• About idintegration

• UID Solutions Blog
  • UID Registry - What is It?

UID Solutions Blog

 

ATA SPEC and the Aviation Industry Maintenance Program

posted on 12/28/2012 06:46 AM

Automated data collection with barcodes is a part of the aviation product maintenance system. For product security, the ATA (Air Transport Association) emphasizes the importance of product management in the aerospace industry. The Air Transport Association provides extensive details of all requirements in their ATA SPEC standard. These specifications deal with the basic requirements for product marking and barcodes in Chapter 9.

Barcode standard as required by ATA

Two-dimensional codes are commonly used to mark aerospace industrial products. These are high density codes with machine readable data. Apart from 2D data matrix symbology this also permits RFID codes and multiple barcodes for item identification. The use of direct part marking, or DPMI technology, is also allowed. In DPMI technology, 2D codes are directly imprinted on the products’ or parts’ body. Direct part marking is machine-readable and allows a company to track a product throughout its lifetime.

Direct part marking and the ATA standard

Direct part marking includes information and data as specified by ATA SPEC with item- unique identification. Like unique identification, DPMI codes and labels have to include information such as:

• part number

• serial numbers

• types of products

• cost of products

• expiry time of a product

• enterprise identification code

• type of used verifiers

Materials to be used in barcodes

The Air Transport Association allows several types of materials to be used for nameplates. The materials are used for UID marking like aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and polyester can be used for DPMI nameplates. However, the material should be substantial to outlast all environmental hazards. In addition, the material should be durable, easy to place on the item, and should be hardy. Like the unique identification marking process, ATA SPEC recommends quality and environmental tests for nameplates and labels.

Importance of the ATA standard

This standard approves the utilization of barcodes. Barcodes are approved and used by important organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), and many others. Product marking with labels or DPMI technology is beneficial to track products. This system also offers several other benefits, such as:

• Better consumer service: Using automated data collection is a time saving and convenient method. It allows the authority to easily track products during installation, maintenance, and replacement work. It is time saving because a user can record information instantly with the help of a single scan.

• Barcodes ensure product authenticity. The process also helps to identify data accuracy.

• Standards like ATA and UID are internationally recognized. As such, it increases product accessibility throughout the international market.

To learn more about these standards, marking processes, and labels, please visit www.id-integration.com.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

 

The Purpose of IUID Labels

posted on 12/28/2012 06:45 AM

IUID labels contain item unique identification data that is required by all contractors manufacturing or distributing products and parts to the United States Department of Defense (DoD). IUID marking has been made mandatory by the Department of Defense to ensure the presence of quality in products, while also ensuring that all assets are fully trackable throughout the U.S. DoD. This particular identification standard has been created to continually track and analyze such items throughout their full lifecycle of use. All labels, or direct-part markings, must work in compliance with the guidelines that have been established by MIL-STD-130. Adhering to these specifications is required for successful government contracts.

services to customers and comply with the most up-to-date requirements established by the Department of Defense policies related to IUID. The Department of Defense has made it mandatory for all government suppliers and contractors who supply defense items to possess IUID markings in order to comply with contracted terms.

There are many requirements to be followed to be accepted by the DoD and some of these requirements are outlined below.

These globally recognized labels must be durable so that they are able to withstand friction, abrasion, chemical reactions, and all types of weather conditions. They must also be fade resistant and anti-counterfeit in nature. Moreover, the labels must be clear and distinct as they include the complete information about the affixed products. Marks and labels must remain legible and durable for the complete lifetime or lifecycle of the product.

Considering the nature of products for which these Department of Defense standardized labels are being used, the substrates used include a variety of materials from aluminum and polyimide to polyester and more. Laser and programmable stylus marking methods are also used in order to make these identification marks durable and resistant to rough conditions.

The Department of Defense has announced specific items that should include labels. According to its mandate, those items must possess a distinct and permanent identification throughout their lifespan. For any IUID service provider it has become essential to stay informed and remain in touch with resources that help them provide the right product with proper specifications.

Visit www.id-integration.com for more information about labels and specific requirements outlined by the Department of Defense. This website offers custom solutions for labels and other specifications required by the government.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

The IUID Registry Works in Combination with Today’s IUID Compliance Process

posted on 12/28/2012 05:13 AM

As per the Department of Defense (DoD) mandate, it is essential that government contractors comply with IUID rules before shipping their products.

