| The Department of Defense instituted the UID | | | | understand each aspect of barcode marking. In a |
| mandate to keep track of all the assets in the | | | | nutshell the challenges of UID compliance impact the |
| departments for the entire functional lifecycle of the | | | | manufacturing and quality assurance. |
| items or parts. The UID is a globally unique identification | | | | Challenging Marking Methodology |
| of the item that is assigned to each tangible item of | | | | One of the criteria for UID compliant marking is that the |
| the DoD. it is a basically a string of data encoded into | | | | marking must be maintained as a readable barcode |
| 2D data matrix barcode. The data is either directly | | | | for the entire life of the item. Moreover, durability of the |
| engraved on the item or etched on a UID label which is | | | | marking is very much important for the item. The DoD |
| ultimately affixed to the item. Apart from the new | | | | requires that the unique identification should be applied |
| procurement of the deliverable items, the legacy items | | | | to the items either through direct part marking or |
| as well as the property in the possession of | | | | applying UID labels or nameplates. The direct part |
| contractors need UID to enhance item traceability. | | | | marking is supported with laser etch, chemical etch, dot |
| After each item is properly scanned and marked with | | | | peen or ink jet. The polyester labels are affixed to the |
| UID, the DoD allows it to get submitted to the UID | | | | items with permanent adhesive. The nameplates are |
| Registry. | | | | attached to the items with screws or other material. |
| What are the Challenges of UID Marking? | | | | However, it is essential that the readable barcodes |
| There is no doubt that the UID enhances better | | | | should be maintained throughout the functional lifecycle |
| tracking and better management of the items inside | | | | of the items. |
| the Department of Defense. It is also crucial for | | | | Submission to UID Registry |
| greater accountability and cost saving. However, the | | | | As all the information regarding the items and their |
| DoD requires that the marking of the UID for each item | | | | marking are entered into the UID Registry, it is crucial |
| should match the standards chosen by the DoD. | | | | that the data should assure UID compliance. The data |
| Actually, this is the most challenging part of UID | | | | elements must be readable and clear. There are |
| marking for the contractors. Hence, the contractors or | | | | basically two types of data constructs- construct #1 |
| any marking service providers should have to be | | | | and Construct #2- allowed by the DoD for the marking |
| familiar with the formats and syntaxes of barcode | | | | of 2D data matrix code. The data provided by the |
| labels. Understanding the formats of UID marking can | | | | suppliers or the contractors has to undergo a |
| be confusing, expensive and time consuming, but if you | | | | verification process to assure that they comply with |
| want your item markings to get approval, you need to | | | | the standard set by the DoD. |