UID Scanners Makes UID Compliance Easier
from: UID Marking And Product IdentificationAdded: 2010-07-27 08:01:12.0 | comments: 0
UID scanners are helpful in reading and verifying data matrix labels. New technologies involved with these scanners perform tasks that once required separate machinery or outsourcing. The potentially time consuming task of scanning, decoding, verifying, and detecting flaws in UID labels is simplified vastly when using UID scanners.
MIL-STD-130N Compliance
MIL-STD-130N is a document containing the current specifications from the United States Department of Defense. Two-dimensional data labels are required for many items owned by the United States military. These labels must follow those specifications for UID compliance.
The MIL-STD-130N is a long set of specifications. It regulates things like the placement of symbols, as well as, the type and amount of human readable information required. Due to the length and frequent updates of these specifications, a person could have a difficult time catching the flaws in a data symbol.
The Need for UID Scanners
UID Scanners are important because, like some bar code scanners, they are capable of reading both two-dimensional data labels and one-dimensional bar codes. However, UID scanners can communicate to a network. This could be helpful in the attempt to track and maintain inventory for both newer and older items. These scanners can also insure MIL-STD-130N compliance by verifying that the data label meets those specifications.
Features of UID Scanners
UID scanners have an imaging ability that bar code scanners do not. This allows the operator to obtain a more accurate reading of the label. These scanners are available in both fixed and hand held varieties. The hand held type can have a cord that plugs in, or be completely wireless. These features allow for the use of UID scanners on large objects or in remote areas.
UID scanners are a practical tool for working with MIL-STD-130 compliant labels. Technologies used in these scanners simplify finding flaws in a two-dimensional matrix. Many of these features were unavailable in older bar code scanners. For more information regarding UID scanners, refer to the experts at ID-Integration.
UID: Universal Identification System
from: UID Marking And Product IdentificationAdded: 2010-07-27 08:00:24.0 | comments: 0
The set of standards that is used by the United States Department of Defense is vital in keeping provisions and property well monitored in accordance with the strict identification requirements. With the variety of items that are owned and maintained by the DoD an identification system must be able to record and store critical data about the qualities of the item.
The UID or Unique Identification System provides this systematic way of recording and storing data. This data can include information regarding the total cost of ownership, logistics systems, and compatibility with other transportation and use systems. This method creates a system-wide and universally compatible method of identification and data retrieval.
First adopted in 1995, non-governmental agencies have seen the benefits of the UID method and are adopting this standardization system for themselves. The recent interest in the DoD specifications has created a new level of participation in the MIL Specs that outline the use of UID. Technical and non-technical companies and groups are using this method to take advantage of its efficiency and effectiveness.
In order to be in compliance with the Department of Defense standards concerning the UID, each item must be provided with a way for data to be obtained via a scanning device. This is through a machine readable matrix bar or sections. Being machine readable is only part of the requirement. Additionally each item must be marked with text and imagery that is readable by human personnel. Shelf life, quantity, preservation methods, and item number are among the basic information that must be printed on the exterior of the item for use and legibility.
The UID system serves to communicate the information regarding a specific item in a quick and efficient manner. Having both the machine and human readable text allows this to take place. It is the goal of the system to minimize error during the items use, storage, and transportation throughout its lifetime.
While being transported and stored, the UID will make the item more compatible with shipping and containing requirements
An added benefit of the UID is that each identified item is placed in an governmental registry. This allows an item to be stored and information to be acquired quickly during shipping for tracking and logistic purposes
If an employee of the government or a contractor working for the government wishes, an item and its UID information can be placed in the registry. This acts as a collection of all Department of Defense assets that are controlled internally or by third parties.
UID Marking Basics: Creating and Reading MIL-STD-130 Compliant Labels
from: UID Marking And Product IdentificationAdded: 2010-07-27 07:59:41.0 | comments: 0
In order for the US Department of Defense (DoD) to track vast amounts expensive equipment, it has mandated the standard UID marking criteria MIL-STD-130N; specifically section 252.211-7003 entitled “Item Identification and Valuation” [1]. The specifications for this standard stipulate detailed criteria that industry developers and DoD suppliers must follow when labeling products. The DoD dictates these criteria for labeling everything from ammunition to parts for rocket motors.
The standard specifies that all physical property and equipment of a certain monetary value must be marked with compliant Unique Identifier (UID) labels. UID marking components consists of a succession of bits, a series of characters, or a unique number to distinguish equipment from other gear much like a serial number. Each UID can be used no more than once within one project or scope [2]. A variation of UID marking technology is used by the shipping companies UPS and FedEx. These companies use a 2D data matrix label to track shipments (you may have noticed the grid-style label on a package; it resembles a newspaper crossword puzzle).
