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4 UID Labeling Tips for Defense Suppliers

Last Updated:August 17, 2021

Defense suppliers must navigate a series of government regulations when providing their products to the United States military. Given the sensitive nature of the equipment used in thebob app下载 , there are several unique tracking methods that have been adopted over the years. In the last decade, theU.S. Department of Defense (DoD)has instituted theUnique Identification (UID) programunderMIL-STD-130for tracking all high-value and sensitive government-owned equipment.

This program is especially important for defense suppliers, as all equipment that falls within these guidelines must be properly marked before entering the possession of the U.S. military. To maintain compliance, new and current suppliers have updated their tagging procedures and formatting to match the needs of the UID program. In this post, we’ll explore some important tips that can help defense suppliers streamline their processes in a seamless manner.

1. Understand UID Labeling Requirements

Military tanks

The U.S. DoD specifies the types of equipment that must carry a UID label or marking. These requirements are fully specified in the documentMIL-STD-130Nand the guidelines apply to the following items:

  • All items that cost more than $5,000 to acquire.
  • All mission-critical items and equipment categorized as controlled or serially controlled. This also applies to relevant consumables that are used for these items.
  • Any item sold to the U.S. military from a third-party contractor. These specific vendor requirements are outlined in the documentDFARS 252.211-70003.

Understanding this information will help you appreciate the scope of the UID program and exactly which assets must be marked for compliance purposes. Marking and tracking assets withUID tagsrequires important oversight and can add costs of production and upkeep. Standard tracking methods can be used for other items that fall outside of these stringent guidelines.

2. Select the Proper Label Elements

Barcode labels that are used on UID markings may use either 1D (linear) or 2D (data matrix) symbologies that meet certain requirements. Paragraph 4.4 of MIL-STD-130 contains a summary of these requirements:

  • Linear barcodes must be at least “grade B” as specified inISO 15416.
  • 2D barcodes must be at least “grade B” as specified inISO 15415.
  • Additional marking styles created with laser or electrochemical etching must meet the quality requirements specified inSAE AS9131.3.

These specifications dictate the readability of these markings based upon the technology used to make them. Most quality issues originate from the dot-pitch accuracy of production equipment used during the printing or marking processes. Physical etching can also produce shadowing defects that impact the marking quality. It is therefore critically important to verify the production quality of your chosen label supplier.

3. Choose the Right Material

Metalphoto nameplates

A barcode label must be able to withstand the same environmental conditions that the tagged equipment is subject to. In some cases, this can include very harsh environments such as outdoor, marine, and desert locations. A good rule of thumb is that the label should be able to last for the lifetime of the marked product. Choosing adurable labelfor more extreme conditions will help ensure that the marking lasts for the intended amount of time. A trusted label supplier can help you determine the best material based on the requirements for each application.

Metalphoto®is adurable label optionrecognized by the National Association of Graphic and Product Identification Manufacturers (GPI) as the most durable material among aluminum substrates. Metalphoto earned the highest score among IUID (Item Unique Identification) label materials in a2011 environmental sustainability reportof the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division, and it meets MIL-STD-130N requirements as well as many defense and government specifications, including but not limited to:

Ultimately, it is up to the supplier to create an appropriate UID marking for each applicable piece of equipment. Failure to do so can result in fines, loss of business, and other penalties. When choosing a label, it is also important to consider the attachment method that will be used. Physical attachment with screws or pins is possible with metal labels, and a strong adhesive can be used for other label materials. Choosing an attachment method that is appropriate for each application will help eliminate the likelihood of a lost label.

4. Select an Appropriate Label Design

Some flexibility is allowed for the specific design of each UID label, but some important characteristics must be present. Below you’ll find some helpful UID design tips that defense suppliers can use to select a suitable format. These design elements should be reviewed for each individual item before tagging:

  • Construct 1 or 2 formats. Either a construct 1 or 2 label design can be used. Construct 1 uses an enterprise identifier, such as a CAGE number, and serial number to track the asset. Construct 2 uses an enterprise identifier, serial number, and an additional part number on the label for tracking purposes.
  • Barcode format. Data matrix codes are the recommended format for all UID labels due to their data capacity and built-in error correction.
  • Barcode encryption. This formatting can be used for particularly sensitive applications.
  • Label text. Additional text can be added to the label for identifying purposes and is not encoded into the barcode itself. This gives the supplier flexibility to add additional information if necessary.

The size of each label can be determined by the supplier, with some specifications that are listed in MIL-STD-130N. As with all design criteria, it is a good practice to compare your final design with the individual requirements to determine compliance.

The UID program has created a unified and trusted tracking system for highly sensitive and important U.S. military assets. Defense suppliers are at the front-end of this process and have the opportunity to design effective markings for their products. With a deep understanding of the relevant guidelines, it’s possible to create a tagging program that is effective and solidifies your position as a trusted defense supplier.

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