ID-Integration - UID Marking & Product Identification

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Better Compliance for UID Labels with the Boeing UID Scanner

posted on 03/17/2012 12:56 AM

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:

• 2D Barcode support

• “Out-of-the-box” support for UID

• Visible ASCII 0-31 support

• UID validation with UII output

• Validation error reporting

• Custom UID parsing

• Setup software requirements

• Custom prefix and suffix definition

• On-board database lookup

• Photo capture

• 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 today’s 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.

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The Advanced Features of a Lockheed Martin IUID Scanner

posted on 03/17/2012 12:55 AM

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 manufacturer’s ID, a manufacturer’s 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:

• 2D barcode support

• “Out-of-the-box” support for UID

• Visible ASCII 0-31 support

• UID validation with UII output

• Validation error reporting

• Custom UID parsing

• Setup software requirements

• Custom prefix and suffix definition

• On-board database lookup

• Photo capture

• 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.

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Understanding The Importance of MIL STD 130

posted on 03/17/2012 12:55 AM

A unique identification system, or UID, was created by the United States Department of Defense to securely track articles, properties, or any other sort of valuable that belongs to the government. Rigorous amendments have been created to update government doctrines relating to UID registry. Items must be aptly marked by manufacturers as specified by MIL SPEC 130.

Generally, it should be understood that not all military or commercial products are required to be a part of the UID registry. MIL SPEC 130 states essential parameters that qualify items for UID registry. There is a separate documentation for UID registry application. However, before analyzing the criteria for approval it is required to understand why UID registry is important.

MIL SPEC 130 explains that UID registry is important since without this system vendors and manufacturers would not be able to receive the necessary login numbers for their products and items. Only the United States government’s contractors and workers are allowed such facilities. The UID registry helps maintain smooth data management, serial processing, item evaluation, and more. This in turn helps maintain a well-registered registry of exports, imports, and selling of merchandise. UID registry allows records to be stored for a longer period of time without excessive paperwork.

There are several phases of unique identification processing. As per the guidelines of MIL SPEC 130, the UID registry application is forwarded to contactors or employees. Once an agreement is reached, UID labels are printed out using techniques directed by MIL SPEC 130. The UID registry can only function well when UID markings have been completed with permanent inkjet, laser, chemical etching, and other durable marking technologies. Permanency of UID labeling ensures the products will forever contain this unique code. To receive a UID label and enter the UID registry, certain parameters must be met.

These include:

• The asset evaluation and records of management data should be delivered along with the contract under the user’s identity code. Under the Department of Defense, the 5000.64 clause states that asset evaluation should be done following the guidelines set by the military unit of the United States that is MIL SPEC 130.

• In cases of contracts that are delivered at fixed rates, the net cost is to be decided by none other than the government.

• The UID registry should have information on the type of the item, the manufacturer’s code, the serial number of item, and more.

The importance of the UID registry can hardly be questioned when it comes to applying for governmental contract work. For more information about UID registry and MIL SPEC 130, please visit www.id-integration.com.

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The UID Registry Helps Track Products

posted on 03/17/2012 12:54 AM

UID markings are unique identification numbers given to products that help identify assets, parts, and products used and produced by the United States government. According to the Department of Defense, all military products should contain UID markings.

MIL SPEC 130 is a protocol guideline pertaining to the UID registry and marking system. MIL SPEC 130 contains specific rules all contractors are required to follow while marking their products with UID labels and applying for the UID registry.

The need for the UID Registry

UID registry application is scrutinized by an official branch of the government. MIL SPEC 130 contains the essential guidelines that qualify a product for UID registry. The contract differs on the basis of item type, mass volume, production cost, and more. Items and products are categorized to avoid confusion. Every rule is thoroughly specified by MIL SPEC 130 in several clauses and articles.

UID Registry How-To

MIL SPEC 130 has several clauses that state the compliant marking methods and technologies for UID marking. MIL SPEC 130 also specifies that UID labels, or markings, should include a 2D data matrix barcode. This barcode can be easily detected with a UID compliant scanner. The UID scanner should be able to decode the barcode of the article.

It is required that the UID marking on each item be permanent and able to last a lifetime. This is an important consideration when a product is judged for UID registry issuance. Thus, UID markings should be created with high quality permanent ink, dot peen marking equipment, chemical etching, or laser etching; among other methods. This ensures durability of the markings. Such markings include a contractor’s license code, the item number, the product type, and the serial number. This information should be easily readable by a UID scanner. Also it is stated in MIL SPEC 130 that the nameplates should be placed in a visible area on the product.

