guaranteed compliant, the   contractor can concentrate on manufacturing their specific items.

The best solution is to use the services of a   corporation in the business of manufacturing conforming IUID   labels and tags with a tested and proven track record of meeting or exceeding the standards mandated by MIL-STD-130.   It is good business to use a company which is an acknowledged subject matter expert that directly contributed to the   specifications in the current iteration of MIL-STD-130. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, please contact the   experts at Jet City Laser for more information.

MIL-STD-130N is the current iteration of the set of military standards mandated by the Department of Defense (DoD) which establishes the criteria for the identification, marking or tagging all U.S. military equipment with an Item Unique Identification (IUID, occasionally seen as UID). MIL-STD-130N supersedes MIL-STD-130M and establishes the precedence of MIL-STD-130N, excepting applicable laws or regulations, unless specifically exempted.

There are many significant additions, medications, and clarification of ambiguous content contained in previous iterations of MIL-STD-130. In order to ensure compliance with current requirements, it is necessary and required to have a sound technical understanding of the standard and its application to articles and items needing appropriate identification and proper use of marking and tagging technologies.

Of particular interest in MIL-STD-130N are the definition of an Application Identifier (AI); the establishment of a Data Identifier (DI); expansion of the Human Readable Information (HRI) and its relationship to Machine-Readable Information (MRI); the establishment of the IUID-equivalent and the exemption of items which already have other unique identification codes; and, a more detailed description of specific elements of the IUID.

Other portions of MIL-STD-130N of special interest are the requirements for labeling and marking supplemental containers of identified equipment. The issues of permanency and human legibility are also further refined. Construction and durability of tags as well as MRI identification are amplified with references to documents establishing standards incorporated by specific definition. Data carriers, especially MRI formats are more detailed. Linear bar codes and 2D data matrix markings are clarified.

MIL-STD-130N also signals the deprecating feature of the old part identification and the superseding new IUID with the specification of two label designs: Construct #1 and Construct #2. Guidance for the obliteration and replacement of the two different constructs is specifically addressed in MIL-STD-130N

MIL-STD-130N has a completely revamped and enhanced the data tables; and, worthy of note, has replaced diagrams and figures to incorporate the changes and provide strong visual guidance for the use of Free Text, HRI, and MRI to include bar codes and 2D data matrix elements.

The defense contractor or end-item provider should consult a qualified subject matter expert. The level of expertise and experience required to stay in compliance with the changes set forth in MIL-STD-130N is a non-trivial task. It is required to label and tag U.S. military items in accordance with MIL-STD-130N. Retaining the services of a corporation with an established reputation in the business of manufacturing conforming labels and tags which meet or exceed the standards mandated by MIL-STD-130N cannot be over-emphasized. Choose a company which is an acknowledged subject matter expert that directly contributed to the specifications contained in MIL-STD-130N. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, please contact the experts at Jet City Laser for more information.

UID labels are important for item traceability and item management of the DoD. Hence, compliance with the UID standard ensures that the UID labels are acceptable and efficient for the DoD use.

UID labels are important part of the UID marking procedure of the DoD. The data that are required to be etched on the UID labels are provided by the DoD so that contractors can mark the labels as per the requirements of the organization. Moreover, it is mandated that the marking methodologies should be so that the marking should be readable throughout the functional life time of the item. Again, the labels should be affixed to the part or item permanently so that it would help the item tracking process of the DoD.

Verification of UID labels

Primarily, it is the responsibility of the contractors to assure that the UID labels are manufactured according to the UID standards. If the contractors purchase the labels, nameplates or the decals from the vendors, the DCMA is required to assure that the machine readable markings of the items are developed in accordance with the requirements of MIL-STD-130. If the contractors procures the UID labels form the vendors, he should provide a certificate of conformance from the vendors that mentions that the UID labels are manufactured according to the MIL-STD-130 standard. The DoD has recommended that the grade of marks is stated by the COC at the time of construction of the labels. The SAE or the ISO standards is used to determine the grade of the marking. Although the vendors present a Certificate of Conformance assuring that the labels are marked as per the UID standards, the contractors need to investigate the markings and their compliance as per the specific requirements.

Specification of Materials

There is no specification about the materials of the UID labels in the MIL-STD-130. It only requires that the materials should ensure durability. The contractors are allowed to use any metallic as well as non-metallic materials for the construction of the labels. However, the contractors need to make sure that the material of the labels doesn’t affect the item or its performance. When it comes to durability, the UID labels should be able to withstand environmental changes, heat and other cleaning process and chemicals.

Compliance for the UID Marking

The DoD instructions for UID marking informs that the UID data should be engraved on the UID labels in the form of 2D data matrix code. The standard has mentioned about the font type, and size of the symbols that are etched on the plates. The contractors should try to print as large mark as possible to ensure that the codes are readable. Although the barcodes are machine readable symbols, the MIL-STD-130 requires that there should be human readable information on the labels along with the machine readable codes.

The UID labels are verified while submitting the data to the UID Registry. Some of the products are checked during construction, while others are checked during the delivery. But the UID Registry has the right to reject the application if it finds the marking or the manufacturing of the labels not meeting the standard. Moreover, the contractors need to make sure that all the labels are manufactured according to the UID standard so that they get accepted in the UID Registry.

