1. Item Unique Identification (IUID) 101
DASN (A&LM)'s IUID Education and Training Series
Item Unique Identification (IUID) 101
January 11-13, 2011
Town & Country Resort and Convention Center
Mission Valley
San Diego, CA
IUID Center Representative
NSWC Corona, IUID Center
12 May 2011

2. The World of Unique Identification (UID)

3. Item Unique Identification (IUID)
IUID is a system of marking items with globally unique Unique Item Identifiers (UIIs) that distinguish them from all other like and unlike items
UID/IUID is mandated within the DoD for all new item acquisitions, items the government already owns (legacy items), and government furnished property (GFP) meeting specific criteria
(What is IUID)
Points to be made:
The UID policy is mandated by DOD
The scope of IUID is across all components of the DOD
The barcodes are affixed to items
There are many ways to mark the barcodes on items (laser engraving, labels, etc.)
NATO
Policy Active STANAG 2290
APUID-1
Netherlands Policy active
Canada Clause Implemented

4. Where is the Requirement?
OUSD (AT&L) Policy Memoranda
IUID Requirement for New Acquisitions, 29 Jul 03
IUID Requirement for Legacy and GFP, 23 Dec 04
IUID Policy Refinement for Secondary Items in Use or in Inventory, 30 Dec 10
DoD Directive
UID Standards for a Net-Centric DoD
DoD Instructions
Serialized Item Management for Materiel Maintenance
Operation of the Defense Acquisition System
Accountability and Management of DoD-Owned Equipment and Other Accountable Property
IUID Standards for Tangible Personal Property
DFARS Prescription and Clauses
Item Identification and Valuation
Reporting of Government-Furnished Equipment in the DoD Item Unique Identification (IUID) Registry
Item Identification and Valuation Requirements
SECNAV Instruction
Implementation of Item Unique Identification within the
Department of the Navy

5. What is the Policy for DoD?No
DoD Serially Managed? No
Item Cost ≥ $5,000?
Start
Embedded Item?
Yes
Yes
Yes No
Controlled Inventory?
DoD Serially Managed?
Yes
Yes No No
Mission Essential?
Yes
No IUID Required No
Permanent Identification Needed? No
Yes
IUID Required

6. What is the Policy for Secondary Items in Inventory or Use?
Unique item-level traceability: the requirement to trace lifecycle management events related to acquisition, property accountability, storage, operation, maintenance, safety, physical security, retirement, and disposal by each individual item.
Secondary item: an item that is not defined as a principle item and includes reparable components, subsystems, and assemblies, consumable repair parts, bulk items and material, subsistence, and expendable end items, including clothing and other personal gear.
Unique item-level traceability requirement at any point in the lifecycle?
DoD IUID Compliance Required
YES
Start
DRAFT No
No DoD IUID required

7. Automatic Identification Technology (AIT)
1-D Barcodes
Passive RFID Tags
Contact Memory Buttons
2-D Barcodes
EPC RFID Tag
29 July 2003 – DoD Policy requiring IUID
2 October 2003 – DoD Policy requiring RFID
Data Matrix
PDF417
QR Code
Active RFID Tags
Aztec
MaxiCode
Bullseye

8. Scope of the UII A UII is… A UII is not… a data element
a unique identifier for an item
globally unique
permanent
created by concatenating specific data elements
an enabler for business intelligence
a device for communicating data, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags or contact memory buttons
a replacement for the National Stock Number (NSN)
intelligent data that yields information about the item
transferable from one item to another

9. Why IUID? IUID provides…
the “data key” to item lifecycle traceability in business processes and information systems
reliable and accurate data for financial, accountability, and asset management purposes
IUID enables…
the discovery and correlation of item information
globally accessible and secure enterprise data
joint paperless management

10. An IUID is always a data matrix A data matrix is not always an IUID
Can You Spot the IUID?
Each one is a data matrix, but only one is an IUID
An IUID is always a data matrix
A data matrix is not always an IUID

11. A Tale of Two Constructs
What’s an EID? Identifies the organization ensuring the uniqueness of the UII
Construct #1: Serialized within the enterprise identifier (EID) Contains the EID and the serial number (no part number)
Construct #2: Serialized within the part number Contains the EID, part number, and serial number
There are three permitted format codes for either construct
The format code determines the semantics of the encoded string

