What is UID?

UID is a system for uniquely identifying parts and products. It is composed of a numbering system, the Unique Item Identifier (UII) that guarantees global uniqueness as well as a method for permanently marking the number on an item using a Data Matrix barcode. The major components that make up the UII number are usually a cage code, a part number, and a serial number.

What is a Data Matrix barcode?

  Data Matrix (sometimes spelled datamatrix) is a two-dimensional bar code, which can store from 1 to about 2,000 characters. The 2D Data Matrix bar code symbol is square or rectangular and can range from 0.001 inch per side up to 14 inches per side. The Data Matrix marking can be applied in three ways as long as it remains permanent through the lifecycle and not damaged or destroyed in use. UID compliance requires that all labels, marks and tags use a Data Matrix bar code.

What is a subassembly?

A subassembly is simply a UID marked part that has an association with a parent UID. An example of this might be a kit that contains UID items or an electronic device that has expensive subcomponents that need to be UID marked.

Which Items Require UID?

Items that have a procurement cost of more than $5000 are generally required to have UID markings. Other conditions such as the following can also necessitate UID marking as well:

• Serially Managed Items
• Mission Critical Items
• Controlled Inventory Items
• Items Needing Permanent Identification

The guidelines above are quite general, the net result is that for new procurement (new goods sold to the Department of Defense by a contractor) if you are required to mark items with UID the relevant DFARS clauses will be spelled out in your contract.

When is UID Required?

New Procurement
UID is required for new procurement by DoD suppliers when the relevant DFARS clauses are stated in the contract.

Property in Possession of Contractor
UID is now required for government furnished personal Property in the Possession of a Contractor (PIPC) that is valued at over $5000. The new mandate requires that as of May 31, 2006 all DD1662 form reporting should be replaced with an electronic submission of the item data to the UID registry. Not all items meeting UID criteria are part of this mandate, repairables and contractor acquired property CAP are exempt.

Legacy Items
Not later than fiscal year 2007, the Department of Defense's organic depots are required by OSD policy to be fully capable of applying UID marks to all legacy items. Legacy items can be submitted to the UID registry before the actual part marking occurs by creating a Virtual Unique Item Identifier (UII) if the can be accurately and uniquely identified without the UID marking. When a trigger event occurs, such as a part coming in for service, the physical marking may then be applied to the legacy item.

How to I apply UID to parts?

There are several acceptable methods for applying a Data Matrix barcode to your parts, and they can vary drastically regarding their ease of implementation and their durability. The solution you choose will often depend upon the use of the part. Factors in the operating environment such as whether or not it will be exposed to harsh outdoor environments including direct sunlight, chemicals or high temperatures will be crucial in determining the optimum technique. The UID marks are usually applied using one of the following techniques.

Durable labels
Labels made out of a highly durable material such as polyester with a strong adhesive backing. They can usually be applied like stickers. These applications are most suitable for products that will not be used in harsh environments such as prolonged exposure to sunlight or exposure to powerful chemicals.

ID Plates
ID plates or labels allow you to apply highly durable markings that are suitable for harsh outdoor environments without imprinting the Data Matrix into the part itself. Plates can either be produced in-house or they can be outsourced to All-Marks - we can provide custom plates for any application.

Direct Marking
Direct marking is the process of embedding the UID marks directly onto the product itself, usually via dot-peen, laser, or electro-chemical etch.

All-Marks has partnered with various hardware manufacturers to provide solutions for these marking methodologies. All-Marks has also partnered with the leading companies that provide WAWF submission software.

What is UID verification and why is it necessary?

UID verification proves that the Data Matrix barcode you put on a part is a high quality mark and that can be read by a variety of barcode readers throughout the lifecycle of the product. Quality defects can occur during the creation of the barcode through a variety of means such as a pin on a dot peen machine becoming dull or the printer darkness on a thermal label printer being set too high. Because these minute defects are usually not visible to the human eye the inspection of the barcode must be done by a Data Matrix verifier; a high resolution digital camera with sophisticated image processing capabilities.

The MIL-130M specification sites two internationally recognized standards that are used by the UID verification machines to prove that your marks meet DoD quality criteria. The quality standards are:

• AS9132–For direct marks on parts.
• ISO15415–For marks on labels.

Typically you will run these tests on your barcodes on a sampling a basis. You can then provide your DoD inspector with the results of these grading tests when requested to do so.

What is the UID registry?

The UID registry is a software system created by the Department of Defense that acts as a repository for information on all items that meet UID criteria. The UID registry allows the DoD to gain increased visibility into their vast network of assets. In order to comply with the DoD mandate for UID you must submit all UID information to the UID registry.

There are 3 ways to submit items to the UID registry:

• Direct Submission
  This method allows you to securely submit computer files containing your UID information via the internet.
• Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) Submission
  The Wide Area Workflow system can now accept UID data along with receiving reports and combo (2-N-1) documents. The wide area workflow system will then forward on all UID data to the UID registry.
• UID Registry Website
  The UID registry website allows you to type in UID data directly. This process is usually very cumbersome, time consuming, and error-prone, but it can be used effectively in cases of extremely low volume UID shipments.

How can I learn more about UID