MIL-STD-130 is the Department of Defense’s standard that any tangible item must be provided with Unique Identification (UID). The UID symbol can be a number, a sequence of bits or a character string as is physically marked on the item. Technologies utilized for marking of the UID can include name plates and labels.

The UID system was developed by the DOD as a means of identifying tangible assets and distinguishing them from other similar and dissimilar assets. The UID consists of a encoded bar code that is assigned to one singular item. These unique codes are never reused, and once a tangible asset has been assigned a UID, it never changes, even if the asset is re-engineered or modified. In some instances, a UID may also be placed on a lot or batch of similar tangible assets contained together. In this instance, the entire container of items is treated as a single unit. Once the items are separated from the container, the UID is no longer of use and the individual items are not given their own UID.

To meet the MIL-STD-130 standard, the UID is physically marked on the asset by using a two-dimensional data matrix symbol, with IS0-5434 formatting. The data is formatted per the specified standards and is known as the item’s Unique Item Identifier (UII). The bar code symbol is a representation of the UII, that can be machine-read. This encoding is then identified using text element, data, or application identifiers. Normal industry practices determine which identifier is used for each type of assets, as determined by the organization assigning the UID.

There are a variety of technologies that are used for the marking of the UID bar code. Durable polyester labels and identification plates are twp of the more common applications used for UID marking. In addition, direct printing onto the asset using ink jet, dot peen, chemical etch, or laser etch are also used. No matter how the UID is applied to the tangible asset, the MIL-STD-130 standard has strict marking and printing specifications that must be met, in order to be compliant.

The MIL-STD-130 standard, and the UID compliance requirement, is a complicated manner. In order to ensure compliance, turn to the experts at ID-Integration for more information.

Inventory and inventory tracking are a serious matter to any business, and the Department of Defense (DoD) is no different. The MIL-STD-130N is, essentially, a set of DoD standards that determine requirements and methods used for marking, identification and tracking of military property. Each item being tracked must carry a Unique Identification or UID. These standards apply to any property that is produced, issued or stored by or for the Department of Defense.

All items must carry some form of UID, whether it is an applied mark or an existing UID such as an electronic serial number or Vehicle Identification Number on a car. Whenever possible, Machine Readable Identification (MRI) or “barcodes” are the preferred form of UID. Regardless of the method used, numerous specifications cover the specifics of the type of UID, placement and information contained. Some of these standard specified criteria are:

• The type of material that the UID mark is applied to
• The method used to secure the UID marking to the item
• The location of the UID mark
• The visibility of the UID mark
• Permanency of the UID mark throughout the life expectancy of the item
• Ability of the UID mark to withstand environmental conditions
• The ability of the UID mark to withstand maintenance

The regulations regarding UID markings are also extremely specific. For instance the text size for a human readable marking must be 0.2 centimeters or 0.08 inches. All of the letters of the text must be in a sans-serif font and numbers should be in Arabic. The exception to this rule is the usage of Roman numerals, in which case you must turn to other documentation to determine what type of font to use. Text markings are also limited to 50 characters and should use the Data Matrix EEC 200 symbol using ISO/IEC 15418 semantics and ISO/IEC 15434 syntax, unless they are subject to DFARS mandated markings.

To cover all of the standards and regulations here would be an exhaustive process for both reader and writer. Suffice it to say that for the uninitiated, digging through the specifications of the MIL-STD-130N and its attached documentation to determine the correct marking for a product is a nightmare.

This is where ID-Integration steps in to save the day. Fortunately for us, the experts there live and breathe the MIL-STD-130N each day. Let them handle the tedious task of digging through the MIL-STD-130N to determine the nomenclature used, how tall it should be, whether it should be on metal or plastic and whether or not it should be a tag, label, band or plate. They’ll do what they do well and give you the opportunity to get on with doing what you do well.

How would you keep track of your possessions if they were spread across the Earth? The US Department of Defense (DoD) deals with this problem every day, and thus developed a set of standards for tracking their massive inventory. MIL-STD-130N, released on December 17, 2007, takes advantage of recent advances in barcode technology to ensure that their entire inventory uses Item Unique Identification (IUID).