If products do not meet requirements for IUID compliance, they may be subject to rejection. Thus, it becomes necessary for contractors to present required data regarding their contracted items to the IUID Registry. The contractors are bound to submit their data to the IUID Registry, as required by DFARS 252.211-7003 in their DoD contract. It is through this submission of information to the IUID Registry that it becomes easier and faster to track information for continued IUID tracking. Data submission can be completed by the contractors with the application of Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF), through the Global Exchange Service (GEX), or manually at https://www.bpn.gov/iuid/ . The WAWF is the standardized method of submitting this information and several helpful resources are available for those who wish to learn more about this process.

The IUID Registry is maintained by the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) and is currently the authorized location where all relevant data is captured and stored. Typical registry data for each qualifying item includes what an item is, its value, the item’s original owner, and acceptance details, among other important data. The IUID Registry website features a number of informative queries and reports based upon acquisition data and is subject to around 150 validations; including nearly 120 legacy validations, for accuracy. Furthermore, ninety-five percent of this data originates from WAWF data feeds as well as through XML submissions. Overall the use of automatic identification technology throughout these applications has drastically reduced the potential for user errors.

Product IUID labels contain essential information like a product’s manufacturer, serial number and part number. Depending on the nature of these items, labels or markings need to be made in such way that they can withstand tough conditions and constant exposure to friction and weathering. U.S. Department of Defense IUID markings on products are done with various technologies; such as laser marking equipment, programmable indenting systems, ink jet printers, and more. Often, many manufacturers choose to implement IUID verification solutions to improve their compliance efforts internally.

For more information about IUID compliance and registration, please visit the website of ID Integration at www.id-integration.com. They are able to create custom solutions for customers seeking compliance with the Department of Defense IUID mandates and offer a range of helpful articles and tips to simplify these processes.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

What is an IUID Verification System?

posted on 12/26/2012 06:09 AM

The IUID mandate involves the assessment and identification of many articles, parts, products, and other assets, owned by the United States military. This identification system was initiated by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 2003 and has been made mandatory for many DoD related items. The primary key to success with IUID compliance is in possessing a unique and unambiguous identifier permanently affixed to every part or product meeting MIL-STD-130 requirements. Currently, the required part mark consists of a Data Matrix ECC 200 code. This mark may be applied through a variety of recommended marking technologies; including dot peen, inkjet, and laser solutions.

All contractors must abide by these guidelines as detailed in MIL-STD-130 in order to maintain various government contracts. Today, there are a number of IUID verification systems available to assist manufacturers and other contractors with their compliance efforts.

Government contractors are required to meet the specifications outlined in all MIL-STD-130 guidelines. Noncompliance of these terms may result in contracted orders being cancelled. An in-house verification system, which has been developed to check the barcode on IUID labeling, is often a cost effective and time efficient solution for improved compliance. Additionally, such a verification process may also help to streamline internal production processes. Visit www.id-integration.com to learn more about how a IUID verification system can address your specific production and compliance needs.

What purpose does DFARS 252.211-7003 serve?

There are contractual clauses mentioned in Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines, which are extremely important for all organizations to heed who intend to supply products to the DoD. The DFARS 252.211-7003 clause stands for and is concerned with Item Unique Identification (IUID) of products. If you are a government contractor, you will want to pay special attention to this portion of the DoD guidelines for more specific details.

There are several IUID service providers operating in the United States who offer complete IUID solutions to their clients. They can help companies implement in-house marking and verification systems to improve compliance processes internally. Additionally, many of these system integrators can effectively assist companies wishing to implement marking and tracking solutions throughout all of their production processes for increased productivity and quality.

