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.

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.

Check compliance of your unique identification labels through IUID verification

Much effort goes into designing unique identification (UID) labels for equipment to be used by the military. How to label the items, where to place the 2D Data Matrix symbol that contains the Item Unique Identifier (IUID), what size the symbol should be and what information it should contain are all issues that must be evaluated.

But at the end of the process, what really matters is whether the symbol can be read by machines designed to do so. An IUID verification system, such as those available through ID Integration Inc., will assess the readability of the Data Matrix symbols in addition to data contrast.

An IUID verification system will look at the contrast between the symbol and the background. Whether it’s a dark symbol on a light background or a light symbol on a dark background, if there’s not enough contrast, the mark will receive a low grade. If the mark is applied to an item whose surface color varies, placing the mark on an area where the color is uniform is recommended.

The UID symbol should be surrounded by a “quiet zone” — empty space that’s needed for the scanner to read the data matrix. The quiet zone should be at least as wide as a cell in the data matrix; a quiet zone whose width is 10% the length of the longest data matrix side is recommended.

The U.S. Department of Defense standard for UID labeling, MIL-STD-130, specifies the minimum and maximum size of a cell within the data matrix. The longest side of the Data Matrix should be 1 inch or less. Factors such as the size of the item being marked and how much flat, smooth surface is available may limit the size of the Data Matrix; but in general, it’s best to use the largest symbol possible. A larger symbol is better able to withstand damage and remain readable.

An IUID verification system will assess the symbol’s room for error, for example, if part of the symbol should become damaged and thus unreadable.

Consulting an expert in IUID systems can make the process much easier. ID Integration has more than 12 years of experience in this area. They sell a wide range of part-marking equipment as well as IUID scanners and verifiers, and can answer questions relating to the various government UID standards. They can also provide expertise on integrating UID labeling into a business’ existing systems.

For more information, visit the ID Integration website: www.id-integration.com.