Make sure your UID labels pass the test

Trust but verify. That well-known phrase typically applies to U.S. foreign affairs. But it could also come to mind among defense contractors who are dealing with requirements for Item Unique Identification (IUID) of products they produce for the military.

IUID requires contractors to label each piece of equipment they make for the military with a Unique Identifier, or UID, that facilitates tracking of the item throughout its lifetime. The requirement is met by placing a 2-D Data Matrix symbol on the equipment, which contains the identifying information in a specific format. (ID Integration Inc. has much useful information on this topic on its website, www.id-integration.com.)

Another step in the process is IUID verification: The process of making sure the Data Matrix symbol is legible and of high enough quality to perform well in the field. An IUID verification system consists of both hardware and software components to evaluate each Data Matrix and assign it a grade.

For a defense contractor, one of the worst times to find out that UID labels are sub-standard is when an order is completed and sitting in the warehouse, about to be shipped. (Of course, an even worse case is that the equipment has been shipped to DoD but rejected because of problems with the UID labels.) To avoid these headaches — and possible loss of defense business — integrating an IUID verification system in the production process early on is ideal. Expert IUID integrators, such as those at ID Integration Inc., can help determine how verification can work best for a particular manufacturer. In general, the earlier the UID labels can be verified, the better. The Data Matrix symbol may get a failing grade due to a number of factors, including lack of contrast with its background or unevenness of the individual cells that make up the Data Matrix code. Identifying the problem and repairing the label-making equipment early on will prevent wasteful production of many more defective labels. The DoD requirements for IUID verification are found in MIL-STD-130, which is available through the ID Integration website.

If labels are purchased from an outside vendor, it’s still a good idea for contractors to spot-check their quality using their IUID verification system.

While IUID systems can be a substantial investment, their payoff can be significant. In addition to achieving compliance with DoD regulations, contractors can use an IUID system to track equipment while it’s going through the production process at their own facility.

High-quality labels ensure UID compliance

Labels that last a lifetime. That is a key component of the Item Unique Identification system, or IUID, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The idea is to mark each piece of DoD equipment with a Unique Identifier (UID) so the department can track the asset throughout its life cycle. The identifier is contained within a 2-D Data Matrix symbol that is applied to the asset.

The identifier is entered into the DoD’s IUID registry, a database that also contains information about each item, such as its date of purchase, location, maintenance history and other details. The system allows the DoD to better manage a massive inventory of equipment that is spread across the globe, thereby improving safety for military personnel. It also may save taxpayer money; in the past, the department sometimes ordered duplicate equipment unnecessarily because it lost track of assets.

For defense department suppliers, the IUID program means another step in fulfilling DoD contracts. Equipment valued at more than $5,000 must be marked with UID labels. The DoD’s MIL-STD-130 spells out requirements for the labeling process. A good resource for learning more is www.id-integration.com.

A variety of labeling methods exist. Importantly, the 2-D data matrix symbol must remain readable throughout the expected life of the asset. It must be able to endure environmental conditions the equipment will encounter during normal operation.

The Data Matrix symbol can be applied directly to the equipment through methods such as dot peening, laser marking, or etching. These methods are considered “intrusive,” and the contractor must ensure that the labeling does not adversely impact performance of the equipment.

Indirect methods involve applying the Data Matrix to a label, which is then attached to the equipment. Contractors might already be placing nameplates or tags on equipment; in many cases the data matrix can be added as another label element. UID labels are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, acrylic or polyester.

In general, larger Data Matrix labels can better withstand damage and are preferred. For example, a scratch that renders a small symbol unreadable might have little or no impact on a larger symbol. But depending on the item to be labeled, the available marking area may be limited.

Another step in the marking process is IUID verification. Specialized hardware and software is used to ensure that the data matrix is readable. IUID verification involves assigning a grade to the symbol based on a number of parameters, such as contrast and uniformity. The staff at ID Integration Inc. and Jet City Laser Inc. is well versed on UID labels and IUID verification and is available to help contractors who have questions on the DoD requirements.

RFID Provides Benefits to Numerous Industries

Today, there are a wide range of benefits for RFID technology to provide advantages to a large variety of business sectors.  For example, imagine the potential benefit of companies using this innovative form of Automated Data Capture in major industry, law enforcement, transportation, among many other uses.  This number continues to grow as this technology evolves to become more intelligent, more affordable, and versatile.

RFID enables drivers to quickly zip through a toll booth when equipped with a prepaid pass. This works well because one of the primary advantages of RFID, is in the fact that this technology does not require line of sight for detection devices to sense a radio signal. In fact, throughout much of the United States, many transit systems have adopted the convenient RFID fast passes to permit toll road passengers to travel faster through turnstiles instead of swiping a special card or paying cash for toll.

