Product tracking not only determines quick product identification and easy product access, it also measures the quality standards of a business. A unique identification code makes a product easily recognizable. As such, it becomes easy to track and locate manufactured goods that are in storage or in the field. At the same time, unique identification codes ensure authenticity of a particular product. There are also other benefits of product tracking. These include:

• The process indirectly enhances quality preservation of products.

• By means of product tracking, a company can trace its development, thereby maximizing its productivity and internal growth.

• Maximizing product utilization helps reduce taxes on the total production cost.

Product identification by an effective data recorder or scanner can ensure these benefits. The identification process, as such, should be effective to ensure uniqueness of each product label.

The UID identification process, according to the Department of Defense (DoD), follows strict rules. The entire process includes data invoicing, data encoding, unique code validation, and data verification. There are also specific recommendations regarding print quality of UID labels, materials, size, depth and width of the codes. MILSTD130 requires specific criteria for these mentioned factors. The following points deal with some of these important specifications.

• A large number of UID marking methods are recommended. These include laser engraving, metal stamping, inkjet printing, programmable stylus marking, electro chemical etch, and tagging. Plastic tags can be used only when other types of marking methods are not available. For each of these marking procedures, there are specific criteria for size, depth and width of codes. For instance, laser marking requires the code characters to maintain 0.007 – 4.0 inches height and width.

• According to these rules, the UID labels should be written in 2D data matrix format. One can use 1D data format when the former is not available. UID rules recommend that the data should be encoded in both HRI (human readable information) and MRI (machine readable information) format.

• Data validation and data verification confirm the authenticity of encoded data. These two processes stress the fact that a contractor should take due notice of all specifications contained in MILSTD130, ISO15415, and AS9132 regarding UID labelling.

MILSTD130 is an elaborate set of instructions for UID labels, comprising of many categories. This standard aims to provide universally unique codes that will be product specific. As such, these labels are the best means of product tracking.

In other words, UID compliance is essential for enhanced product visibility and product accessibility. To learn more, visit http://www.uid2go.com/news.html.

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