IUID allows for better inventory control because each individual product is accounted for. Even individual parts used to assemble a finished product are accounted for during manufacturing, greatly minimizing the risk of loss. Though many products need tagging to fulfill IUID requirements, several industries already utilize IUID concepts. For example, every automobile has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and thus a unique identifier, already. Products ranging from cellphones to firearms come with the idea of IUID built right into their serial numbers.

However, several products lack such careful cataloging. These require tagging with a method that will remain durable throughout the life-cycle of the item. Metal or stiff plastic plates take precedence over flimsier label materials. Stamping or etching the tag directly onto the item offers an even more durable solution. Some items, such as ball bearings, elude any of these methods. In these cases, it’s acceptable to tag the item’s packaging with the IUID instead. In the past, humans would need to read this tag, but these days computers have taken over much of the information processing responsibility.

Machine Readable Information (MRI) used to be encoded in linear barcodes, like the kind found on everyday consumer goods. Though still acceptable under MIL-STD-130N, linear barcodes have fallen into disuse in favor of two-dimensional barcodes. 1s and 0s are represented by black and white squares, which are then arranged into a larger square. This method offers numerous advantages, chiefly that large amounts of data can be packed into an incredibly small space. Currently, up to 50 characters will fit in the space of 3 square millimeters. This comes in handy since an item’s tag grows with its history.

In addition to its IUID, each item’s tag tells its story, identifying who has designed, manufactured, and repaired the item throughout its lifetime. Even items not requiring an IUID require this tracking information. In a way, these life stories become an IUID in and of themselves as items journey down their own unique paths. Still, giving each item an IUID right as it rolls off the line, like giving each baby born in the US a social security number, allows for easy cataloging before such life stories develop.

IUID concerns are far more complicated than the brief summary given here. For more information visit ID-Integration at http://www.id-integration.com

The December update of MIL-STD-130 outlines the essentials of marking military property. While there are many technical aspects of this standard, it is important to first understand the basics of this important mandate. There are a few key aspects of the standard, and understanding the basics is essential to complying with the standard. These simple questions and answers below will give you a comprehensive introduction to using unique identification, or UID labels, for military use.

Who needs to be able to read these UID labels?
Either machines or humans need to be able to read the UID label. The easiest way to determine which should be used is the lifespan of the item. If a machine readable information, or MRI, label can be used that will last as long as the item it labels, then an MRI should be used. If not, a durable marking of lasting material should be used.

What should be on these UID labels, and where should they be located?
Ideally, all of the required information should be listed on a UID label, but there are a few essential pieces of information that must be on each label. First, the label requires an Enterprise Identifier, or a code that identifies the organization of the manufacturer or supplier. Second, the part must be identifiable through a Part or Identification code, or PIN.

For MRI, more information can be encoded in smaller space, so more information is required for these kinds of labels. In addition to the above requirements, an MRI should contain information about an item’s history like UID label changes. Consult the standard to be sure the MRI is complete.

The label should be easy to read in normal operation, but should also be in a location that is not subject to wear during the life of the item. If absolutely necessary, a UID label can be put on the packaging of an item.

What should these UID labels look like?
For labels readable by humans, there are specific guidelines to maintain a standard of readability. First, the text of the UID labels must be at least 0.2 cm/ 0.08 in/ 5.76 points. This text should be in a simple sans-serif font, or font with no terminators (for example, there should be no lines at the base of a capital letter A), and numbers should be Arabic.

For MRI labels, MIL-STD-130 references specific standards for linear bar codes and data matrix labels. The International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission reference these two formats in ISO/IEC 15416 and 15415, respectively. Consult these two standards to be sure the MRI meets the appropriate description.

As you can see, MIL-STD-130 is both simple and complicated. There are basics that are essential for any UID label, but there are also important details to ensure compliance with this standard. The experts at ID-Integration have proven experience in UID labels and can answer any questions you have about MIL-STD-130. Be sure to understand these basics and consult the experts at ID-Integration.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has attempted to increase its data quality, accuracy and visibility with the Unique Identifier (UID) registry. On July 29, 2003, Acting Under Secretary of Defense Michael Wynne stated that the goal of the UID system was to assist in DoD item tracking and asset management. The UID registry is the database storage area for all tangible items that make up the barcode identification system for military property.