To research such services and to learn more about one of the best IUID service providers, log onto www.id-integration.com. ID Integration, Inc. is a leader throughout the identification marketplace and has extensive experience helping contractors and manufacturers navigate complex compliance applications; including MIL-STD-130, ATA SPEC2000, DEF-STAN 05-132, AS9100, and more.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

What is ATA SPEC2000?

posted on 12/26/2012 06:08 AM

ATA stands for the Airline Transport Association. SPEC2000 is promulgated by the ATA is concerned with today’s automation methodology that is widely used in the aviation sector. This requirement for automated data collection has evolved through the need for marking aircraft parts and tracking maintenance and service throughout each part’s life cycle. This extensive tracking and data collection enables manufacturers throughout the aerospace industry to ensure higher quality production, improved safety, and timely maintenance – ultimately resulting in greater safety for all end customers.

ATA SPEC2000 includes extensive and well-formulated guidelines based on proven processes. Briefly, ATA Spec2000 specifications influence a broad range of factors throughout this industry and include compliance requirements for manufacturers producing parts and equipment used in aerospace as well as the maintenance processes. Compliant automated data collection (ADC) processes implement the use of a 2D data matrix bar code as well as RFID technology for identification of aircraft products and parts.

Airlines for America collaboratively manage the standards governing business-to-business interaction throughout the commercial airline industry. These standards include detailed specifications and guidelines for part marking, spares interchange, and warranty, among other relevant areas of this industry. SPEC2000 has completed chapters for each of the diverse disciplines it must govern, for example, Chapter 9 provides an explanation of part marking standards.

Though the specifications of ATA SPEC2000 are vast, the ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of passengers and the safety of the aircraft as a whole. Additionally, these specifications are designed to minimize any problems that the aircraft industry may experience in its supply chain. This specification helps to streamline the process while reducing costs associated with the industry. This method of information exchange has created vast improvements i and has reduced the time and money needed to effectively run aircraft operations. Members of the industry are encouraged to learn more about this and other specifications relating to the industry.

To learn more about ATA Spec2000, please visit www.id-integration.com. ID Integration creates custom solutions for customers who need to meet ATA specifications as well as government related compliance issues. Don’t take chances with complex compliance objectives instead ensure more successful ATA SPEC2000 guidance by partnering with an innovative leader in the identification and tracking industry. Our solutions enable contractors and manufacturers to streamline production processes while understanding the specifications required for optimal compliance in a wide range of industries. Visit us online to begin learning more today.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

Common Facts about MIL-STD-130 Compliance

posted on 12/26/2012 06:08 AM

MIL-STD-130 is a standard implemented by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It maintains full control over the requirements for Item Unique Identification (IUID) and covers relevant information that is associated with this identification and registration process. These guidelines lay down specific rules and procedures that ultimately regulate the purchase, registration, tracking, and distribution of a majority of government products, parts, and other assets. These rules are applicable to all manufacturers and contractors supplying products or parts to many U.S. government and military offices.

Moreover, this protocol established by the DoD, includes full specifications to regulate necessary processes and identification nomenclature; including compliant marking technologies, quality checks, maintenance documentation, and product storage or distribution processes. These guidelines help to ensure that government assets are manufactured with the highest quality assurance and delivered with fail-safes in place to secure greater safety for the United States through automation-assisted tracking.

Although a large majority of IUID labeling is required for DoD contracts, there are some cases where these specifications are not applicable to all products. These guidelines spell out the necessary information to assist manufacturers, or contractors, with determining whether a product requires IUID labeling or not.

A few other things of significance also find special mention in MIL-STD-130, such as item identification and production numbering, details of production, compliant marking procedures and substrate types. ALL IUID labels must also include a machine readable barcode to meet various automation requirements. In order to understand the specific information required on compliant IUID labels, there are detailed specifications provided in these standards that cover marking/labeling, compliant methods, nomenclature and materials.

According to the identification guidelines established by the Department of Defense, the use of scanners may help organizations to more easily maintain records for full compliance. Apart from this, it must be kept in mind that suppliers must use permanent marking methods for all identification. Government suppliers and manufacturers can choose from a variety of methods to mark their items; such as laser-marking technology, chemical etching, offset printing, indenting, and more. What matters the most is the long-term quality and durability of the labels or direct-part markings. In order to assure that they can withstand tough conditions this identification must be made of materials that are weather resistant, durable, and legible throughout the full lifetime of a part or product.

