The UID Supplier Alliance (USA) Committee includes many of the leading providers of UID and other automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) solutions. It was founded last November 2007 by AIM North America, which represents the AIDC industry. AIM has been instrumental in helping the military and organizations in manufacturing, aerospace, logistics and other industries learn about AIDC technologies, and has helped develop and standardize many of the technologies used today, including the Data Matrix bar code symbology at the heart of the UID program.
The USA Committee has representatives from 17 companies, which include most leading providers of UID technology and solutions. Collectively these members have helped implement hundreds of successful UID marking and data management systems, and have seen how the systems benefit maintenance, inventory, production and traceability operations for the military and contractors alike.
The UID Supplier Alliance Committee has three major goals:
- Present a clear and consistent message on UID requirements. One of the major challenges is to fight misperceptions. Many contractors think UID marking requirements do not apply to them or would be too burdensome. In fact, there are very few exemptions to the UID marking requirement. Most contractors can meet their requirements with inexpensive labeling equipment, and about half of the suppliers who currently participate in the program are classified as small businesses.
- Educate and influence government leaders about the benefits of UID compliance. Later this month committee members will take their message to Capitol Hill, where they are scheduling briefings with multiple senators and congressmen. Members are ready to present numerous examples of how unique identification data can contribute to military readiness and save taxpayer dollars by making maintenance and inventory operations more efficient.
- Establish a plan for success. "UID has been considered a strategic imperative. Leadership is needed to make sure it's carried out," said Lt. Col. (Ret.) Greg Redick, who led the UID program's development before he retired from the military. Redick now advises the UID Supplier Alliance Committee. "UID has been very successful within pockets, but the benefits are not as widespread throughout the DoD as they can be."
For more information and to get involved, e-mail AIM North America or call +1 724.934.5688.
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