How to replace an IUID Label and maintain MIL-STD-130 compliance

As part of the A2B Tracking Webinar Series, Peter Collins and I recently discussed the 5 Key Steps to create a compliant MIL‑STD‑130 IUID label. For the purpose of this post I would like to talk about having to replace an IUID label.

When you have a requirement for an IUID label to meet MIL-STD-130 compliance the label must be affixed and the 2D data matrix barcode must be readable for the entire lifecycle of the asset that is being marked. In order to do this, you must consider the environmental conditions the asset will be exposed to. It is the expected environmental conditions of the asset that will dictate the appropriate material or substrate (e.g. polyester label, polyacrylic label, aluminum label) and marking method (e.g. thermal transfer printing, laser etching, photo anodization) to meet the compliance requirement.

Correct Label Material & Marking Method

Obviously, you should do the appropriate research and try to avoid a situation where an IUID label needs to be replaced. But, it is not uncommon — mistakes can happen and sometimes we can not predict what the environmental conditions will be in the future.

IUID Policy Procedure

If you have applied an IUID label to an asset that has incorrect data or if the 2D data matrix is unreadable you have two options. In accordance with MIL-STD-130 Section 5.2.8 you can remove the label and replace it with a new label. If the label is unable to be removed you will need to obliterate the 2D data matrix by crossing it out using 2 diagonal lines crossing each other in the center of the barcode and two other lines along the outside of the data matrix that have the two interrupted frame lines.

A typical scenario when a replacement UID label is needed would be when the label is not staying on the asset due to the wrong adhesive being used. Or perhaps the barcode is beginning to fade due to the UV rays from the sun and a poor choice of an incorrect marking method at the point of manufacture. Or sometimes, the label needs to be replaced due to an aggressive cleaning method used on the asset, such as an acid bath, which damaged the barcode or pulled the label off of the asset entirely.

If any of these situations occur you can apply a replacement UID label. What is crucial is that the replacement label have the exact same data that the original label had.

Data Does Not Change

The replacement label must have the same CAGE code, Part number and Serial number as the original. To meet IUID compliance for the life of the asset, once an IUID is assigned to an asset it cannot be changed due to a need for a replacement label. Any IUID remains the same for the entire lifecycle of the asset. To confirm the correct data you can look at the IUID verification report that came with your labels or your in-house data reference material.

Having to replace an IUID label should be a very rare occurrence. If you do need to replace an IUID label this will give you a second opportunity to be sure you are using the most appropriate material and marking method that best suits the conditions the asset will be exposed to.