For more information, please visit www.id-integration.com to learn more about this standard and how to properly meet compliance.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

The Ins and Outs of ATA Spec

posted on 10/18/2012 09:12 AM

ATA stands for the Air Transport Association. ATA Spec 103 deals with the qualities of jet fuel only. This compliance manual covers all aspects of these standards that help to maintain a quality maintenance program. The main motive of this document is to serve as a guide to the users. The users can learn about the techniques of storing jet fuel in a safer manner and can also learn about the distribution procedure of jet fuel. Indeed it is an important part of the UID process, which helps in tracking jet fuel distribution details.

By going through ATA Spec, a contractor will better understand the techniques and fail safes that are presently practiced throughout today’s aviation businesses.

? According to UID standards, this document is not an inclusive part of the business because of the huge diversifications of the operations of jet fuel at the airport.

? There may be different kinds of complexities and difficulties at different airports of jet fuel, so as per compliance, proper testing facilities should be there along with other additional scopes for improvement.

? ATA 103 is also known as a set of specifications for jet fuel quality control at airports.

? There is a correlation between the fuel track keeping and the quality of fuel, therefore some of the fuel industry is of the notion that ATA 103 must support either of these.

? AIDC stands for Automated Identification and Data Capture and it is a part of ATA Spec 2000. This technology helps organizations to execute, recognize, and identify all data, guidelines, and polices related to jet fuel distribution and usage. Some of the things that AIDC deals with are bar coding, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), as well as 2D Data Matrix that is normally utilized to categorize products and record information.

? For the past 30 years, barcode applications have become a popular method of tracking and coding labels. Barcode applications cover maintenance of transactions, monitoring sales, controlling inventory, shipping activities, and more essential activities.

? Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is used to identify specific circuits that include data that one can read from a distance instead of visiting an item up close. The process explains how the reading is made visible even from a great distance and how it can be displayed electronically.

These standards in place to ensure the safety of consumers and national security throughout the aviation industry. Learn more about the benefits of ATA Spec 2000 and how automated data capture can more easily facilitate compliance. Visit www.id-integration.com to learn more about today’s UID and Spec 2000 solutions.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

UID System Requirements Learn More from Online Education Pages

posted on 10/18/2012 09:12 AM

Today’s UID identification system must follow a lot of quality and verification compliance specifications as mandated by the Department of Defence (DoD). A manufacturer of UID labels has to meet DoD specified standards. Some DOD recognized standards are MIL STD 129, MIL STD 130, ISO15415, and AS9132. Each of these standards focuses on different aspects of UID labels. There are specific recommendations regarding the UID registration process, marking and coding, data identification, data formatting, and UID barcodes, as well as size and fonts of labels. A supplier must meet all of these specifications. Any incorrect information or faulty procedures will lead to the potential cancellation or rejection of contracted work.

For beginners, it may be tough to understand this and its requirements. On the other hand, following procedures incorrectly may result in cancellation of registration. To avoid such situations, UID label manufacturers are advised to learn basics of leading UID systems. Education pages, eBooks, and informative sites are helpful in providing basic knowledge about UID. Any informative online resource can supply the basic facts and requirements of UID marking procedures.

Learn more facts from online resources:

• The regulatory standards of the UID marking procedure; like MIL STD 129, MIL STD 130, ISO15415, and AS9132 regulate the unique identification process. MIL STD 130 has several subdivisions, such as MIL STD 130 M and MIL STD 130 N. Each of these subdivisions highlights essential features of UID labels.

• UID applicants must go through the UID registration process. Online resources and eBooks provide complete guidance on UID registration including WAWF (Wide Area Work Flow).

• All government owned products, or parts, should meet DoD specifications at the time of delivery. Without knowing these specifications properly, it is impossible to deliver quality products. For instance, a manufacturer or UID product supplier must provide detailed information on the product type, marking procedure, enterprise number, date of delivery, used scanner, CAGE codes, units of measurement and more.

• There are also limitations regarding data formatting. 2D data matrix symbols are high-density barcodes that MIL STD 130 recommends contractors to use. According to this standard, programmable stylus markers, laser or inkjet printing, as well as direct-to-part marking can be applied to tag or identify a product. There are also other effective marking procedures.

