UID Marking & Product Identification

The Facts about UID

fl.fredlee@gmail.com (id-integration) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:30:00 GMT

UID is a special way of marking products and items with unique tags. The process was initiated by the Department of Defense, US as a measure to prevent misuse, misplacement, piracy, and duplicacy of commodities and items owned by the government.

What is special about the improved UID labels?

UID markings are a special, unique type of code â and include a special bar code. The technology currently used to mark items is called 2D Data Matrix. Data Matrix is a 2-dimensional âbarcodeâ that is usually square but can also be rectangular. Data matrix UID labels improve the functionality of the more standard barcodes because they can contain 100 times the information of a standard code (often in considerably less space), and can be damaged and still return accurate data. Every code is unique and can be used for only one item. It will not be reused, even when the original item is no longer in service. This unique identifier renders a product distinguishable amongst an entire collection.

How is the information read?

MIL STD 129 states that all manufacturers must mark items with a UID or UID label affixed in an easily visible location. A special scanner is then used to read the UID. MIL STD 129 also gives detailed compliance standards and requirements for scanners and verifiers. The scanners that read Data Matrix UID labels are special 2D scanners; a standard linear laser scanner cannot read a Data Matrix UID label.

The need for scanners:

Data contained on UID labels is read and recorded by the scanner. This creates a database containing information on every single asset owned by the DoD, making it easy to track those assets throughout their lifecycle.

The types of scanners:

A scanner prominently serves to improve compliance parameters for UID marked articles. This being the prime concern the market has a great range of collection to choose from. Amongst the variety one quality choice is the Lockheed Martin IUID scanner.

Why use the Lockheed Martin IUID scanner?

There are a number of scanners on the market. The advanced features and functions of the Lockheed Martin IUID scanner comply with all MIL STD 129 rules. It can perform its basic scanning function, along with additional support activities such as:

â¢ 2D barcode support

â¢ âout-of-boxâ support for UID

â¢ Visible ASCII 0-31 Support

â¢ UID Validation w/UII Output

â¢ Validation Error Reporting

â¢ Custom UID Parsing

â¢ Setup Software Requirements

â¢ Custom Prefix, Suffix Definition

â¢ On-board Database Lookup

â¢ Photo Capture

â¢ Support Custom Applications

A cost effective and efficient choice, Lockheed Martin IUID scanner is a multi-tasker. It will help systemize your entire work flow and will provide accurate readings every time. To learn more about this scanner, visit ID Integration, Inc. at www.id-integration.com for more information and photos.

Brief Overview of DFARS 252.211.7003 Requirements

fl.fredlee@gmail.com (id-integration) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:29:00 GMT

The marking clause â DFARS 252.211.7003 â included in the Department of Defenseâs (DoD) UID regulations deals specifically with item identification and valuation. The following article provides more information on this regulation, as well as tips for compliance.

Introduction

The DoDâs UID program is, in its simplest terms, a unique identification system used to track assets, equipment, and other property across the department. It ensures efficiency and greater asset data tracking. There are numerous regulations in relation to the identification marking process. MIL SPEC 130 and MIL STD 129 contain every individual rule governing the UID program, including IUD marking, IUD verification, and registration. The basic goal of the program is to track every product throughout its lifecycle.

How the process is implemented?

UID is necessary, as earlier stated, to mark nearly all physical assets within the DoD. Complying perfectly with the DoDâs many regulations is far from a simple process â it can, in fact, be quite confusing and difficult for manufacturers to stay up to date on the latest rules. However, those manufacturers who do it â and do it well â can earn themselves a spot on the favored provider list and secure more government contracts as a result. But there is potential for mistakes at every step along the way, which can lead to non-compliance and rejection. So, to provide thorough instructions and guidelines to help manufacturers, the DoD has created separate clauses and articles for each requirement. DFARS 252.211.7003 is a clause dealing with identification and valuation. DFARS 252.211.7003 says that items priced at and above $5,000 USD must be marked. The clause also covers:

â¢ Techniques to use to mark a product

â¢ Placement of the marking

â¢ Materials to use

â¢ Information to be included on a marking

â¢ Exceptions to the rule

In order to ensure compliance with the many regulations, UID verification is recommended. This is a process by which the UID is scanned and tested to ensure it meets all standards before it is submitted to the registry. UID verification scanners can be purchased, though theyâre quite expensive. It is also possible to hire a company that provides UID verification services, and this is often a money saver.

While in the past, unique markings were given exclusively to military assets, properties and other items, today these processes even inspire non-governmental organizations to use similar methods. To learn more about this system, you can find useful information on informative websites like ID Integration Inc. Visit ID Integration at www.id-integration.com to find more information.

Understanding UID Compliance and Verification

fl.fredlee@gmail.com (id-integration) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:28:00 GMT

The unique identification system â also called UID marking â instrumentally helps the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to track physical assets and property which have been obtained by the department. The unique identification registration helps in smooth data management in the DoDâs efforts to keep track of items across the organization. It also serves to prevent piracy, duplicacy, misuse, and misplacement of commodities and valuables.

The entire process â from creating the UID, to marking equipment directly or affixing marked labels â is heavily regulated, with a number of rules that must be adhered to in order to remain in compliance. This assures better data management for the DoD, but can make the process more complex and difficult to manage for manufacturers struggling to keep up with the latest regulations.

The many regulations related to UID creation and marking are detailed in a protocol manual, referred to as MIL STD 130, created by the DoD. MIL STD 130 describes essential parameters for UID creation in order to maintain uniformity and integrity of the program. It also explains precisely which types of equipment are required to be marked, since not all military physical assets and items are subject to the unique identification program.

