What are UID and Barcodes? A barcode is an image that is read by a computer's optical scanner. The lines in the barcode contain information. The spacing of the parallel lines are known as linear barcodes or symbologies. Barcodes can also have squares, hexagons, dots and other geometric patterns that computers can read to retrieve data. We’re most accustomed to seeing barcodes on the products we buy in the grocery stores. The cashiers pass the products over an optical scanner to ring them up.
In fact, barcodes were first used in automated grocery store checkout systems. Since then barcodes have been used across a wide spectrum of industries. From telecommunications to the aerospace industry, companies use barcodes to keep track of their inventory and property. A package delivery company uses barcodes to keep track of packages it sends and receives. Warehouse operations use barcodes to monitor what stock is coming and going.
A unique identification marking, or UID, takes barcodes a step further. A UID is a permanent tag that is attached to any product. A UID barcode & Government Barcodes are reliable markers the government can use to track its inventory and property. The United States Department of Defense mandated that a UID be attached to all equipment to give it a unique ID. The department also made it mandatory that all federal contractors apply a UID marking on government provided military and non-military equipment. Many companies are required to have a compliance program in place to meet this government standard and use a UID to meet these guidelines. Answering the question, "Can the government track us through barcodes?" Maybe, but only at the point that the item is presented with the government barcodes.
Many companies use UID Nameplates, custom labels or barcodes to track capital assets.
There are several kinds of materials that UID & Barcodes can be printed on. A UID tag can be made out of aluminum, Lexan/polycarbonate, metalphoto, vinyl, mylar, and polyester. UID and barcodes used as labels are durable and flexible. This kind of UID or Barcode can withstand harsh conditions, such as chemicals, abrasions, solvents and high temperatures. Metalphoto™ UID and barcode nameplates are excellent for weathering extreme outdoor conditions, as well as, chemicals and solvents. A Metalphoto™ UID can guard against caustic agents, acid. They are chemical and abrasion resistant and able to tolerate extremely high temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
UID and barcodes can be screen printed, anodized, Metalphoto™, thermal transfer, hot stamped and serialized. There are pressure sensitive, solvent activated, removable and permanent adhesive UID and barcodes. There are over laminates such as matte, semi gloss, write on, hard coating, UV varnish and protective for use with a UID or barcode. Matte, semi gloss, gloss, epoxy, varnished, textured and brushed are several finishes available. UID and barcodes can be shaped into nameplates and labels that have slots, round corners, die cuts, bends, or rivet holes.
UID Labels and Barcodes have many uses and applications. For more information about UID and Barcodes visit Data Graphics Inc.