The UID registry is the storage repository for military property with barcode markings. This system enables the DoD to track, update and record important information related to the these items. If a product recall were to occur, the UID registry could be used for replacement of defective equipment.

Just like many large organizations, the DoD runs numerous software and hardware platforms. The UID registry is a central clearing house to ensure standardization of data across all computing systems. The Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) maintains the UID registry.

Barcode markings permit the DoD to track equipment, so they will always know its whereabouts. Updates can be made to database records; administrators can perform useful queries and searches based on the data components of the UID: type, contract and Issuing Agency Code (IAC). Other data components, like the unit acquisition cost, can be used in accounting documents for DoD financial management.

UID Registry Purpose

The UID registry permits consolidation of equipment data for DoD purposes. This government classification system has been gradually built up over time by requiring different vendor numbers for government contractors involved in military procurement. The UID registry attempts to create one key database for storage of item information in order to streamline the government contractor registration system.

Standardization across the entire DoD government procurement system is established by the UID registry, which will lead to improved item, finance and asset management. Auditing checks can be performed more easily with this uniform system. Military property, spread across the entire world, can be made more tangible with the UID registry.

UID Registry Importance

Accountants can update financial depreciation records with the lifecycle management tool – the UID registry. In the end, the UID registry should lead to reduced costs (improved financial management), due to a better understanding and more efficient approach to long-term inventory management.

The UID registry is vital to keeping track of DoD property, allowing for modification of data to achieve information management goals. It makes equipment location more tangible for DoD personnel who can ensure better data integrity, accuracy and quality.

The UID registry is a final storage area for the DoD barcode identification system, which allows for better data verification. It increases the reliability of data on military property that is used throughout the world.

In December of 2007, the Department of Defense released an update to MIL-STD-130, the regulation governing the proper labeling of items in the military’s inventory. This important set of standards ensures the efficient tracking and cataloging of every product and piece of equipment belonging to the United States government. By understanding a little background of this standard, you can ensure compliance with this important governing regulation.

First, it is important to understand that this regulation is constantly updated. Though the latest version of MIL-STD-130 was released on 17 December 2007, the previous version was released only two years earlier. This reflects the response of the Department of Defense to new technology, so understanding the emphasis and reasoning behind MIL-STD-130 is important to be prepared for its next iteration.

MIL-STD-130 is a specification of standardization already happening in the global marketplace. The regulation builds upon, and at times uses, standards and requirements from the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, and the International Electro technical Commission, or IEC. The ISO/IEC guidelines help streamline and codify the unique labeling of all products, and MIL-STD-130 goes further to customize these standards for its own use. This reflects a realization by the DoD that rigorous standards are necessary now to ensure organization of millions of items in the future. MIL-STD-130 represents the continuing effort to incorporate this thinking into its procurement process.

Though MIL-STD-130 is demanding, it is also accommodating. The most recent update, called MIL-STD-130N, allows for several technologies to be employed in the process of marking items with a Unique Identification code, or UID. The first is a more traditional UID nameplate that meets specific criteria in text and location in order to organize items in the inventory. The second kind of UID marking is Machine Readable Identification, or MRI. There are two major kinds of MRI: barcode and data matrix. Barcodes are familiar to most consumers today, as they are present on just about all kinds of goods. Data matrix labels are used most recognizably by shipping companies, and these matrices hold a multitude of information as well. They use a square field of smaller black and white squares to code information.

For suppliers, understanding the technology and the code of the UID labels is essential to compliance. First, suppliers must allow for space for the various kinds of UID markings, since readability is a requirement of MIL-STD-130. Additionally, the Part Identification Number, or PIN, of a product must be considered to allow easy integration into the standards of MIL-STD-130.

Understanding MIL-STD-130 requires familiarity and experience with its implementation. ID-Integration is a leader in this field, having created various kinds of UID labels for use in DoD applications. The basics are important to understand, but the specifics of MIL-STD-130 are essential, and no one knows them better than ID-Integration.

