Glossaire - definitions

Traceability : Traceability is the ability to trace the history, application or location of an entity by means of recorded identification.
The word traceability can refer to :
- the origin of materials or components.
- the history of the processes applied to the product.
- the distribution and installation of a product after delivery .

Registration : The supplier must have written procedures to identify, collect, index, reach, classify, store and delete all the information related to quality. A backup can be written or saved on any data support.

Batch : A batch is a quantity of products made or bought at the same time and under the same conditions.

Unique Identification : The principle of the identification system is obviously based on the fact that the identity is unique.
With the globalisation and increasing world exchanges, a unique number in a company is not necessarely a unique number on a bigger scale.
To be prepared for this eventuality, the NF EN 1572 standard was written to avoid the use of a common number. Some measures are being taken to make this identification independent from the technique of representation.

Data Matrix Symbol : A two-dimensional array of square or round cells arranged in contiguous rows and columns. In certain ECC200 symbols, data regions can be separated by alignment patterns. The data region is surrounded by a finder pattern (AIM-Data Matrix).

Density (Matrix Density) : The number of rows and columns in a scanned matrix symbol.

Direct Part Marking : Marking applied direct to a parts surface using intrusive or non-intrusive identification techniques.

Dot : A localized region with a reflectance which differs from that of the surrounding surface.

Error Checking (ECC) And Correction : Mathematical techniques used to identify symbol damage and reconstruct the original information, based upon the remaining data in a damaged or poorly printed code. Reed Solomon and convolution are two such techniques.

Human-Readable Identification : The letters, digits or other characters associated with specific symbol characters that are incorporated into linear bar code or two-dimensional symbols.

Intrusive Marking : Any device designed to alter a material surface to form a human or machine readable symbol. This marking category includes, but is not limited to, devices that abrade, burn, corrode, cut, deform, dissolve, etch, melt, oxidize, or vaporize a material surface.

License tag number : The information contained with the symbol character set to uniquely identify the component. As a minimum the information shall contain the manufacturers CAGE code followed by an asterisk (ASCII separator) and trace code (lot, member or serial number).

Mark : Refers to a Data Matrix symbol that has been applied to a material surface using a permanent marking method.

Non-intrusive Marking : A method of forming markings by adding material to a surface. Non-intrusive marking methods include ink jet, laser bonding, liquid metal jet, silk screen, stencil and thin film deposition.

Part Identification Data : Markings used to relate parts to their design, manufacturing, test, and operationnal histories.

Permanent Marking : Intrusive or non-intrusive markings designed to remain legible beyond the normal service life of an item.

Quiet Zone : Areas of high reflectance (spaces) surrounding the machine-readable symbol. Quiet zone requirements may be found in application and symbology specifications. Sometimes called "Clear Area" or "Margin".

Reader : Another name for a CCD or CMOS camera configured to read symbols.

Symbology : A machine-readable pattern comprised of a quiet zone, finder pattern, symbol characters (which include special functions and error detection and/or correction characters) required by a particulary symbology.

Temporary Identification : Marking designed to be removed or separated from items before they reach the end of their life cycle.