What are the difference between UID direct part marking and UID name plates and labels to identify assets?
The barcode(s) and human readable data must follow the same Guideline rules that result in the UID two-dimensional DataMatrix code. When 1) the asset to be marked is smaller than available name plates, 2) if mounting a name plate is not feasible, 3) if direct marking equipment is available, and/or if the volume of parts justifies a direct marking function then the choice for direct part marking may be feasible. UID name plates are best suited for identifying larger assets where rivet or permanent adhesive mounting techniques can be successfully used. Often the total continuing cost to procure and mount a UID name plate will be less than the total cost to acquire equipment and perform the process to direct part mark an asset.
