The IUID -- Uniquely Identifying US Military Equipment

If you are an end item equipment manufacturer that produces an article for sale or resale to the U.S. military, you need your equipment to be in compliance with the specifications and standards defined by MIL-STD-130N. This is the latest iteration of the long-established MIL-STD-130 which contains the changes additions and modifications pertaining to the use of Item Unique Identifiers (IUID) to mark items used by the military.

The IUID comprises a number of specific elements, when used combine to make every item – regardless of similarity or difference – completely unique. Portions of the IUID are machine-readable identifiers (MRI). These include bar codes in several formats, 2D data matrix elements in two formats, and standardized fonts and type styles which may be machine readable, although that is not the primary use of alphanumeric designators. Human-readable Identification (HRI) includes alphanumeric data distinguishing one item from another. This also includes Free Text, which is usually a description or common name of the article for convenience purposes. The IUID, when used in routine conversation or when referring to the name plate, tag or other marking is generally seen as “the UID” as a convenience. Because of potential ambiguity or confusion with the use of the UID acronym, it is referred to formally as the IUID.

There are a number of discrete elements which are concatenated to form a Unique Item Identifier. Among the elements which are displayed on the name tag, ID plate, data plate or similar generic term for an IUID, are Text Element Identifier (TEI), Part Identification Number (PIN), Enterprise Identifier (EID), and provisions for other refinements which may be used for future applications.

The days of an item being identifiable by make/model and serial number are gone. As a point of fact, some legacy equipment is required to be assigned a UII and have an IUID data plate affixed to the item.

The defense contractor or end-item provider is generally not equipped or prepared to manufacture ready-to-install IUID plates. Standards are modified and technology changes constantly and it is a daunting task to conform with mandated changes. By using a qualified subject matter expert and using third-party IUID plates and tags that are guaranteed compliant, the contractor can concentrate on manufacturing their specific items.

The best solution is to use the services of a corporation in the business of manufacturing conforming IUID labels and tags with a tested and proven track record of meeting or exceeding the standards mandated by MIL-STD-130. It is good business to use a company which is an acknowledged subject matter expert that directly contributed to the specifications in the current iteration of MIL-STD-130. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, please contact the experts at Jet City Laser for more information.