Unique Identification (UID) is an initiative of the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a recognizable marking code on every product it owns or distributes. MIL-STD-130 details specific marking criteria and identification methods of military properties belonging to the DoD.

Item Unique Identification (IUID) is a process that requires each of these DoD items to be tracked with a specific and unique identification code. The purpose is to track any one of these objects throughout the organization. This code can either be affixed to the item with a permanent label, or marked directly on the product’s body.

The code must be in 2-dimensional data matrix and text format. This bar code is a high density barcode symbol. The data included is a combination of a part number and/or a serial number, along with the manufacturer’s or enterprise’s identification code number. When this is globally unique and unambiguous identification data is put on an item, it is called as unique item identifier (UII).

IUID, UID, and UII name-plating is completely regulated by the DoD’s standards for unique identification compliance. According to the standard identification protocol, each identification code must follow the given instructions.

• According to the MIL-STD-130, the identification code can be put on a nameplate, or securely fastened on a tag, or directly engraved on the product’s body. In each case, the data must last throughout the life time of a product and must withstand the approved environmental and cleansing process that is recommended for that particular item.

• The identification data must undergo thorough quality checking both for data content and the print quality. Through a validation process, the data content is read and tested by an automated barcode reader to verify the IDs compliance. All UIDs must meet each specific standard as recommended by MIL-STD-130, ISO15415, and AS9132.

• The contractor or supplier of labels and tags must have a registered number for each contract. The data is input into a UID registry database, which is the standardized data capture mechanism used to transmit data from the contractor into the DoD’s unique code register. The registry will maintain records for each item, including its actual owner and initial worth.

UID2GO.com is a manufacturer and printer of UID nameplates and labels, and is well versed in the steps required to remain in compliance with the program. To learn more about the services they provide, visit www.uid2go.com.

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