USIDs

USIDs is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts depending on context. There is no single universal standard for the term.

In information technology and data management, USID is often used to denote a Unique System Identifier, an identifier used to distinguish one system or device within a network or dataset. It helps with tracking, auditing, and maintaining data integrity, though the exact format (numeric, alphanumeric, or UUID-like) varies by implementation.

In broadcasting and media, USID has been used to denote a Universal Station Identifier, a label assigned to broadcast sources to support logging, rights management, and analytics. This usage aims to identify the source of a program or signal within automation and archival workflows.

In research and standards contexts, USID can refer to a Unique Sample Identifier, used to tag specimens, data points, or experimental samples to ensure traceability across stages of a study or a data pipeline.

In security and identity management, USID may be used informally to refer to a User Session ID or a user identity token employed to authenticate or track a user’s activity within a system. This usage is not tied to a single protocol or standard.

Because usage varies across industries, the exact meaning of USID depends on the organization and field. When encountering this term, it is important to consult the relevant documentation to confirm its specific definition in that context.