Before submitting UID data to the registry, itâs imperative to ensure that all MIL STD 130 standards have been met. The easiest way to do this is through the use of UID verification scanners, which scan an itemâs unique âbarcodeâ and test for compliance. Verification prior to submittal of items to the data registry ensures that manufacturers stay in compliance and good standing with the government, and donât risk losing their contract due to repeated, unmet standards. The use of UID verification scanners ensure that the marking passes the error correction code (ECC) 200, that the 2D data matrix is Grade B, and confirms minimum print quality, among other things.

In order to comply with the standards, then, itâs recommended that all manufacturers purchase or lease a quality scanner or verifier. Alternatively, some companies provide verification services for use by manufacturers. Manufacturers can use these services to test their markings without investing in the cost of their own high-quality scanner, which can prove to be a significant cost savings. Verification is important in order to avoid non-compliance, which could result in rejection or termination.

To learn more about the advantages and functions of UID verification products and services, visit informational websites, like ID Integration Inc. at www.id-integration.com.

The Advanced Features of a Lockheed Martin IUID Scanner

fl.fredlee@gmail.com (id-integration) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:57:00 GMT

UID, or unique identification, bar codes are readable only with the use of a special device: A scanner. However, unlike regular scanners, UID scanners are a different in functional and operational activities. UID scanners have specific data and analytic performance. Production data contained on UID labels is recorded and assessed by the scanner. This helps to easily track products, items, and assets belonging to the government of the United States of America. The UID marking system was put in effect in order to prevent misplacement, misuse, and mismanagement of government possessions.

UID labels contain important information like a manufacturerâs ID, a manufacturerâs license, product type, code number, item-unique serial number, and date of manufacture. However, all of the information is not written in simple text, letters or numbers. Binary formats are used to codify the number in order to prevent forgery and duplicacy. Therefore, to read and record the binary data of UID labels a special scanner is needed. Lockheed Martin IUID scanner is one commendable model.

Why use a Lockheed Martin IUID scanner?

The new Lockheed Martin IUID scanner easily handles any UID concerns. This multitasking scanner includes many custom features.

These include:

â¢ 2D barcode support

â¢ âOut-of-the-boxâ support for UID

â¢ Visible ASCII 0-31 support

â¢ UID validation with UII output

â¢ Validation error reporting

â¢ Custom UID parsing

â¢ Setup software requirements

â¢ Custom prefix and suffix definition

â¢ On-board database lookup

â¢ Photo capture

â¢ Supports custom applications

The Lockheed Martin IUID Scanner has reasonably justified its preference for UID labels in the market. There are several merits included with this scanner. While UID labels have their own set of guidelines, similarly a scanner has to comply with certain factors that authenticate the review process. Lockheed Martin IUID scanner astoundingly fulfills the requirements for compliance.

Lockheed Martin IUID scanner is perfect to help track data and assess quick information from the product. This, in turn, systemizes the entire chain included with UID labels: From reading unique codes to proof checking; to storing of valuable information that might be necessary at a later time. However, before one chooses any particular model it is wise to inquire about features and functions. It is also necessary to research the application process, as well as the advantages and utility factors of UID scanners. Compared to other UID scanners, the Lockheed Martin IUID scanner is fairly priced. For more information, please visit http://www.id-integration.com/smartscan.htm.

Better Compliance for UID Labels with the Boeing UID Scanner

fl.fredlee@gmail.com (id-integration) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:01:00 GMT

Unique identification, or UID, verification is necessary for high priced valuables. UID requires labels that are placed on products and parts owned, sold, or maintained by the government. This system was introduced in 2003 by the United States Department of Defense. The ultimate reason was to securely track the production and ownership of governmental assets and properties. However, to proceed with this, the government created a series of guidelines and regulations for implementing a Unique Identification code and Registry to record all necessary assets. This development created a high demand for reliable UID labels, or marking, and compliant UID scanners.

The need for UID labels

UID labels should contain all details regarding the manufacturing company, the product type, as well as include an item-unique, serial number, special codes for unique identification, and more. MIL STD 130 states these details throughout the documentation. Thus, the need for UID labels is not only restricted to tracking an item, but also to separate products into categories to maintain practical records. The categorization is primarily based on the value or price of an item.

The role of a UID scanner

A UID scanner reads UID labels. In this regard, the Boeing UID scanner has earned quality reviews from manufacturers. A Boeing UID scanner integrates the codification system with high-level data assessing, repair, and replacement needs. All this has been made possible with the application of advanced programming capability for unique item identifiers.

The Boeing UID scanner includes convenient features, such as:

â¢ 2D Barcode support

â¢ âOut-of-the-boxâ support for UID

â¢ Visible ASCII 0-31 support

â¢ UID validation with UII output

â¢ Validation error reporting

â¢ Custom UID parsing

â¢ Setup software requirements

â¢ Custom prefix and suffix definition

â¢ On-board database lookup

â¢ Photo capture

â¢ Supports custom applications

All information is stored in a systemized manner and data can be easily accessed at a later time.

A quality product, Boeing UID scanner consists of a camera with fixed optics, illuminated lightening and hi-tech memory backup. However, when performing tests and checks the Boeing UID scanner should be properly handled.

With increasing alertness about UID labels, the Boeing UID scanner is considered beyond existing formats. This scanner can help todayâs companies to meet with the stringent implementation of standards set by the Department of Defense. For more information, please visit http://www.id-integration.com/smartscan.htm and see what sets this high performance UID scanner apart from competing models.