uid2go

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.