In today’s global market, efficiency is a focus for saving time, effort, and resources, no matter the industry. The Department of Defense is no different, and has implemented its own guidelines to maximize efficiency with the immense amount of goods in its inventory across all of its branches and organizations. MIL-STD-130 is the regulation that establishes the standards for Unique Identification, or UID marking. These guidelines ensure a uniform approach to UID marking, making it easy for the government to track its inventory, and making it essential for suppliers to understand.

UID marking is the process of labeling items with codes that are unique to each item. According to MIL-STD-130, there are a few acceptable forms of UID marking, and understanding the basics means understanding their importance to your organization. First, a UID marking must be, of course, unique. This is possible by the specificity of the coded information contained in such a label. Each label must include three pieces of important and identifiable information: the Enterprise Identifier, or EID; a serial number; and a Part Identification Number, or PIN. The EID labels the organization of the manufacturer or supplier. The serial number is a traceable number dedicated to the item, and the PIN identifies its relationship to the whole item to which it belongs. These three pieces of information are essential for a compliant UID marking.

There are two kinds of UID marking. First and most preferable is the Machine Readable Information marking, or MRI. This is the preferred method because it is easily standardized and can contain more information encoded in the marking than is readable with the human eye. The second is a human readable marking. Both must contain the three aforementioned pieces of information, but the MRI can and must contain more information, specifically about the item’s history and prior labeling. An important quality of both kinds of UID marking is durability. The UID must be able to be read for the entire lifespan of the item. For different materials, different kinds of UID are best suited, including engraving directly on the item. Another important aspect of the UID marking is accessibility, since it must be able to be viewed by machine or by the eye.

Since the specifics of the UID label may change according to the type of item labeled, it is important to fully understand the requirements of MIL-STD-130. No one knows these requirements better than ID-Integration. With a proven history of creating UID solutions, ID-Integration can customize a label for any kind of product to meet the needs of both military standard and your organization. While the basics of MIL-STD-130 are important, it is imperative that you consult an expert, and in the field of UID marking, there is no better expert than ID-Integration.

MIL-STD-130 is a military standard that governs the markings of military property. This standard ensures uniform labeling of all items in use by the military. A guaranteed way to comply with this standard is the addition of Unique Identification codes, or UID in the form of UID nameplates.

UID nameplates offer durability and security, two hallmarks of MIL-STD-130. First, their durability is possible through the use of steel; brass, copper, or alloy plates that will not rust or wear down, guaranteeing the life of the UID for the life of the item that is labeled with a UID nameplate. This is important because the standard has very specific requirements for a UID on an item. To comply with the standard, the UID must outlive the item it identifies. Any item that is labeled with a metal or alloy UID nameplate is sure to be outlived by this durable tag, and this longevity guarantees both meeting the requirements of MIL-STD-130 and ensuring a long term solution for labeling any piece of equipment, machinery, or product. Additionally, the standard requires that the UID must be visible during the course of normal operation. A UID nameplate meets this demand for two important reasons. First, UID nameplates can be customized to any size necessary, ranging from plates able to fit small parts and products, to placards that identify machinery and heavy duty equipment. Second, the durable plates can withstand more than other means of labeling that might be subject to weather and wear. UID nameplates can withstand both, and ensure visibility by being able to be affixed to a wide range of surfaces.

UID nameplates are also extremely secure. They are a single piece of machined metal or alloy, and do not allow for alteration or tampering. This is also important for MIL-STD-130, because the standard places strict requirements on the appearance of UID nameplates. First, a nameplate must be in a standard, non-serif font. This means the font should have no terminators or lines on the ends of letters (for example, there should be no perpendicular line on the bottom of the letter P). This is an easy requirement to meet for UID nameplates, which are extremely customizable. Second, the text must be at least 0.2 centimeters large, or 0.08 inches. The aforementioned flexibility in size and shape of UID nameplates means this is easily achieved for any item.

The durability and security of UID nameplates make them an ideal solution to comply with MIL-STD-130. No one knows this solution better than the experts at ID-Integration. Their experience with both MIL-STD-130 and UID nameplates means guaranteed compliance with this sometimes-complex regulation. Consult ID-Integration for your UID nameplate solutions to make sure you meet all the requirements of this military standard.