In case a product has not been marked as per the mandate, then it is likely that it will face rejection and the entire production line may be cancelled. Therefore, manufacturers should be very careful to take adequate preventive measures to ensure proper markings before applying for the UID registry.

The objective of following such guidelines it this: To regularize a track report that will be convenient to handle for government officials. The introduction of UID has organized the whole system and improved security measures. The success of this program was even a catalyst for consumer-based manufacturers to implement their own tracking procedures. For more information about the UID registry, please visit www.id-integration.com.

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Learn More about MIL SPEC 130

posted on 03/17/2012 12:54 AM

Proficient knowledge of MIL SPEC 130 and the UID process has become indispensable to manufacturers for the United States Military. UID refers to the unique identification system and requires a unique item code to be included on all products manufactured or distributed for use by the government. This system came into effect as a security measure to help authorities track important information on the location of a wide range of government assets. All the specifications, compliance standards, UID marking procedures, and registry applications are contained within the MIL SPEC 130 manual.

MIL SPEC 130 and MIL STD 129 describe all measures that qualify a product to be UID compliant. Several articles of MIL SPEC 130 thoroughly explain the procedure of UID marking, the role and involvement of the manufacturer, as well as the use of materials and machines for meeting compliance.

MIL SPEC 130 clearly states that a manufacturer will first have to comply with the regulations established by the Department of Defense and await approval from higher authorities. It is also important for manufacturers to check that their products meet all mandates and have been carefully plated with UID marks or tags.

The rulebook categorically contains a section on the approved type of marking method, or technologies, for compliant marking of UID infomration. The most common choices today, include laser printing technology, thermal transfer systems, dot peen stylus markers, inkjet printing, and chemical etching. These are permanent solutions that provide tag durability.

In addition, MIL SPEC 130 details all information that must be mentioned in the ID plate. These include:

• Manufacturer’s license

• Date of manufacture

• Expiration date

• Item type

• Item production number

• Item serial number

Such information is written in bar code format to comply with many automated processes and also to prevent item fraud. There are special types of 2D data matrix scanners that have a programmed feed stored in its hardware. MIL SPEC 130 explains that the main function of a UID scanner is to read the binary code format and store product records.

Before a contractor signs an agreement, they should be aware of the proper laws and regulations that describe manufacturing requirements and UID standards. If a company has applied to secure a government production contract, please read through the MIL SPEC 130 guidelines. There are various educative articles on the Internet that can help a manufacturer understand the subject completely. One can also refer to blogs and sites that deal specifically with UID integration and the supply process. Visit http://www.id-integration.com/uid-marking.htm for authentic information about MIL SPEC 130 regulations and other topics related to UID.

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Basics for MIL SPEC 130 Compliance

posted on 03/17/2012 12:53 AM

Unique Identification (UID) as a system is regulated by MIL SPEC 130, a set of protocols standardized by the Department of Defense in the United States. These requirements state the rules for compliance for all related articles or product compliance procedures, credit rules for manufacturers and contractors working with the government, as well as qualification standards and storage. In short, MIL SPEC 130 contains everything that is responsible for consolidating national security.

The plan was devised with the view that a formal record of production data can be maintained within the government (only on national possessions). Items can be easily tracked through storage, import, and a consumer’s market. Therefore, each article registered with the government is given a special code or unique identification number. The full MIL SPEC 130 guidelines contain information relevant to the UID process as governed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Not all items require UID labels. MIL SPEC 130 clearly notes essential guidelines that qualify an item for marking. It also specifies other guidelines about manufacturing details, item production numbers, serial numbers, substrate types, and compliant marking technologies. These readings are maintained in binary format to prevent duplicacy and fraud. Manufacturers and contractors must read and record 2D matrix codes in most cases and may also benefit with the help of a high performance scanner or verifier.

MIL SPEC 130 contains specifications about the type of scanner that a manufacturer should use to read a UID. The scanner’s software is programmed to verify codes and record statistics in an organized manner.

MIL SPEC 130 covers other essentials such as data printing type, where to place the title plate, what substance to use for permanent marking, and more. As per marking compliance regulation, all products with UID tags should be attached to easy to locate places so that a bar code scanner can properly read the print. Another important consideration to remember is that the ink used for numbering should be permanent.

For marking, all manufacturers have been given a range of choice including:

• RFID

• Thermal Transfer

• Laser printing systems

• Dot peen

• Chemical etching

• Inkjet printing

• Contact or offset printers

It is important that UID labels are incredibly durable on all products. A UID label must be made of a material that can endure all types of conditions. If the numbers are not placed correctly or there is a printing error, it is likely that the article or product will be cancelled, rejected, or removed from the production line. It entirely depends on the contractor to verify with compliance measures prior to a product’s launch. A beginner can refer to MIL SPEC 130 regulations to remove any doubt.

