What is AMATS?


Aviation Maintenance Automated Tracking System (AMATS) is a system that uses Contact Memory Buttons (CMB) to hold the component historical record resident on the component. Currently AMATS technology is integrated with the Enhanced Logbook Automation System (ELAS) and is operational within the majority of the Army Apache fleet.

What is a Contact Memory Button?
A Contact Memory Button, or "Smart Button", is really a microchip encapulated in epoxy and then covered with a gold- plated brass casing. This brass cover allows the data in the chip to be accessed by touching the CMB with a special reader. The CMBs used for AMATS are capable of holding 32K of data and are manufactured by MacSema, Inc. (www.macsema.com). These CMBs can withstand harsh conditions and retain their data. They also can be read and updated with new information as needed.

What data is being held on the Army's CMBs?
The complete component historical records for the assembly that the CMB is attached to and a listing of the sub-components. The following forms make up the component package that travels with the component through the maintenance, repair, and supply systems:

-DA Form 2410
-DA Form 2408-5-1 (Component MWO)
-DA Form 2408-16
-DA Form 2408-16-1
-DA Form 2408-19-1 or -2 (Engine Performance)
-DA Form 2408-20 (Oil Analysis)

What is UID?

UID is a Department of Defense program that will enable easy access to information about DoD possessions that will make acquisition, repair, and deployment of items faster and more efficient.

How does UID Work?
UID of items is accomplished by marking each qualifying item with a permanent 2-dimensional data matrix. The data matrix is encoded with the data elements necessary to construct a Unique Item Identifier (UII) which is globally unique and unambiguous. The data elements required to form a UII include the manufacturer’s identification (i.e. cage code) and the item’s serial number. If the manufacturer serializes within part number, that data element will also be encoded.

What is the UIDunencoder?
The UIDunencoder module has been developed as a group of shared libraries, accessible by computer applications, for decoding a string of data from a UID mark. The need for more than one shared library is due to the diverse computer platforms, operating systems, and development environments which require this capability. For more information, view the UID 2-D Data Matrix Reader online application.