12. Turning a Data Matrix into an IUID
The right information encoded into the right
kind of mark
Syntax
[)>R/S06G/S7LN41164G/S1PT123G/SS531R/SEOT
Format Code:
Enterprise Identifier:
Data Identifiers:
Serial Number:
Part Number:
R/S refers to the “Record Separator” character in the ASCII character set. It is a non-printable character with an ASCII value of 30.
G/S refers to the “Group Separator” character in the ASCII character set. It is a non-printable character with an ASCII value of 29.
EOT refers to the “End of Transmission” character in the ASCII character set. It is a non-printable character with an ASCII value of 4.
Be very careful when using the Corona DODAAC within UIDs. The base is responsible to ensure all UIIs with its DODAAC are unique.
Unique Item Identifier (UII) : LDN41164T123531

13. IUID Data Constraints
Must be encoded into an ECC200 Data Matrix barcode
Must include syntax from ISO/IEC 15434
Must include appropriate semantics
Must adhere to data element length requirements
Must use only A through Z, 0 through 9, /, and –
No lower case letters, periods, asterisks, commas, …
UII ≤ 50 characters
UII must be unique across the globe
UII must be “permanent”… forever

14. Vocabulary Recap – Part I
Unique Identification (UID) is a system of identifying entities to distinguish them from each other. Item Unique Identification (IUID) is a system of marking items with globally unique, Unique Item Identifiers (UIIs) that distinguish them from all other like and unlike items. Unique Item Identifier (UII) is a string of characters which is globally unique. Exactly one UII is assigned to exactly one item.
(What is IUID)
Points to be made:
The IUID policy is mandated by DOD
The scope of IUID is across all components of the DOD
The barcodes are affixed to items
There are many ways to mark the barcodes on items (laser engraving, labels, etc.)

15. Vocabulary Recap – Part II
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional matrix barcode made up of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern IUID Compliant Data Matrix is an ECC200 Data Matrix encoded in accordance with the semantics of ISO 15418, syntax of ISO 15434, and all required data IUID Compliant Data Matrix Encoded String [)>R/S06G/S7LN41164G/S1PT123G/SS531R/SEOT
(What is IUID)
Points to be made:
The UID policy is mandated by DOD
The scope of IUID is across all components of the DOD
The barcodes are affixed to items
There are many ways to mark the barcodes on items (laser engraving, labels, etc.)

16. Tips for IUID Specifications in Contracts
Can specify…
…mark shall be read in full sunlight
…mark shall be read by a {fill in name of barcode scanner here}
…mark shall be placed {fill in somewhere convenient to read here}
…mark shall be readable after rubbing the mark with a hydraulic-
fluid-dipped thumb
…mark shall be readable after {fill in some overhaul procedure here}
Cannot specify…
…what data to put into the mark
…what semantics to use
…what construct to use

17. The IUID Registry Program Registry Database Limited to the Program
UNCLASSIFIED
Contains all the data/information the Program needs
Location
Condition
Program
Database
Registry
Limited to the Program
Feeds the IUID Registry
Spans all DoD
Ensures uniqueness
UNCLASSIFIED

18. Business Rules Supported by Barcode Scanning
Scan when items placed on shelf (updates AIS)
Lost items must be re-procured, found, or done without!
- alerts worker when items cannot co-mingle (e.g. code A and non-code A NWRM) (e.g. chemical incompatabilities)(e.g. fire safety regs.)
2) Taking inventory shelf by shelf
- catches items that should be out of inventory
- catches items that need processing (forced recall for instance)
- ensures AIS and ground truth are in sync.