Other industries are also putting RFID to good use. In some industries, smart manufacturers use this technology in their production for enhanced tracking of products and parts as they are manufactured or distributed throughout a facility.  Additionally, even some major retail corporations, like Wal-Mart, are now requiring some suppliers to implement the use of RFID tags on all pallets or cases shipped to improve inventory management processes.

For those who wish to learn more about the benefits of this technology, it is highly recommended that they seek an experienced RFID integrator.  Implementing RFID technology doesn’t mean that existing tracking and identification solutions need to be thrown out – however, there is strategy to how these processes are linked together and how they affect the production process for the most productivity and efficient, automatic data capture.  A seasoned RFID systems integrator will understand the best methods for utilizing these technologies together at a manufacturing or distribution facility.

It’s true that RFID is not simply for the aviation industry.  In 2013 and beyond there will be increased demand for this innovative technology involving manufacturers and corporations from a wide range of business sectors.  There is substantial proof that the aviation industry has experienced great efficiency and improvement through the implementation of RFID to meet the standards of the Air Transport Association’s Spec 2000 through ATA Spec 2000 RFID.

A good scanner aids in IUID implementation

The defense department system of using Item Unique Identification (IUID) tags to label individual pieces of equipment has become a valuable method of tracking assets throughout their lifetime, no matter where they are located across the globe. These tags, which are in the form of 2D data matrix symbols, contain basic identifying information about the item.

As spelled out in the U.S. Defense Department’s MIL-STD-130,information contained in the unique item identifier may include the issuing agency code, enterprise ID, part number and serial number. An IUID scanner is used to read the code and extract the information.

In addition to containing this basic information, the identifier can be linked to a database that stores other details about the item, such as its repair and maintenance history. In that sense, the identifier is considered a “key” that can unlock important information about a particular asset. The data matrix symbol paired with an IUID scanner makes it easier for information about an item to be shared across the organization.

MIL-STD-130 contains detailed requirements regarding IUID labeling. The identifying symbol should be designed to last the life of the equipment and withstand environmental conditions the item is expected to encounter. MIL-STD-130 discusses different methods for applying the identifier and lists specifications for the symbol’s size and its quality.

Selecting a scanner           

2-D Data Matrix scanners come in hand-held and fixed-station models. Taking a close look at the features of the IUID scanner will help ensure you’ve selected the best model for your particular needs. Software can be installed that enhances the basic functions of a scanner. For example, software available through ID Integration, Inc. allows the hand-held scanner to extract information from the Data Matrix symbol in any combination and order. The software finds any syntax errors in the identifier and even suggests corrections. Importantly, all syntax errors are reported, rather than just the first one found. This saves time and improves efficiency when making corrections. And no middleware software is needed to accomplish these tasks, saving additional money.

Results are communicated through beeps and vibrations. One beep indicates a valid identifier, while four beeps alerts the user that a syntax error has been found. Installation of the software is easy; no drivers or setup programs are needed. The system even includes an optional camera feature that allows the capture of close-up images.  For more information, visit www.id-integration.com.

IUID standards have common purpose

NATO’s ability to bring together the military forces of its 28 member countries to achieve a common goal is extremely powerful. There are, of course, a number of challenges when it comes to joining many disparate organizations to work together. One area where this becomes apparent is in the sharing of defense equipment. It can be difficult for just one defense department to keep track of all its assets, which may have lifetimes of decades and are spread among worldwide operations. Loaning the equipment to other organizations adds an additional layer of complexity.

Defense departments are turning to unique identification of items (IUID) to help solve the problem of tracking assets. Equipment that has a certain value and/or is considered mission critical receives an identifier that is globally unique and remains with the item for its entire life. Governments have developed standards that apply to all aspects of IUID labeling. In the U.S., the standard is MIL-STD-130; the U.K. has DEF STAN 05-132.

NATO has issued its own standards to bring even more consistency to IUID systems. The organization has released the Allied Unique Identification of Items Publication, or AUIDP-1, and an associated document, STANAG 2290. Individual defense departments refer to the NATO standards when developing their own IUID standards.

Topics covered by IUID standards such as MIL-STD-130, DEF STAN 05-132 and STANAG 2290 include what information to include in an item’s unique identifier and how the information should be formatted. The identifier is encoded in a 2D Data Matrix symbol that is either applied directly to the item or attached via a label or plate. The symbol is read using an IUID scanner. It’s crucial that departments use the same identifier format so the information can be read and interpreted by all users.

The standards address the appropriate size of the Data Matrix symbol and where it should be placed on the item it is identifying. There are also methods spelled out for verification of the data matrix symbol, to ensure it is readable.

The similar, but not identical standards for IUID labeling, along with the complexity of each, can be confusing for a contractor supplying equipment to a defense department. Consulting with a company that is an expert in this field may help. For example, ID-Integration Inc. has more than 12 years of experience in IUID systems and is well-versed in the various standards including DEF STAN 05-132 and STANAG 2290.  For more information, visit www.id-integration.com.