The Department of Defense is committed to maintaining an efficient method of managing the logistics process
. Mil Std 129 outlines the requirements of this commitment. It goes into great detail about the importance of item identification and management. Mil Std 129 outlines that all items under the control and ownership of the Department of Defense should be properly marked and identified so that it is in compliance with the Universal Identifier System. This system is in place to aid in the logistics process. Keeping track of the thousands of physical objects under the control of the DoD is vital to operations, both domestic and international.
One of the major components of the Mil Std 129 system is the identification requirement. Each item must posses two types of markings, one that is legible by humans and the second kind accessible to machines. Text is supplied for human use and a series of bar codes is provided for scanners to interpret. The information that is expressed in these markings pertains to the item number, expiration date, transportation requirement, etc. Mil Std 129 is very strict on the form and display of these markings.
Another vital part of this system is the data storage and retrieval. Each marked item that is in compliance with the system has the privilege to be included in the central database, also known as the UID registry. Items can be searched for using a variety of information as parameters. This central point of control also allows for the Department of Defense to rapidly maintain inventory records and issue mass recalls if a series of items is found to be inoperable or defective. Mil Std 129 outlines the procedures and requirements for entry into the UID registry.
Many companies and organizations work and do business closely with the Department of Defense. In order to meet the requirements set forth by this department, it is vital to be informed of the requirements. Mil Std 129 is a complex and detailed document that outlines a very rigorous system of identification and marking. A expert who is skilled in the topics of UID registry and markings should be consulted with to ensure that maximum compliance is met and sustained.