US Military personnel and contractors utilize DoD equipment that is subject to UID marking standards. The equipment must be inventoried and audited at regular intervals to ensure DoD capabilities and readiness. While it is possible to read UID labels with sub-par equipment, prudent users turn to DoD-certified UID label readers and scanners to automate the reading of UID labels.
To meet the rigorous criteria of MIL-STD-130N, equipment manufacturers must deploy the most reliable and advanced UID marking and UID scanning technology available. The UID marking process for nameplates can include methods such as ink jet, laser etching, or even dot-peen [3]. It is imperative to manufacture nameplates with quality UID marking equipment. It is also important to employ durable and versatile label scanners. Equipment manufacturers must also use only the best UID marking equipment available to ensure long-lasting and durable labels. Today there are a few US companies manufacturing UID marking and scanning equipment. When choosing a manufacturer one must take multiple variables into consideration. For any questions or expert advice, visit ID-Integration at http://www.id-integration.com.
Information on UID Labels
from: UID Marking And Product IdentificationAdded: 2010-07-27 07:42:37.0 | comments: 0
Logistics is a complex process that involves the shipping, handling, and storage or a vast number of objects. A system must be in place that can meet the requirements and demands posed by such a challenging task. There are many solutions that can be used to address the logistics issue, but many of them are not optimized and well designed. The Military has used a standardized system for their logistic needs for many years. Beginning in the 1990s, this system was adopted by commercial and private sector groups. As its use expanded, more groups began using the UID system for object identification. UID labels play a central part in this system.The Department of Defense requires that all items that it owns must be in accordance with MIL-STD-130. This is a series of documents that outline the requirements of item labeling. Among these requirement UID labels must convey information regarding a
specific object or group of objects through two methods. The first is through clearly legible text that is accessible to humans. The text is required to be of a certain size and style. Secondly, a bar-code matrix must be available on the item for scanning by a computer system. UID labels are in place to make the logistics process more efficient through proper identification.In order to be in accordance with the Military labeling scheme, a certain amount of information must be expressed through the UID labels. Expiration date, group number, transportation and storage requirements, all must be clearly and easily available to determine. Many problems can develop at any point during the logistics process. An item may become misplaced or kept in an inadequate environment, leading to lost capital and time.
Each item that is marked with UID labels also has the benefit of being included in a large database. This database is known as the UID registry and it is a information warehouse that contains data on all items owned by the Department of Defense or owned by third party contractors. Having a central database has innumerable benefits to the logistic cycle.The Military has used UID labels with a great deal of success. Recently, it has become an effective tool for the private sector as well. Logistical issues can be reduced and managed through the use of UID labels. Adherence to the labeling system is a complex topic and an expert in the field should be contacted to aid in the integration process.
Payday Loan Direct Lender - Are They the Best Suited?
from: Untitled BlogAdded: 2010-07-03 08:40:09.0 | comments: 0
Direct payday loans are among the many loans available these days. These payday loans are created to get people the payday loan quickly which provides a benefit in certain situations. Planning whether or not to choose a cash loan from a direct payday lender or a broker mainly depends on the individual case. Each applicant must give thought to what fees he or she is inclined to pay, given his or her situation.
First, you must learn what direct cash loans are. This instantaneously puts funds in your checking account in the form of an unexpected cash loan. It is kind of cash loan that is really good for emergencies because of the little period of time that it will take for you to get authorization. Typically, your money is there immediately.
When fast cash is necessary, some places can offer faster assistance. Depending upon exactly what state you live in, the fine print of this payday advance might be different. Some states ensure that armed forces personnel get specifically low rates on such payday loans. Others make sure that cash advance companies keep their charges reasonable for everybody who goes through their doors.
You should research the advantages and obstacles of direct payday lenders, ever before you will be making any decisions. If the need for money is a dire emergency, then this may be one of the only real choices obtainable to you. A traditional loan can consume weeks to accomplish and quite possibly some payday loans acquired through a broker take a very long time to fully process. Understanding that you could have the money in four days is useless if you may need transportation until then. Obviously, plan on paying the price for direct support in the shape of higher interest rates. Although it is dependent on the speed at which you are in need of the cash loan, this can be a give and take issue. When that urgency is weighed against costs for borrowing, it could be self evident whether payday loan direct lender are a better idea than cash loans through a broker.
payday loan direct lender have numerous benefits over standard or brokered payday loans. These are generally: diminished commissions and charges since the lending provider doesn't need to pay commissions or fees to a broker or affiliate, streamlined application process because you will be dealing with the provider straightaway, and improved rules since payday loan direct lenders are independently regulated and accredited.
