Significance of DoD UID Labels of Item for Department of Defense

The basic asset management system of DoD itemsthat $5000
requires unique identification of each item. With globally• The item should be consumable, serially managed,
unique identification, the items offer an easycontrolled inventory or the any other item that requires
maintenance to the department and assist the DoD toa permanent identification mark.
keep track of them. The DoD UID labels are the• The item ought to be an element required by the
identification marking affixed or etched to items andprogram manager to have unique identification
are marked with DoD data elements. The data to aAs it is mentioned that the DoD UID labels contain
DoD UID label is entered as high density machinemachine readable 2D data matrix barcode symbols,
readable 2D data matrix barcodes. The UID data arethere are certain specified elements that combine to
either etched to the items through direct part markingconstruct the total DoD UID. The elements are a
or permanently affixed to the items as labels.unique part number, unique serial number that is
The Item Unique Identification Program is designed byassigned to that item, and the identification of the
DoD so as to get implemented across the multinationalmanufacturer or the enterprise. The data is encoded
organizational boundaries. The structure is alsowith a specific language and format. The IUID data is
inter-operable among the various departments of thedecoded with Automatic Identification Technology.
organization. Although the DoD UID labels are basicallyThere are two construction methods of UID marking-
designed to globally and uniquely identify the itemsConstruction #1- serialization within enterprise identifier
across the Department of Defense, the structure ofConstruction #2- serialization within the original part
marking and labeling has significantly enhanced thenumber, batch number or the lot number
accountability and valuation of the assets.The marking procedure of the DoD UID labels should
The department of Defense made the DoD UID labelensure that the markings are permanent for the
mandatory for the items of the organization after 1stfunctional life time of the items. The DoD UID of an
January 2004. The policies of the structure have beenitem is either affixed to it with as a label or engraved
constantly changing for improved management insideto the item as direct part marking. The labels and
the organization. The recent policy has made itnameplates are used where direct part marking is not
mandatory that all the government furnished property-possible. Whether it is the nameplate or mark, they
tangible personal property or property in theshould be able to withstand adverse environmental
possession of the contractors- should have proper UIDconditions and chemical cleaning procedures.
marking and registration. DoD also plans to mark all theAs the DoD UID labels are crucial for submission of
embedded assets and items with DoD UID LabelsUID data to UID registry proper care should be taken
within 31 December, 2010.to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data.
The criteria that make the items eligible for DoD UIDprovides complete solutions for UID and DoD UID
labels are as followsLabels related needs. also provides complete solutions
• The acquisition cost of the item should be moreto meet new DoD direct part marking requirements.