How to Generate DLA Labels (MIL-STD-129R/UID) with Loocey's API

Overview

Learn how to generate DLA Container and UID labels (MIL-STD-129R) using Loocey’s API. In this tutorial, we walk through creating an API key, setting up a sample Node.js script, and making an API call to automatically generate label PDFs. You’ll also see examples of 1D labels, 2D labels, and exterior container labels created from the API.

Download the example script used in this tutorial:

Step by step

The walkthrough covered in the video, written out so you can follow along inside Loocey.

1. Creating DLA Container and UID labels can be challenging, but Loocey is super simple to not only create the labels in the Loocey application, but also it can be done with Loocey’s API.
2. Our first step is creating the API Key. Once you login, go to the top-right corner of the site and click on your profile icon. From the dropdown menu, select Edit Profile. Once you’re on the profile page, look at the menu on the left-hand side.
3. Here, you’ll see an option called API Keys.
4. Go ahead and click on it.
5. This is the API Keys page.
6. API Keys are used to integrate Loocey with other applications.
7. It’s important to know that API Keys are highly confidential and have the same level of access as the current user.
8. Because of that, you should always store your API Keys securely and never share them publicly.
9. On this page, you’ll also see a note pointing you to the API Reference documentation, which contains details about available endpoints and how to use them.
10. Now, let’s create a new API Key. Click on the New button.
11. This opens the Create New API Key window.
12. Here, you’ll enter a name for your API Key.
13. This name is only for identification purposes, so choose something that clearly describes how the key will be used.
14. Once the key is created, make sure to copy it and store it in a safe place.
15. Anyone with access to this key will have the same permissions as your user account.
16. If you ever need to revoke access, you can return to this page and delete the API Key.
17. Deleting a key immediately disables it for any integrations using it.
18. Next, we’re going to use a test Node J.S. script that we created to make it easier for this tutorial.
19. The link will be in the description to download the script and extract it.
20. But let’s open the script in a text editor, we’ll use VS Code but you can use any text editor.
21. We’ll open the extracted folder And navigate to the js file called Loocey Label Maker API Call.
22. At the top, we’ll need to replace the placeholder where it says your API key, with the API key we generated earlier.
23. Then, just incase let's run this command to make sure node fetch library is installed on your computer
24. npm install -g node-fetch
25. Next let’s look at the script details.
26. This script will generate 3 different types of labels, 1D label, 2D Label and exterior container labels.
27. Show this section, as scrolling down show generateLabel funciton details
28. generateLabel(request1D);

Where this fits

This tutorial covers the Labels, Packaging & Post-Award part of Loocey DLA. MIL-STD-129R container labels, the Label Maker API and DLA packaging requirements.

• Loocey DLA Getting Started guide — account setup and the full bidding workflow
• Saved-search recipes — the exact column, condition and value for 20 common DLA searches
• DLA / DIBBS glossary — what every field on a solicitation means
• All Loocey DLA video tutorials