When you are making a conclusion on which direct lender to borrow from, make sure to surf around. Compare fees and service charges and comprehend the cash loan terms and conditions so you find any excessive fees or charges that you may be liable for, like payments missed fees or cash loan extension fees.
Auto Transport - Even Your Clunker Can Ride
from: Untitled BlogAdded: 2010-06-04 03:08:49.0 | comments: 0
That depends on the vehicle. If it’s a classic that you’re planning to renovate, it probably is. If it’s an old family clunker that has sentimental value, it still might be worth the cost. After all, the alternative is to junk it, sell it, or move it yourself. That last option is not always possible and it certainly isn’t fun. Finding a trailer that can handle the weight, a vehicle with a towing package, a bunch of buddies to help you push the car onto the trailer—not to mention the beer and pizza you’ll have to shell out for in order to get those buddies to help—and an auto transport service starts to sound pretty good.
So what’s the first step in using an auto transport company to move your inoperable vehicle? First, find a company that can handle the job. Auto transport brokers, personal references, the Yellow Pages, or the Internet are a few ways to find the many companies available. Make sure you choose a carrier with the proper credentials. In addition to a decent price, that means reputation, experience, insurance, and equipment.
When interviewing auto transport companies, let them know that your car or truck doesn’t run. It’s possible that the carrier will need special equipment or even a driver with the expertise to load and transport an inoperable vehicle. After all, a car or truck that doesn’t run can’t drive onto a trailer under its own power. The auto transport driver will probably use a winch to pull the vehicle onto the trailer. If no winch is available, a hired helper may be necessary. Either way, your vehicle must be capable of being steered and rolled.
After you’ve selected an auto transport company and they’ve agreed to handle your shipment, you’re still not done. Before the trailer arrives, you need to take care of some housekeeping. Empty the oil, transmission and steering fluids from the vehicle. Make sure there isn’t much fuel in the gas tank—preferably less than a quarter of a tank. When the auto transport driver arrives, verify his insurance and certification. Fill out a written inspection form. Then turn over your vehicle knowing that you’ve done all the work that’s necessary to transport your inoperable vehicle safely.
A Quick Auto Shipping Overview
from: Untitled BlogAdded: 2010-06-04 03:06:50.0 | comments: 0
The cost of having a car shipped to a new location depends on how quickly it needs to get there, and how much preparation is necessary before shipping. If the car is a classic, it may require special treatment to ensure that it makes the trip safely. Larger cars, like SUVs, can cost a little more to transport because of their size.
Most auto shipping companies will require the proper ownership documentation before they will agree to ship the car. They may also require the customer to provide a statement of the condition of the car when it was brought to be shipped. This protects the shipper from any claims of damage that may occur during transport, and it protects the customer by giving proof that certain damage wasn't present before shipping.
When choosing a shipping company, one of the best places to begin is on a website dedicated to providing information and quotes from several of the best auto shipping providers. These sites collect information about shippers in one handy location, and offer the opportunity to learn more about each company before you commit.
One of the easiest ways to get a good idea of the service provided by auto shipping companies is to read the customer reviews. These candid testimonials provide better insight into the shipping process and quality than any advertisement.
Auto shipping sites also make it easy to get a good idea of the cost of auto shipping through their free quote forms. Getting a good shipping quote can take the guesswork out of finding the right shipping company based on price. A good quote will provide information about all of the costs of auto shipping, and give customers a great place to begin the process.
A Breezy Auto Transport for Your Motorcycle
from: Untitled BlogAdded: 2010-06-03 05:23:01.0 | comments: 0
First, do a little research. Like many other services these days, auto transport provides a world of options. Check with your friends or your local Better Business Bureau to find a carrier that has the expertise to move your motorcycle. Make sure they offer closed transport—an enclosed trailer—to keep your motorcycle safe from the weather and road hazards. They should secure your bike inside a crate or to a pallet that is the appropriate size for your particular bike. Verify, too, that the auto transport service can offer the appropriate insurance to cover the value of your make and model of motorcycle because not all bikes are created equal. Ensure, too, that drivers for the carrier are experienced at moving motorcycles.