19. You Don’t Know What You’ve Got ‘Til It’s Gone
Keeping Track of 4860 Items in a Warehouse Mezzanine
Without Scanning…
Full inventory never completed
Sample data estimates 32.4 hours to complete inventory with 2% error rate
With IUID Scanning…
Full inventory completed in 6 hours
Experience with scanning decreases inventory time to 55 minutes with 100% accuracy
At the Measurement Science Technology Laboratory within the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona, IUID implementation has reduced the time to take inventory and improved its accuracy. Initial time savings of 81.4% were immediately realized when the time dropped from 32.4 hours to 6 hours. Experience with the scanning operation further reduced the time to 55 minutes, a 97% reduction in labor from the original task. IUID and scanning improved accuracy as well, eliminating the 2% transcription errors found in a sample analysis.
The numbers are actually a little conservative because we couldn't factor in time wasted by transcription errors, breaks, interruptions, etc. in a defensible, rigorous way.
Don't know if the details would be of any use. Here they are in case you need them.
The mezzanine is made up of 83 racks, that are roughly 6ft tall, with 5 shelves on average to each rack. There are a total of 4860 boxes containing navy gages distributed throughout the racks and shelves. The shelf contents are organized by gage drawing number where possible. The gage drawing and serial numbers are written on the exterior of each box with permanent marker or painted on using a stencil. IUID labels are placed on three faces of each box. A rack containing 50 gages was chosen to calculate the average time it takes to manually write down the box drawing number and serial number along with the shelf location. This information would then be taken to a computer for input into the gage tracking system (GTS)database. A junior warehouseman wrote down the gage drawing numbers, serial numbers for 50 items in 10 minutes. He then traveled from the mezzanine to a computer terminal. Travel time was 2.5 min. Once the GTS was opened to the appropriate change gage location screen he took 10 minutes to input the data. The GTS reported an error stating that 1 record of the 50 gages was "not found in database". The Jr. Warehouseman then traveled back to the mezzanine to verify the gage drawing and serial number, roundtrip was 5min. The Jr. warehouseman found he wrote down 101 instead of 181 for the serial number pertaining to drawing
Helpful to note that since the boxes are organized on the shelves by drawing number where possible, the Jr. Warehouseman performing the data entry portion of the task is able to copy and paste the like drawing numbers down the column which increases data entry speed and accuracy. Travel time, interruptions, breaks, etc... were not added into the total time to execute manual inventory for 4860 items.

20. Many of the Benefits are Universal
IUID in Maintenance
You could scan the IUID mark on each test instrument (TI)
36 months
32 months
41 months
6 months
5 months
35 months
You could keep track of an individual TI’s calibration data
Identify poor performers
Lots
Manufacturers
Procedures
Calibrators
Calculate calibration intervals for each specific TI
Look up the model number super fast!
Then pull the calibration procedure as usual.
And calibrate…as usual.
And ship…as usual.
You could scan each standard used to calibrate the TI
Ensure standard(s) in cal cycle
Identify equipment calibrated by bad standards
OR...
Many of the Benefits are Universal

21. Good Data, Good Analysis
Test data analysis found a problem with gyro-scopes used in STANDARD Missiles
Crystallized Deposits
Configuration data identified affected missiles and targeted specific units for testing
The database for STANDARD Missile utilizes a database key, very similar to IUID (it has the same purpose of the IUID, it just isn’t formatted correctly). During test data analysis, there was a problem identified with gyro-scopes used in STANDARD Missiles (seen in the picture on the left). Through further analysis, it was noticed that the problematic gyro-scopes were closely serialized together, that is from the same lot. Configuration data enabled the analysts to identify the missiles affected by the problematic gyro-scopes so a Naval message could be sent downgrading the condition of affected missiles. Location data identified a unit already at the depot to test. Upon testing, the unit failed as expected, and the gyro-scope was removed for further investigation (middle picture). Upon further examination, it was found that the damping fluid used in the gyro-scopes had been oversaturated, and thus had crystallized, preventing the gyro-scopes from functioning properly.
Because the data was accurate and available, the issue was resolved without suffering any damage or casualties, and minimal cost. The problem was able to be scoped and the best solution for the program was executed. All of the affected missiles were downgraded identified for rework upon regular maintenance return. Sections already in the queue for maintenance were identified and the issue resolved.
Collateral Damage = None
Casualties = 0
Misfires = 0
Location data found a convenient unit to test

22. Lessons Learned
IUID is about more than marking and registering concatenated UIIs and their data elements
IUID should be considered in the global context
Not just a DoD initiative
International benefits across government agencies, industry, coalition partners
Identify and involve all stakeholder groups in planning efforts
Groups involved in implementing IUID
Groups that can and will benefit from IUID
Consider existing marking item management practices first
How are items marked today?
Is there available room to add IUID marking on existing data plates and labels?
Ensure serialized item management practices are integrated with IUID
IUID must be the data key for SIM to enable true lifecycle data association

23. Lessons Learned
DoD is responsible for determining which items require IUID in solicitations
Contractors may go beyond IUID requirements
Government must communicate requirements clearly
Contract structure (e.g. use of line items, attachments, exhibits)
Provision of technical authority and documentation when required
For items used in multiple programs, if one requires IUID, all should require IUID
Ensure IUID is integrated into Quality Assurance processes
Quality must be introduced at the front end
Readability and accuracy are crucial throughout the lifecycle
IUID can serve as a forcing function to standardize
Mergers and acquisitions have created complexity in property management
Manufacturers can benefit from lifecycle data as well as government

