Because the quality of a direct marked 2-D code is critical to the success of lifetime part traceability, many manufacturers view the 2-D mark as a critical attribute of the part itself. Loss of a part's identity because of poor mark quality means that the part cannot be processed in the manufacturing plant or be used in the supply chain. For this reason, parts suppliers and manufacturers are beginning to require a 2-D mark verification capability in order to confirm that part marks meet the quality levels set forth by industry standards.
From a process control standpoint, controlling the quality of the mark that gets applied to the part is a critical element to successful part tracking applications. By understanding the root cause of poorly formed codes using universal standards, manufacturers can trouble shoot marking equipment, better maintain the equipment, and prevent bad codes from entering the manufacturing and supply chains.