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.

Mystified by IUID requirements? Turn to the experts for help.

Many defense contractors are experts in a particular field of engineering, such as aerospace, vehicle, electrical or industrial engineering. What they might not be experts on are defense department requirements for Unique Identification (UID) labeling of items being supplied to the military.

Item Unique Identification (IUID) is a system in which each piece of equipment receives a unique identifier that remains with the item throughout its life, greatly enhancing the military’s ability to track the equipment. Identifying information is contained in a 2D Data Matrix symbol that is applied to the equipment: Either directly, through a method such as laser engraving, electro-chemical etching or dot-peening the symbol onto the equipment; or indirectly, using a label that is attached to the item. The Data Matrix symbol is read with an automated device, and an important step in the IUID process is making sure the label is readable and within a compliant syntax. This is accomplished through the IUID verification process.

IUID verification is itself complex. Hardware and software are used to grade the data matrix symbol on a number of parameters, including its contrast, uniformity or distortion from an ideal square pattern, and whether cells are incompletely filled or spill over their boundaries. An overall grade is assigned to the symbol as well. Verification should be used early in the IUID process if possible. Finding out when a project is completed that the IUID labels are defective can create major headaches for the supplier. Even worse is if the equipment is sent to the DoD and the department discovers the defective labels after receiving the shipment.

ID-integration.com is a comprehensive source of information on the entire IUID process. The website has information on the various standards that apply to IUID marking of equipment. At ID-integration.com, one can also find details of different IUID marking methods and IUID verification systems. A user can learn more through product videos and product literature that are available through the site.

The website belongs to ID Integration Inc., a company with more than 12 years of experience in IUID systems that offers a range of services from needs assessment to process development, template design and software development. As their name suggests, ID Integration will help a business integrate the IUID process into existing systems. Custom solutions are emphasized. Equipment installation and on-site training of personnel is also offered. Find a full list of services at ID-integration.com.  Visit www.id-integration.com to learn more about how their team of experts can help.

Attention to detail needed when implementing UID systems

Marking defense assets with unique identifiers that can be used to track the items throughout their lifetime is a straightforward concept. But when it comes to implementing Unique Identification of Items according to NATO standards, one must pay attention to numerous details. Many of these specifics can be found in two documents: AUIDP-1 (Allied Unique Identification of Items Publication) and a Standardization Agreement, STANAG 2290. 

Benefits of UID

Unique Identification of Items (UID) is a standardized method for giving items a unique identifier that stays with them throughout their life. It’s useful for tracking ownership and location of an asset, which may be in use, in storage or in transit. AUIDP-1 also notes that UID can provide details of an asset’s age, condition, configuration, maintenance and repair history, and warranty status.

UID utilizes the 2D Data Matrix symbol for labeling items. The label is read with an automated device and provides a common format for storing and retrieving information among many different users. Errors are reduced as compared to manual data entry and the process is streamlined.

When to use UID

Implementing UID makes the most sense for items that are newly purchased. In that case, the benefits of UID will be realized throughout the item’s entire life for a greater return on investment. Items that are already in inventory might also be good UID candidates if their remaining life is substantial. Other factors to weigh include whether the item has significant value; is repairable; requires calibration or confirmation of disposal; or is mission critical.

Preferred UID methods

The Unique Item Identifier, or UII, assigned to an item must not change over the item’s life, even if other identifiers such as the part number change. It must be globally unique and cannot be reused, even if the item it’s attached to is disposed of.

Data associated with the UII is entered into a registry. Annex 6 of AUIDP-1 lists the recommended data elements to include. Some of these are: Unique Item Identifier; type of item (either end item or embedded item); whether it’s marked using UID Construct 1 or Construct 2; part number; serial number; batch or lot; description; and issuing agency code.

Methods for marking items include direct marking using laser, electro-chemical etching or dot peen indenting. STANAG 2290 contains standards for minimum cell sizes and quality levels for the various methods. The label should last for the expected life of the item, STANAG 2290 notes.