For more information, visit http://www.id-integration.com/docs/specs/UID_Basics_101.pdf or http://idintegration.blog.ca/2011/10/13/the-importance-of-mil-std-12007061/.

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Integrated Innovation: Lockheed Martin IUID Scanners

posted on 12/20/2011 07:59 AM

The term UID represents the item unique identification for applications involving contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Department of Defense (DOD) currently requires all suppliers to comply with the MIL STD 130 specifications for successful contracts. The purpose behind this requirement is to tighten the security and tracking of these items, their distribution, and usage. UID marks also help to better manage the tracking of maintenance to various products and equipment. Ultimately, UID labels help many offices of the U.S. military to maintain an organized database that enables full management of all government assets for the full lifetime of every item.

Today, there are many manufacturers struggling to meet the stringent guidelines for UID labels and compliance. However, this process is quite a bit more complicated than printing a detailed identification mark or tag. Full specifications can be found within the published MIL STD 130 guidelines, however many suppliers prefer to obtain guidance from seasoned integrators. One thing that’s highly recommended for most of these applications is a method to verify that UID labels and direct part markings are compliant and legible.

Recently, ID Integration, Inc., a foremost authority in the UID industry, has launched a series of scanners with intuitive and easy to use features. These Lockheed Martin IUID scanners feature the unique SmartScan™ technology, which offers a wide range of benefits that exceed the average bar code scanner. Additionally, the Lockheed Martin IUID scanners are provide UID compliance verification functions at the lowest price point on the market along with a host of other bells and whistles that suppliers striving to achieve UID compliance will truly appreciate.

Available in corded, cordless (battery powered), and Bluetooth wireless models, these Code Corp scanners are high performance tools for most any UID application. From 1-D to 2-D bar code support, right out of the box, the Lockheed Martin IUID scanners have the ability to scan a variety of bar code symbologies as well as OCR text, and image jpgs. Other advanced features include the ability for users to choose between many modes that include UID Validation with Raw data output, Concatenated UII output, or Parsed UID output.

With a 6” wide field of view, these smarter Lockheed Martin IUID scanners also provide the most thorough IUID error reporting and UID labels quality checks. These units are fully capable of outputting multiple errors, not just the first one, along with suggestions for error resolution. For UID compliance needs, these advanced scanners offer a full arsenal of features that will help any production process to become more streamlined and efficient. Visit ID Integration, Inc. to learn more about these cutting-edge Lockheed Martin IUID scanners or to learn more about UID applications, in general, online at www.uidscanner.com.

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Boeing UID Scanners: Some Advantages

posted on 12/20/2011 07:58 AM

UID labels play a primary role in the effective tracking of all Department of Defense (DoD) assets. These include all parts, products, equipment, and other supplies that the U.S. military uses throughout their operations. Today, the DoD’s UID registry is one the foremost authority for approved products and vendors to relevant government offices around the world. This registry is a nice medium to store important information about each part and product as well as all compliant suppliers.

UID labels, for identification tracking, are very useful to manufacturers in every industry. In fact, today, just about every manufacturer, including those not doing business with the U.S. Department of Defense, is using UID labels to facilitate improved production and quality of the products they manufacture. The most common UID labels contain general product information, manufacturing data, and an item unique serial number, among important data. MIL STD 130 outlines the specifications of compliant UID labels including requirements for compliant marking methods and materials. UID labels must remain durable and may face exposure to really harsh weather, as well as contact to a variety of chemicals, oils, or other substances. This information is required to remain legible for the full duration of a products’ life.

Now, it’s even easier to maintain UID compliance with advanced, Boeing UID scanners available with innovative SmartScan™ technology. These Boeing UID scanners, with integrated SmartScan technology have been developed for a wide range of UID compliance applications and are one of the industry’s most cost effective solutions for tracking and analyzing all UID production data. In fact, the Boeing UID scanners offered by ID Integration, Inc. (Code Corp Models) are the lowest cost 2-D scanner models that come with UID validation.

In the market today you can easily find UID scanners available for sale. However, these scanners do not possess the same capabilities or low prices as the featured Boeing UID scanners at ID Integration, Inc.’s www.uidscanner.com. Here are key advantages offered by today’s innovative and effective Boeing UID scanners:

Boeing UID scanners are easy to operate and integrate within a production process.

• Boeing UID scanners include a high resolution camera with the ability to scan both 2-D and 1-D codes as well as a full range of OCR text, handwritten signatures, and even image jpgs for storage within a UID production database.

• Every model of the popular Boeing UID scanners comes with the ability to output multiple errors and also provide suggestions for remedy.