The Department of Defense releases many standards of operation to streamline and make uniform its operations. While many of these are pertinent to very specific organizations and operations within the DoD, one of the most wide-reaching and generally applicable standards is MIL-STD-130N. This updated standard is the regulation by which manufacturers and suppliers of and to the United States military must regulate their identification markings on products. Since MIL-STD-130N has such far-reaching implications, it is important to understand this crucial regulation.

MIL-STD-130N is the latest update to a regulation for identification of products. In 2007, MIL-STD-130N was released as an update to the previous standards. The previous iterations of these regulations were not nearly as exhaustive, and with the release of MIL-STD-130M the DoD sought to comprehensively address labeling procedure for the products in its inventory. MIL-STD-130N builds on and expands the standards and is now in a form that addresses several kinds of identification technology. It also references international standards set forth by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electro technical Commission, or ISO/IEC. The updated standards are a response to both the changing technologies and products involved in identification and the growing task of uniformly identifying and tracking widely diverse products in the massive inventory of the US Military. MIL-STD-130N was issued only two years after its previous iteration, so staying informed of the intricacies of this important standard are crucial to suppliers and manufacturers.

MIL-STD-130N demands that Unique Identification, or UID, marks fit into two categories. The first is MRI, or Machine Readable Information. MRI are forms that are familiar to the average civilian and military employee alike. The first kind of MRI is bar code, which have been in use for decades to consumers on all kinds of goods. The second kind of MRI is a matrix code, which are also common to the civilian market, but may not be as recognizable. The matrix code involves a small square of black and white pixels. These codes are actually quite common on shipping labels of major carriers. These codes are a uniform response to technology of tracking inventory, and make it easy to uniquely identify millions of parts and products.

MIL-STD-130N also allows for HRI, or Human Readable Identification. The HRI addressed in MIL-STD-130N are simply uniformly formatted codes of letters and numbers. They are addressed in the standard as an option because HRI are still effective as long as they are codified.

MIL-STD-130N further regulates the kinds of information that must be contained in MRI or HRI. This includes very specific kinds of information about product description and history. Therefore, it is essential to understand the intricacies of MIL-STD-130N, and no one understands them better than the experts at ID-Integration. With a proven history in UID labeling, let ID-Integration help you fully understand MIL-STD-130N.

In order to keep track of the wide variety of equipment produced, issued, and possessed by the military, the Department of Defense adheres to an identification standard known as MIL-STD-130N. One of the most important functions of this standard is the notation of requirements for proper IUID marking (Item Unique Identification), which grants every single item its own identity and history. Even items that are identical in production will have a unique number, setting them apart as specific and separate entities. This assigned identification will never be changed, and a suitable IUID marking ensures that this identity remains with the item.

One important set of requirements within the MIL-STD-130N details the appropriate location for applying an IUID marking to a piece of military equipment. First of all, the label must be easily visible and accessible during the item’s normal usage, and should remain so for the entire lifespan of the item. The IUID marking should be placed on a sturdy metal or plastic piece which can be attached to the item or even directly on the item itself when appropriate. This mark must also be sustainable throughout any repairs or cleaning the item might regularly go through. If there is no available space for such an IUID marking to be positioned, one may be placed on the actual packaging of the item.

While some instances allow for a text-based marking which would be readable by a human, the preferred form of IUID marking is the MRI (Machine Readable Information). A standard known as MH10.8.7 is followed when making MRI marks unless a partner association (such as NASA) follows its own marking protocol which is supported by the Department of Defense.

MIL-STD-130N also specifies the particular information which an MRI provides. An IUID marking must contain an EID (Enterprise Identifier) of the issuing organization or activity, a unique serial number, and the PIN (Part or Identifying Number) or batch number of the item.

In order to ensure the proficiency of the MRI system, the Department of Defense additionally denotes certain requirements towards the quality of an IUID marking. The MIL-STD-130N references specific protocols for inspecting the quality of an MRI mark both as a linear bar code and as a data matrix symbol.

Considering both the quantity and nature of the equipment used by the Department of Defense, the necessity of proper identification and tracking of these items is paramount. For this reason, such explicit standards as the MIL-STD-130N are required for the placement, information, and quality of any IUID markings within this system. However, this explanation has only touched the surface of what is clearly a complicated subject, and those seeking further information should turn to the experts at ID-Integration.