4.3.18.14. Item Unique Identification
4.3.18.14. Item Unique Identification
Properly implemented, Item Unique Identification (IUID)-enabled Serialized Item Management (SIM) provides a capability that allows DoD to locate, control, value, and manage its assets throughout the life cycle. A robust SIM program provides tools and processes to assist informed decision making to achieve both better weapon system reliability and readiness at reduced total ownership cost. As a key enabler, IUID is a systematic process to globally and unambiguously distinguish one item from all other items that DoD buys or owns. IUID-enabled SIM provides DoD with a standard methodology to:
- Consistently capture the value of all individual items it buys/owns
- Trace these items during their use
- Combat counterfeiting of parts
- Associate valuable business intelligence to an item throughout its life cycle via automatic identification technology and connections to automated information systems
Program Managers and Product Support Managers should budget, plan for, and implement IUID-enabled SIM as an integral activity within MIL-STD-130 requisite item identification processes to identify and track applicable major end items and configuration-controlled items. IUID implemented in accordance with DoDI 8320.04 and IUID Implementation Plans are required for all milestone decisions as directed by DoDI 5000.02. IUID-specific design considerations are required in the Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), and SIM planning and implementation required by DoDI 4151.19 are addressed in the Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP).
The Systems Engineer considers what to mark and how to incorporate the IUID mark within MIL-STD-130 item marking requirements when formulating design decisions. In addition, the Systems Engineer considers where product and maintenance information reside and how the life-cycle data is used within the configuration management and product support systems - including new and legacy information systems.
The DoD Guide to Uniquely Identifying Items, provides guidance on implementing IUID intended for use by Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and their suppliers who put unique item identifier (UII) marks on new items during production, as directed in the contract.
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