By: Id Integration
Submitted: 2010-05-18 23:15:54 | Word Count: 429
In order to gain improvements in asset management, the Department of Defense requires all tangible assets to be tagged according to specific requirements, which are summarized in MIL-STD-130. This system allows the military to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their asset management system, much as civilian businesses have achieved in recent years.
MIL-STD-130 describes the details of the tagging requirements, and references numerous other industry and government documents. Suppliers to the Department of Defense must follow these references, but should be aware that the MIL-STD-130 always takes precedence over any other document when there is a conflict between the two.
The supplier must also be aware that there are numerous items that are excluded from the requirements of MIL-STD-130. These are detailed in the standard, and include items that already have a unique identifier (such as a vehicle identification number), items that are covered by other standards or are in some other way exempt.
For items that are required to be tagged, the identification markings must be on a plastic or metal plate, band, tag or label that is firmly and permanently attached to the item. MIL-STD-130 also allows the markings to be directly applied to the item, for example, by laser scribing. Regardless of how the item is marked, it must meet the requirements of MIL-STD-130 with regards to the information contained therein and the arrangement of the information.
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The information inscribed on the tag or label must include the Enterprise Identifier (EID) of the supplier or manufacturer, the Part or Identifying Number (PIN), and the lot or batch number of the item. Further information is necessary for Construct #1 and Construct #2, as described in MIL-STD-130. The arrangement of information depends on if the manufacturer is the Original Design Activity (ODA) or not and also must cover maintenance actions. Extensive details are given in the standard.
Machine-readable information (MRI) is preferred by MIL-STD-130, and generally follows ISO standards for linear bar codes and data matrix symbols although other standards may apply. Examples of other standards include those of the Air Transport Association (ATA), Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Guidelines for human-readable information are also given in MIL-STD-130, including font and numeral type and size.
MIL-STD-130 is a complicated specification and it must be followed rigorously. For this reason, the reader is advised to consult with the experts at ID-Integration to ensure complete compliance with the standard.
Author Resource:-
ID-integration provides complete solutions for MIL-STD-130 and UID related needs and can assist with complete UID policy in accordance with DFARS 252.211-7003.
