Reasons for IUID requirements are many

Contractors supplying equipment to the military are likely aware of requirements for Item Unique Identification of each piece of equipment they produce. The Department of Defense requires the identification, in the form of a 2-D data matrix symbol, for each piece of equipment valued at $5,000 or more, and in some cases, items of lesser value. The machine-readable code allows tracking of the asset throughout its life.

But contractors might be less familiar with the reasons the IUID program was implemented. The IUID requirements were spurred by concern from government auditors that federal departments have a poor grasp of the amount of inventory they have, where assets are located and what condition they’re in. As a result, the assets are more prone to theft, damage or loss. Assets that can’t be found are in some cases unnecessarily reordered.

With IUID marking, each individual asset can be tracked from cradle to grave. This reduces wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money and improves department operations. In the case of DoD, this translates to increased combat-readiness and enhanced safety for personnel.

The IUID program was developed with input from experts in the field. Among these is ID Integration Inc., which worked with DoD on itsIUID policy. ID Integration also belongs to technical working groups for IUID implementation and policy.

Ensure compliance with an IUID verification system

ID Integration (id-integration.com) offers a range of services relating to IUID systems. For defense contractors who decide to incorporate direct part marking into their manufacturing process, IDI brings more than 15 years of experience in this area. In addition, the IDI staff is expert at IUID verification. A step that is key in complying with DoD standards. An IUID verification system will measure the quality of the 2-D Data Matrix. Is there enough contrast between light and dark areas? Are the cells within the symbol straight and uniform? Are required areas such as the quiet zone present? An IUID verification system will look at all these factors and assign a grade to the symbol. It’s better for a manufacturer to find out early in the process that the Data Matrix is not making the grade, or is close to failing. Then appropriate maintenance or repairs can be made to marking equipment before too many defective labels are produced.

IDI has worked with many major clients on UID systems, including UID customers include Boeing Honeywell Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, United Airlines, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

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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 middle ware 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 id-integration.com.

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IUID standards have common purpose

NATO’s ability to bring together the military forces of its 28 member countries to achieve a common goal is extremely powerful. There are, of course, a number of challenges when it comes to joining many disparate organizations to work together. One area where this becomes apparent is in the sharing of defense equipment. It can be difficult for just one defense department to keep track of all its assets, which may have lifetimes of decades and are spread among worldwide operations. Loaning the equipment to other organizations adds an additional layer of complexity.

Defense departments are turning to unique identification of items (IUID) to help solve the problem of tracking assets. Equipment that has a certain value and/or is considered mission critical receives an identifier that is globally unique and remains with the item for its entire life. Governments have developed standards that apply to all aspects of IUID labeling. In the U.S., the standard is MIL-STD-130; the U.K. has DEF STAN 05-132.

NATO has issued its own standards to bring even more consistency to IUID systems. The organization has released the Allied Unique Identification of Items Publication, or AUIDP-1, and an associated document, STANAG 2290.Individual defense departments refer to the NATO standards when developing their own IUID standards.

Topics covered by IUID standards such asMIL-STD-130, DEF STAN 05-132 and STANAG 2290 include what information to include in an item’s unique identifier and how the information should be formatted. The identifier is encoded in a 2D Data Matrix symbol that is either applied directly to the item or attached via a label or plate. The symbol is read using an IUID scanner. It’s crucial that departments use the same identifier format so the information can be read and interpreted by all users.

The standards address the appropriate size of the Data Matrix symbol and where it should be placed on the item it is identifying. There are also methods spelled out for verification of the data matrix symbol, to ensure it is readable.

The similar, but not identical standards for IUID labeling, along with the complexity of each, can be confusing for a contractor supplying equipment to a defense department. Consulting with a company that is an expert in this field may help. For example, ID-Integration Inc. has more than 12 years of experience in IUID systems and is well-versed in the various standards including DEF STAN 05-132 and STANAG 2290.  For more information, visit id-integration.com.

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Make sure your UID labels pass the test

Trust but verify. That well-known phrase typically applies to U.S. foreign affairs. But it could also come to mind among defense contractors who are dealing with requirements for Item Unique Identification (IUID) of products they produce for the military.

IUID requires contractors to label each piece of equipment they make for the military with a Unique Identifier, or UID, that facilitates tracking of the item throughout its lifetime. The requirement is met by placing a 2-D Data Matrix symbol on the equipment, which contains the identifying information in a specific format. (ID Integration Inc. has much useful information on this topic on its website, id-integration.com.)

Another step in the process is IUID verification: The process of making sure the Data Matrix symbol is legible and of high enough quality to perform well in the field. An IUID verification system consists of both hardware and software components to evaluate each Data Matrix and assign it a grade.

For a defense contractor, one of the worst times to find out that UID labels are sub-standard is when an order is completed and sitting in the warehouse, about to be shipped. (Of course, an even worse case is that the equipment has been shipped to DoD but rejected because of problems with the UID labels.) To avoid these headaches — and possible loss of defense business — integrating an IUID verification system in the production process early on is ideal. Expert IUID integrators, such as those at ID Integration Inc., can help determine how verification can work best for a particular manufacturer. In general, the earlier the UID labels can be verified, the better. The Data Matrix symbol may get a failing grade due to a number of factors, including lack of contrast with its background or unevenness of the individual cells that make up the Data Matrix code. Identifying the problem and repairing the label-making equipment early on will prevent wasteful production of many more defective labels. The DoD requirements for IUID verification are found in MIL-STD-130, which is available through the ID Integration website.

If labels are purchased from an outside vendor, it’s still a good idea for contractors to spot-check their quality using their IUID verification system.

While IUID systems can be a substantial investment, their payoff can be significant. In addition to achieving compliance with DoD regulations, contractors can use an IUID system to track equipment while it’s going through the production process at their own facility.

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