• Information is easy to capture and upload for use within a production database.

To learn more about Boeing UID scanners and UID labels, visit ID Integration, Inc. online at www.uidscanner.com.

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Understanding MIL STD 130

posted on 12/20/2011 07:50 AM

To manage all its property, assets, purchases, and transferred products or supplies, the U.S. Army utilizes an item unique tracking system that is generally referred to as UID. The UID registry is the database of all these unique items as provided by the suppliers holding contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The UID registry also stores important information about the product, the supplier, and other related manufacturing information. Now, for compliance with the UID registry or UID process, there are a number of specifications that are required. All of these specifications can be found in current MIL STD 130 guidelines. In all DoD UID matters, MIL STD 130 functions as the ultimate resource. It sets the standards for which all the government contractors must follow while manufacturing items to be used as military supplies and equipment.

The ultimate goal of MIL STD 130 is to standardize the data nomenclature and marking methods that are compliant with the UID registry. This UID registry serves as a repository of data about all items supplied to the DoD. This collected UID data includes information about the products’ and also important information about the suppliers or the manufacturers. The Department of Defense has easily access to this UID repository and can gather any information about the suppliers while keeping current records that are relevant to an items location, usage, and maintenance.

For compliance in the UID registry every part and product is required to possess an item unique marking. This UID mark includes important manufacturing details; such as the part number, serial number, date of manufacture, place of manufacture, name of manufacturer/contractor, and much more. The Department of Defense requires stringent compliance of all MIL STD 130 specifications and will reject those products and contractors that are not able to attain this level of quality. Failure to maintain UID compliance may result in a lost contract with various departments of the U.S. Government. Therefore, understanding the requirements of MIL STD 130 guidelines is a major concern for all suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense.

It is highly recommended that companies seek the advice of experienced UID integrators. The company you choose should be trustworthy and should have sound knowledge about the UID registry and MIL STD 130 specifications. ID Integration, Inc. offers a full range of UID solutions for successful compliance. These integration experts can help their clients to craft thoughtful, effective UID marking, tracking, and testing solutions that noy only ensure full compliance, but also help most manufacturers to increase productivity while reducing expenses through less waste, or scrap, and improve overall end-user safety. To learn more about the UID registry and MIL STD 130 please visit ID Integration, Inc. online at http://www.id-integration.com/uid-marking.htm.

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How UID Registration Helps?

posted on 12/20/2011 07:49 AM

UID compliance is a major issue for the suppliers of the U.S. Army. If their products fail to fulfill UID compliance then they can suffer rejection from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Therefore, suppliers and contractors of the US Army and other military offices’ must be quite serious about the unique identification markings of their products.

Now before learning about the complex specifications of MIL STD 130 that provide the guidelines for UID compliance, one should know how exactly UID registration works. According to DoD instructions, a contractor is required to submit UID compliance details about their products to the DoD’s UID registry. Almost every item that the military buys or owns requires its own UID marking, or tag. So, the details about all these products must be submitted to the UID registry. MIL STD 130 gives instructions and provides the rules and regulations that are to be followed by the contractors to fulfill UID compliance. The procedure is followed under strict inspection and in case any products fail to verify UID numbers they are immediately refused.

The UID registry actually works as a knowledge-base where all tracked data about equipment, parts, and other supplies that have been purchased, transferred, stored, or sold so that the authority can access this data at any time. Now, the question is why is this data so necessary for the Army? Well the answer is simple, the data stored at the UID registry helps to track products individually. In fact, one can quickly access the basic information of any product that the Army is using. They can track the manufacturers and important maintenance of various products. This kind of rigorous identification also gives the products more integrity. This database helps to improve safety and increase security for all government assets.

The UID registry also assists in the authentication process. It not only stores important data about these assets, but also keeps a record of the suppliers or government contractors. So, from the UID registry, management can quickly access every detail about the contractors concerned and the products supplied. The UID registry helps significantly with the military auditing process, too. Compliance and submission to the UID registry and the many rules and regulations specified by MIL STD 130 guidelines actually improve the quality output of a company’s production. MIL STD 130 also provides the full specifications to determine the materials, and the marking process of all UID marking or labeling.

If you are a regular supplier of the Army then you are bound to follow the instructions that MIL STD 130 requires, otherwise your contracts may face rejection. However, today, there are companies that can relieve you from MIL STD 130 tension. You can ask for their help to ensure the full success of your manufacturing process. For many manufacturers, it is probably the smartest way to ensure UID compliance of your products. To learn more about MIL STD 130 and the UID registry you can visit: http://www.id-integration.com/uid-marking.htm.

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