Tips For Making The Most Of Uid Verification

By Author: Cyrus Brooke
Total Articles: 3
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Unique identification is an efficient asset tracking solution. A detailed identification and tracking process is required by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) of all suppliers; including manufacturers and distributors of a wide range of products, parts, or other assets. According to DoD requirements, government asset tracking through the implementation of item unique identification coding is mandatory for all suppliers.

UID marking is a complicated process. Compliance rules and regulations are mentioned in different military standard manuals. These rules and regulations are applicable for both the military officials and product suppliers. For example, an identification label, or marking, must meet the minimum criteria as specified by MIL STD 130, ISO15415, and AS9132.

DFARS is a set of UID marking guidelines. They provide instructions relating to the UID identification process, name plating, data coding, and many other factors. DFARS 252.211-7003 standards point out certain basic parameters for UID labeling:

The basic objective of UID identification is to improve product visibility. According to DFARS ...
... 252.211-7003, a UID label must be placed on a visible portion of a product. The identification process can be done by permanently applying a label or tag engraved prominently on a visible part. Additionally, there are many approved methods of direct part marking, which do not require the use of tags or nameplates.

DFARS recommends a number of UID marking methods. Laser marking is one of the more preferred marking technologies. However, high resolution ink jet printing, chemical etching, programmable stylus indenting, and many other techniques may be utilized successfully. Permanent marking should be used so that the information can last a product’s full service period. MIL STD 130 also requires an item tag or marking to undergo cleansing and chemical testing processes to ensure durability and legibility in harsh conditions.

UID marking is necessary for nearly every item, regardless of its type. The UID code is a long code, combining serial or part numbers of the product with enterprise identification data. In cases where the UID data exceeds the marking area on a part, DFARS approves MIL STD 130 compliant tags.

While DFARS focuses on the overall marking requirements, MIL STD 130 sets regulations for the coding process, UID data quality clarification and UID verification processes. According to DoD standards, the 2 D data matrix format can be used to write tags. 2D data matrix format is a machine readable data format. The authenticity of codes is determined through a process of data validation and data verification. Data validation is the process of decoding UID data. The decoded data are verified with the help of DoD compliant data verification tools. A DoD verifier must be efficient to detect data quality while also containing the necessary algorithms to analyze MIL STD 130 nomenclature. As such, it is better to select a UID verification tool that supports AS9132 and ISO 15415. A DPM, direct part marking, reader should be able to read 2D data matrix syntax and information according to ISO 15434 and ISO 15418 respectively. To learn more regarding these standards and to locate compliant UID verification tools visit www.id-integration.com.