For further information, see www.id-integration.com.

Verification of IUID labels boosts MIL-STD-130 compliance

A common requirement for contractors doing business with the Department of Defense is to label each piece of equipment with an item unique identifier, or IUID. The DoD uses this IUID to track the equipment throughout its lifetime. MIL-STD-130 spells out requirements for the IUID, which is typically a 2D Data Matrix bar code. The label must last the lifetime of the equipment — potentially decades — and withstand a variety of environments. While that’s a key consideration in designing the labels, even more fundamental is ascertaining that the label can be reliably read and interpreted in the first place. That’s where IUID verification comes in.

How a contractor incorporates verification into the overall manufacturing process depends on whether the labels are purchased from an outside supplier or produced in-house. For those making labels themselves, it’s a good idea to verify the labels as soon as possible after they’re produced. That way, problems are detected and can be fixed before many more defective labels are produced. This prevents the waste of time and resources. Continuous monitoring of the IUID verification labels may also indicate when the labelling equipment needs maintenance — before the labels become unreadable.

A prime contractor receiving items from a sub-contractor for a DoD project must also make sure those items are labelled in compliance with MIL-STD-130. Not doing so can result in delays in fulfilling the contract and added expense for the contractor.

IUID verification covers a wide range of parameters. An ideal IUID label will be perfectly square with good contrast between dark and light areas. Dots will be round rather than oval. Dots will stay within the boundaries of the square, and will be surrounded by an empty “quiet zone.” The quiet zone is needed in order for automated Data Matrix readers to be able to read the code. Verification software assigns a grade to a number of aspects of the label as well as an overall grade for the code.

Another option is to purchase labels from a manufacturer who will take care of verification for you. For example, Jet City Laser provides 100% verification of Data Matrix labels. Syntax validation is also included. Every shipment of labels includes a CD with IUID verification and validation results. Jet City produces labels in a wide range of materials to suit nearly any application. Laser marking, chemical etching and dot peen are among the options. 

Contractors can spot check the labels received from a supplier for readability as an additional quality control measure.

For more information, visit www.id-integration.com.

UID labeling involves many steps: From design to IUID verification

Department of Defense contractors have many details to think about when determining how to comply with the department’s Item Unique Identification (IUID) requirements. The IUID program involves the marking of individual pieces of equipment with a Unique Identification (UID) that stays with the item throughout its life. The marking is accomplished using a 2D Data Matrix symbol that is read with an automated scanner.

Decisions to be made include how the UID labels will be applied to the item; where the labels will be located; and the size of the mark. Finally, IUID verification is needed to ensure the symbol is of high quality and will be readily readable and in the proper syntax.

According to DoD standards, the Data Matrix symbol should remain readable throughout the life of the item; withstand environmental conditions the item may encounter; and not harm the performance, durability or reliability of the item.

The latter concern may come up when one is deciding which labeling method to use. There are two methods of applying UID labels: Direct and indirect marking. Direct marking methods include dot peening, laser marking, electrochemical etching, and engraving. While these marks are durable, care must be taken that the marking process does not damage the equipment or affect its performance. In some cases, metallurgical testing may be required before the marking method is approved. 

Indirect labeling methods involve applying the Data Matrix symbol to a tag — made of a durable material — which is then securely attached to the item to be labeled. This method is often less expensive than direct labeling. The method of attachment also needs to be evaluated to be sure the label will remain on the item throughout its life. Light, heat and corrosion can weaken the attachment over time.

Where to place the UID labels is another issue to address. Ideally, the label will be readable both when the item is in use and when it is in storage. Applying the label to a flat, rather than curved, surface is preferable. If possible, avoid placing the label over an air vent or sensor, near a heat source, or on a component that may be replaced during maintenance.

A crucial step in the UID process is IUID verification. Hardware and software are used to evaluate the UID labels on several parameters related to its readability and overall syntax. It may be wise to consult with UID labeling experts such as ID Integration, Inc. (www.id-integration.com).