The Challenges Associated With Uid Marking

By Author: ID Integration
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The Department of Defense instituted the UID mandate to keep track of all the assets in the departments for the entire functional lifecycle of the items or parts. The UID is a globally unique identification of the item that is assigned to each tangible item of the DoD. it is a basically a string of data encoded into 2D data matrix barcode. The data is either directly engraved on the item or etched on a UID label which is ultimately affixed to the item. Apart from the new procurement of the deliverable items, the legacy items as well as the property in the possession of contractors need UID to enhance item traceability. After each item is properly scanned and marked with UID, the DoD allows it to get submitted to the UID Registry.

What are the Challenges of UID Marking?
There is no doubt that the UID enhances better tracking and better management of the items inside the Department of Defense. It is also crucial for greater accountability and cost saving. However, the DoD requires that the marking of the UID for each item should match the standards chosen by the DoD. Actually, this is the most challenging part of ...
... UID marking for the contractors. Hence, the contractors or any marking service providers should have to be familiar with the formats and syntaxes of barcode labels. Understanding the formats of UID marking can be confusing, expensive and time consuming, but if you want your item markings to get approval, you need to understand each aspect of barcode marking. In a nutshell the challenges of UID compliance impact the manufacturing and quality assurance.

Challenging Marking Methodology
One of the criteria for UID compliant marking is that the marking must be maintained as a readable barcode for the entire life of the item. Moreover, durability of the marking is very much important for the item. The DoD requires that the unique identification should be applied to the items either through direct part marking or applying UID labels or nameplates. The direct part marking is supported with laser etch, chemical etch, dot peen or ink jet. The polyester labels are affixed to the items with permanent adhesive. The nameplates are attached to the items with screws or other material. However, it is essential that the readable barcodes should be maintained throughout the functional lifecycle of the items.

Submission to UID Registry
As all the information regarding the items and their marking are entered into the UID Registry, it is crucial that the data should assure UID compliance. The data elements must be readable and clear. There are basically two types of data constructs- construct #1 and Construct #2- allowed by the DoD for the marking of 2D data matrix code. The data provided by the suppliers or the contractors has to undergo a verification process to assure that they comply with the standard set by the DoD.

The DoD compliance of the UID has influenced the manufacturing process of the contactors and the quality assurance department of the DoD.

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