The MIL-STD-130 N is the latest version of MIL-STD-130 and it states the changed standards should be followed by the contractors for the acceptance of the data.

MIL-STD-130 N is the latest version of MIL-STD-130 and was released on 17^th December 2007. The standard determines the quality of the UID marking of the items. As the items and the parts are required to be marked and labeled by the contractors and the sub-contractors, it is important that they should meet the standards of the MIL-STD-130 N . The change in the standard reflects in the definitions of the labels, their validation and verification. The new amendment doesn’t affect the interpretation of UID marking requirements. The UID coding requirements include labels, validation and verification.

According to MIL-STD-130 N , the definition of label is “An item marked with the identification information of another item and affixed to that other item. A label may be of any similar or different material than that of the item to which it is affixed. The standard allows the contractors to use metallic or non-metallic material to manufacture the UID labels . The contractors also need to affix the labels to the respective items by any appropriate means. UII of the item is the concatenated value derived from the UII data set that includes Construct #1, Construct #2 or the IUID equivalents. The data provided with the UID is limited to 50 characters. The changes in the section 3 is about the change in the definitions and the importance of the section lies in stating the responsibility of the contractors so that they can provide the UID labels that meets the required standards.

The Detail Requirements of UID Marking for MIL-STD-130 N Standard

The standard has provided added guidance and clarification for the use of EID for the non-IUID items and use of batch or lot and serial number, original part number and PIN. The dimensional requirements have also been clarified in its Section 5.2.3.2, that stats that the larger size of the UID labels should not exceed 1 inch. However, the standard also allows contractual exceptions.

The Datamatrix barcode used for IUID marking is used in both square and rectangular format. For some products, square marking fits best and for others it is the rectangular marking. The section 5.2.3.2 of the MIL-STD-130 N standard states that the longest side of the UID marks in the rectangular form should not exceed 1 inch.

The conformance with the required standard of UID marking is based on a sampling plan. The standard requires that the marking conformance should include validation and verification of mark content and quality.

The approved verification and validation of the datamarix symbol quality may be used at the supplier’s options. It is applicable for all marking procedures.

The improved verification method of AIM DPM standard is a significant change introduced to the MIL-STD-130 .

The ISO/IEC 15415 is still being used by the contractors for label verification as it the changed standard allows it.

The standard set by MIL-STD-130 N is essential for the contractors to follow. Often the reason of rejection UID labeling is due to the incapability of the contractors to assure that the UID markings and labels are according to the standard. Hence, it is also required that the contractors should know the UID marking Standards of MIL-STD-130 N.

UID labels are required to be UID compliance to get accepted by the UID Registry. The contractors have to follow the rules set by DoD to meet the UID standard.

The DoD has mandated that the personal and acquired property of the Department as well as the property in the possession of the contractors should have unique identification for easier item tracking and item management procedures. The machine readable information on the UID labels is globally unique data that are assigned to the specific item. In fact, the use of UID labels aims at enabling the government and private contractors to keep track of the inventory and manage the items more efficiently. The IUID program began to take shape in 2003 and it has mandated the marking of items with UII for all Government and personal properties and submitting them to UID Registry .

Since the introduction of the IUID policy, the contractors, supplying inventory, are becoming more careful about the marking of the items and use of UID labels. The MIL-STD-130 is the standard that decides the quality of the UII marking. It has mentioned the criteria for the UID markings and construction of UID labels. Hence, the contractors are required to manufacture UID labels so as to meet the criteria. While submitting the data to the UID Registry, the contractors need to make sure that the UID labels are UID compliance.

There are some basic things that the contractors must know while preparing the UID Labels for UID compliance.

• The MIL-STD-130 has issued the standard of marking UID labels and the Government contractors are required to follow them to meet the UID compliance.
• Both the human-readable and machine readable information should be provided in the UID labels.
• The UID labels (UID nameplates ,data plats or ID plates should be constructed with metallic or non-metallic materials depending on the requirement of the UID marking,metals of the items and the functionality.
• The contractors are allowed too use same or different kind of metals as the metal of the items. However, it is required that the metals don’t cause any harm to the item or its functionality.
• The number of characters of UID marking is limited to 50. There are specific font style and size that should be strictly followed while applying marking to the UID labels.
• The UID marking to the labels should be permanent and can withstand the cleaning process and chemicals.
• The UII is permanent for an item and it I always necessary that they should be affixed or attached to the item permanently for the functional lifetime of the items.
• Durability is another feature of the UID labels . The manufacturer of the labels should ensure that the nameplates are able to withstand the difficult conditions such as adverse weather, heat and chemicals.
• The data are engraved to the labels and nameplates in the form of 2D datamatrix code. The codes are machine readable symbols and include all the required data that are essential to submit to the UID Registry.

The UID labels are verified for fixing pattern damage, error correction, cell contrast, cell size, cell modulation, axial non-uniformity, etc. However, it is crucial to engrave correct UID data into the nameplate for UID compliance .