Part markings and container labels make efficient military logistics possible. As suppliers, distributors, and end-users rely on the information they see on every package, it is important that the labels are correct and up-to-date. Now with the DOD mandate on unique identification (UID) system well in place, the process becomes easier and more efficient.
Some DOD suppliers are still overwhelmed with UID labeling, though. This is because apart from labeling parts, they are required to submit UID data to Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) and in some cases, directly to the DOD UID Registry. Beginning in August 2014 all UID end-items must be submitted to Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).
Here at Mil-Pac Technology, we provide simple, seamless solutions to such compliance issues through our DOD MIL-Comply. Here is how it works:
DOD UID Data Electronic Submission
You enter UIDs only once in MIL-Comply, rather than every time you have to use them. You can compile, organize, and submit them together to WAWF with your Receiving Report and RFID data using our integrated UID compliance solution. There are different ways to do such tasks. You may do manual data entry through a WAWF web interface. You can also electronically upload WAWF Receiving Reports for end-item UIDs, which are those listed on the CLIN description, including any first-level embedded items, sometimes called Child UIDs of the end-items. Use our UID Manager to submit more deeply embedded items.
Incorporating UID Data in Mil-Std 129/130 Labels
The Mil-Std 129 contains the instructions on how DOD suppliers should label packages. You can use the Receiving Report data to auto-generate UID container labels and related RFID ones. You may also scan UIDs from marked parts and record the data in Mil-Std 129 container labels. If you already have the data in electronic format, you can always just import it and incorporate with the others.
Keep in mind, though, that the DOD has released a new update to the standard, Mil-Std-129R, which now requires each item to be encoded in its own ISO 15434 Format 06 envelope of a 2D PDF417 symbol on container labels. You can check with us to know how the changes may affect your labeling operations.
Print Mil-Std 129/130 UID Part Labels
UID label format varies depending on the space available on marked items. The convention, however, requires that you must include the Part and Serial Numbers as linear bar codes and plain text if space permits. When space is limited, a 2-dimensional barcode symbol will suffice. Note that the 2D symbol on the container is a different format from the barcode placed on the marked UID part.
We believe UID labeling and electronic WAWF submission should not hamper your operations. With our help, you can easily comply with the required UID labeling and make your workflow more seamless.
Learn more about MIL-Comply UID solutions.