24. IUID Resources OSD UID Policy Office Website www.uniqueid.org
Trusted site for policy, updates, FAQs, and IUID newsletter
DoN IUID Website
MIL-STD 130 (current version is N as of 15 May 2011)
Marking standards and requirements
DoD Guide to Uniquely Identifying Items, v2.0
Business rules, additional guidance for legacy items
IUID Toolkit
Role based roadmaps for IUID implementation
Defense Acquisition University (DAU)
Continuous Learning Courses (CLM200, CLE 040) to increase IUID knowledge
IUID Helpdesk

25. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

26. “Hello World!” is encoded into this ECC200 Data Matrix 2-D Barcode
Quiet Zone
Data
(viz. “Hello World!”)
Error Correction
Clocking Pattern
Finder Pattern
The Clocking Pattern provides row and column count information to the reader
The Finder Pattern provides orientation information to the reader
The symbols are optically read so any marking methodology capable of leaving a visible mark will work.
Suitability is dependent on environmental, material and process constraints
“Hello World!” is encoded into this ECC200 Data Matrix 2-D Barcode

27. ECC 200 Data Matrix Map Hello World! Hello World! ASCII → “e”
= 102
ASCII → “e”
Hello World!
Hello World!
Error Correction is done through Reed-Solomon algorithms
With 12 EC bytes within the symbol at most 12 blocks with errors can be corrected.
That can be 12 single bit errors in each block or 12 multiple bit errors in each block.
A 16 x 16 Data Matrix holds 12 bytes with the data & 12 error-correcting bytes

28. Reading vs. Verifying Marks
The vocabulary of IUID distinguishes “reading,” “verifying,” and “validating”
Reading the mark decodes the text in the mark.
Verifying the mark ensures the quality of the mark meets the standards for contrast, squareness, straight edges, etc.
Validating the mark makes sure all of the correct ASCII characters that ought to be in the mark are in the mark. It makes sure that all the illegal characters that shouldn’t be in the mark aren’t. It makes sure that all other IUID business rules are followed with respect to the mark’s content.

29. Verification
Verification grades (“A”–“F”) eight characteristics of the mark
Grades of “B” or higher are required to pass the mark
Axial Non-uniformity
Grid Non-uniformity
Unused Error Correction
Fixed Pattern Damage
Verification requires a verifier (about $10,000)
Scanning a barcode is not the same as verifying
Quality requirements are found in MIL-STD 130
Three standards exist for verification per MIL-STD-130M change 1:
ISO/IEC (used for printed labels) 3.0/05/660 (grade of 3.0 or better, with a .005” aperture, with 660 nanometer (red) light)
AS9132 (used for direct part marking)
AIM/DPM (used for both) 2.0/7.5-25/640/(45Q/30Q/90/30T/30S)
where 2.0 grade or better, X-dimension of the application ” ” using 640 nanometer light +/- 20 nm
with illumination 45Q = medium angle four side illumination
30Q = medium angle four side illumination
90 = diffuse perpendicular
30T = low angle two side illumination
30S = low angle one side illumination
Modulation
Over-print
Under-print
Contrast

30. A Readable, Failing Mark
UNDER PRINT
OVER PRINT
CLOCKING PATTERN
DAMAGE
FINDER PATTERN
DAMAGE

31. Readability of the Mark
Hard Read
Easy Read
Expensive Readers
Cheap Readers
Contrast
Shape
Cell Size
Reflectance

32. When a Marine Needs to Turn in M118… They Turn in M118
Marines reserialize gages to pass inspection
Accountability is lost
Errors enter the information system
Ground Marines receive infantry weapon gages that are accounted for by serial number. Over time, some of the gages would get switched or mixed. During inspection, some Marines would remove the provided serial number and reserialize their gage(s) to match the serial number they were assigned, so as to meet inspection (an example can be seen in the picture on the left). This practice makes accountability nearly impossible and enters errors into the information system.
In an attempt to curb this practice, IUIDs were laser etched into the gages. Once the initial batch of marked gages (approximately 3000 out of 35,000) were sent to the field, the practice immediately ceased, even by those who had not received the IUID marked gages.
With IUID Reserialization is No Longer a Problem