UniqueItem Identifier (UID) labeling is mandatory as per the Department of Defense's(DoD) identification requirements, serialization numbering and trackingprograms.  All military items that arevalued at more than $5,000 require serialization and aremandated to use UIDcompliant nameplates.

TheUID compliant nameplates, tags orlabels are required to be durable enough to withstand hazardous conditions suchas harsh chemicals, saltwater and extreme temperatures. When selecting thematerial of UID compliant nameplates, thereis a wide variety of materials to choose from. Stainless steel, aluminum,polyester, laser marked adhesive backed tape and even Ceramic-on-StainlessSteel Bar Code Nameplates for extreme conditions are permissible. Regardless ofthe material used, the UIDcompliant nameplates must be in accordance with the MIL STD 130 code standards.

Therecommended MIL STD 130 standard compliance solution isdissimilar for different type ofcompanies. For Small-to-MediumSize Companies who have a limited resource, it is suggested to seek a reliableUID partner who can offer UID compliance nameplates in addition to theverification reports for the UID Registry. But Medium-to-Large Size Companies shouldhave the requisite resources to fully implement Mil-Std 130M UID compliant nameplates. These mid to large companies still have theliberty to choose avendor that can offer UID nameplate including the verification and submissionreports or to complete the entire process in-house.

Thereare several firms who specialize in UID compliant nameplates productions. These firms havesophisticated technology software systems to design the marking and printing ofUID compliant nameplates. Besides this, the software also reads all UIDcompliant constructs and formats, stores the information and even produces theUID compliance report electronically to the UID Registry. They also ensure thenameplates and tags meet the MILSTD 130 requirement standards. These firms provide avery sophisticated solution and a very reasonable cost.

Thetext below provides a brief overview of several types of UID compliant nameplates.

• Metal barcode nameplates:

With these types of UID compliantnameplates, rigidanodized aluminum metals are used to ensure bar code clarity and durability ofthe marking.

• Polyester barcode nameplates:

Digital printing on the subsurfaceof polyester material actslike an added protection and better bar coding clarity in this type ofnameplate.

• Foil barcode nameplates:

Flexible anodized aluminum foils areused in these UID compliantnameplates for better photoimaging.  These nameplates are suitablefor government contractors looking to comply with Department of Defense UIDmandate.

• Ceramic-on-Steel nameplates:

Ceramic etching is done over thesteel surface of these types of nameplates. These Nameplates were developed inresponse to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) demand for a UID product that canwithstands saltwater and harsh chemicals applications.

Besidesthe above nameplate types, vendors can also opt for the UID compliant nameplates availableonline. With this option, they can design their own UID Tags and Labels directly online.However, the nameplates still have to be in accordance to the MIL STD 130standards to be UID compliant.  There is anadditional schema (UII express), for those who need only a few basic nameplates.