Okay, so you’ve chosen an auto transport service that can handle your motorcycle move. You’ve arranged a pickup date and time as well the details for delivery at the destination. Now it’s time to prepare the bike for its big move. The auto transport service will probably give you a checklist of instructions to follow to get the bike ready. That list should include at least the following steps.
Empty the fuel tank
Drain the oil
Lock down the battery
Remove or fold in the mirrors
Unlock the steering
Remove the saddlebags
Empty the storage areas
Inspect the bike, making note of any scratches or dents
Make sure you have the ownership title and/or registration
When the auto transport driver loads your motorcycle, make sure you keep your ignition key. Small items like that often have a way of disappearing. Then step back and let the auto transport do its job. If you need it, they should be able to track the bike as it makes its way safely to its destination.
Training for Auto Transport DriversNot an Option
from: Untitled BlogAdded: 2010-06-03 05:22:04.0 | comments: 0
Auto transport is a great way to get a car from origin to destination without piling on the mileage. After all, why should your car roll when it can ride? But when choosing an auto transport company, remember that they are not all created equal. Choosing the wrong one can be costly and foolish—even downright dangerous. Expertise is critical to providing safe, efficient, and economical service so choose carefully. New companies may be great but experience is necessary to avoid damage to the cargo—your car.
And how do the drivers for auto transport companies gain their experience? The first and most important way is through training. Any driver working for an auto transport company should be fully trained and certified. And don’t forget the insurance. The drivers—or the companies that employ them—must be enough to cover not only their trucks and trailers, but the cargo as well, along with any other vehicles they might happen to bump into.
Speaking of the possibility of bumping into another vehicle, drivers for auto transport companies should be experienced at defensive driving. That’s where that all-important training comes in really handy. The drivers must know how to react when smaller vehicles brake suddenly in front of them or how to handle tailgaters on rain-slick roads. They must know the correct ways to drive on unpaved country roads as well as on interstate highways.
But proper training teaches auto transport drivers more than the proper way to handle those big rigs. It teaches them how to maneuver large, fully loaded trailers, often in difficult conditions. From making right-hand turns to pulling full trailers down narrow streets to parking in limited spaces, proper training provides auto transport drivers with the practice they need to make sure their trucks and cargo are always under their control.
Of course training doesn’t stop with handling the trucks and trailers. Training also teaches the drivers of auto transport vehicles the importance of maintaining log books and working within the limits of hours of operation. It helps them to understand trucking regulations and the highway laws of the various states through which they may be hauling your car. It teaches them safety tips for keeping their rigs and cargo safe, whether on the road or in truck stops.
Training. It’s a word that every auto transport driver should know because they’ve been through it. It’s a word that every customer should feel comfortable insisting upon.
UID: The Keys to Compliance
from: UID Marking And Product IdentificationAdded: 2010-05-28 03:30:42.0 | comments: 0
The Unique Identification program specifies what items require UID markings, the information to include in the UID markings and how the UID markings are to be applied to the item. MIL-STD-130N, Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property, provides the specifications for Unique Identification. MIL-STD-130N must be followed for all items subject to Unique Identification produced or serviced for the Department of Defense. The items subject to Unique Identification are defined in DFARS Clause 252.211-7003, Item Identification and Valuation.
In general the items requiring UID markings are:
a) all items with a cost per unit of $5,000 and greater
b) Department of Defense serially managed, embedded, mission critical and controlled inventory items regardless of cost
c) any item if requested
Businesses that do not work directly with the Department of Defense as suppliers or contractors may also be required to mark items in compliance with the UID program. This will occur when a business sells items or components to a Department of Defense supplier and these items or components are embedded into an end product supplied to or serviced for the Department of Defense.
According to MIL-STD-130N UID markings must be applied in such fashion the markings will remain permanent and readable for the expected life of the item marked. To ensure the markings will be permanent for the expected life of the item the environmental conditions and the typical maintenance procedures the marked item will be subjected to must be considered when determining the marking method. Items subjected to extreme environmental conditions or harsh cleaning chemicals will require more durable marking methods and materials. MIL-STD-130N provides flexibility in the materials used for UID markings and the methods of marking while being specific regarding the information required in and format of the UID markings. Although UID markings may be in human readable formats machine readable format is preferred when there is insufficient space to mark in both formats.
Correctly implementing the Department of Defense's UID program according to MIL-STD-130N and DFARS Clause 252.211-7003 is complicated as shown by this overview of the Unique Identification program. It is wise to turn to the experts at ID-Integration for more information.
