UID Marking

The Item Unique Identification (IUID and also known as UID) Program is the foundation for enabling DoD to reach established goals and objectives by enhanced total asset visibility, improved lifecycle item management and accountability, and clean financial audits.

The Item Unique Identification or UID marking is a set of data for assets that is globally unique and unambiguous, ensures data integrity and data quality throughout life, and supports multi-faceted business applications and users. The technology used to mark an item is a 2D Data Matrix ECC 200 Symbol.

Since the UID bar code marking must be maintained as a readable barcode throughout the entire life of the item, strong consideration must be given to the UID marking methodology. While a durable polyester label or metal tag with a permanent adhesive may work in many environments, the need for direct part Item Unique Identification marking such as laser etch, dot peen, chemical etch, or ink jet must be considered for some items. The IUID policy requires that a 2D Data Matrix bar code that is applied with either direct part UID marking techniques or tags and labels, must also prove to be generated to a level of quality that meets the standards set by ISO and SAE.