To learn more about UID marking procedures, basic UID requirements, and quality management, you can refer to online resources that provide necessary DoD recommendations and protocols. Visit http://www.uid2go.com to learn more.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

The Basic Criteria of MIL SPEC 130 UID Basics for Compliance

posted on 10/18/2012 09:12 AM

A unique identification code (UID) refers to universally identifiable data that provides unique identities to products and items. All Department of Defense (DoD) products and parts bear labels, or marked identification, containing unique data. The DoD regulates the features of these labels, the marking procedures, quality control, storage, and tracking. To ensure product visibility and traceability, the DoD has approved MIL STD 130 specified rules. MIL STD 130 specification enumerates the basic rules for unique identification marking procedures. These rules cover label affixation, encoding processes, types of marking, data formatting, and other aspects. Along with this, MIL SPEC 130 also specifies certain qualifications for label manufacturers and product suppliers.

Nameplates and tags: The DoD recommends contractors use metal nameplates made of aluminium, stainless steel or another durable metal. Data can be directly engraved on to the product shell. Polyester nameplates are also recommended for unique identification marking. Small products that have no space to accommodate direct engraving or nameplates can bear tags. In such cases, tags should include MRI and HRI codes, as well as data. All types of nameplates, tags and engravings should be of a permanent nature, meaning that it should last a product’s lifespan.

Data format and encoding process: Labels can be written in 1D data format or 2D data format. 2D data format is most preferable. These data formats are both machine and human readable. Labels have to undergo data validation and verification processes to ensure the authenticity of these codes. Apart from complying with MIL STD 130, unique identification labels must follow the guidelines stated in ISO15415 and AS9132.

Approved types of markings: A number of markers are approved by MIL STD 130. Any of the following can be applied to mark labels and nameplates:

• Ink jet marker

• Programmable stylus indenting

• Laser printing

• Chemical etching

• Embossing/Indenting

MIL STD 130 specifications for manufacturers and product suppliers: Manufacturers must apply for proper registration before supplying products to the government. Each of the product nameplates should bear a unique number and product code. Other information that should be included are:

• Part number, product number and manufacturer codes.

• Serial numbers, batch numbers scanner should meet the specifications mentioned in this article.

• Data matrix bar code (2D code).

• Enterprise identifier: DUNS, Cage, GSI Company Profile, etc.

To learn more about UID basics contained in MIL STD 130, visit http://www.uid2go.com/news.html.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

Understanding the UID Registry and UID Verification Process

posted on 10/07/2012 11:08 AM

The U.S. Department of Defense has made it mandatory for all items owned by the government to contain UID labels or markings. These UID, or unique identification, labels help to serialize and manage all government properties and assets. The UID registry is an archive where all vital information about the product, its manufacturer, and other relevant information is kept. To complete UID registry, there are certain compliance standards declared in the MIL-STD-130 and DFARS 252.211-7003 that must be met or a product will fail and be rejected.

Decoding UID labels for verification

UID labels are a series of alphanumeric texts and bar codes placed on government properties that are essential for tracing the delivered products. Verification standards as stated in MIL-STD-130 help to keep track of items and manage them throughout their full lifetime. These labels also contain information about the manufacturer of the product, the nature of the product, and some details about the condition in which it should be used and the repair procedure of the product, which aids in tracking and the authentication process.

An indispensable tool for tracking and authenticating government items

The UID registry requires the necessary documentation related to any particular item that has been stored or exported. Thus it plays a major role in verification and tracking. As the UID registry contains all the important documents it aids in the tracking and authentication process by providing detailed information about the location of the item, its value, and its lifespan.

UID verification is done according to MIL-STD-130 standards. This standard states that it is mandatory to document all the necessary information about the product before receiving UID registry certification. Thereby, it can help in the authentication of an item by checking if it matches all the standards according to MIL-STD-130 and DFARS 252.211-7003.

The DFARS 252.211-7003 clause in MIL-STD-130 deals with item identification and evaluation. This information is also stored in the registry, which helps in the authentication of the value of the item and creates accurate audits for the DoD.

UID registry is an essential part of identifying, documenting, authenticating, and tracking all government goods that contain UID labels. For more information about labels and how these aid in the process of managing all government items, please visit www.id-integration.com. This site will thoroughly inform you on UID regulations and compliance mandates. It is regularly updated with new information that could impact your compliance.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (0)

 

 

Tools  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |  More »