Department of Defense Logistical Operations Using RFID Tags
The use of both active and passive RFID tagging on department of defense inventory is a promising new step in creating a more efficient logistical system.
DoD's use of this new technology creates new opportunities and challenges for private contractors and DoD operators providing logistical support.
One of the key opportunities is quicker and more efficient inventory tracking.
With active RFID the chip is powered by battery, making it readable over a distance.
This would allow the entire contents of a palette, shipping container, or even the hull of an aircraft to be read in an instant.
This would increase the organization and speed with which supplies reach the final users in the supply chain.
Active tagging will become the norm for all packages in the international DoD supply chain.
National shipping will still use passive, which will require less technology and eliminate worries about batteries running out over long-term storage.
The DoD RFID system will be compatible with many industry standards for shipping.
For example the RFID tag used for a product going to a major retail outlet can be used for DoD RFID applications.
This technology was implemented from 2004 to 2007 and progressed through various stages.
Starting with only major consumables such as food, fuel, and ammunition being tagged it is now the DoD norm that all packages are tagged with a RFID chip.
This system is linked to a database by the RFID tag serial number.
This insures that the RFID system is secure from enemy interference and observation.
As a backup all packages will also have human readable english labels of what they contain.
This provides security in case of system failure and allows easy reference for logistics workers.
This process will provide a simple and efficient system that takes away the need to read package barcodes individually.
This will save time and labor, ensuring that processes can be increasingly mechanized.
With the modern military seeking to put as few human lives in danger, systems such as this have huge potential.
Aircraft can be unloaded quicker, meaning less time on the ground where they are vulnerable to attack.
Supplies can be send to the areas where they are needed much faster with minimal human error, eliminating many double checking operations which leaves personnel vulnerable.
With a system that is efficient and in line with domestic industrial standards, RFID tagging is a key element of the DoD supply chain.
DoD's use of this new technology creates new opportunities and challenges for private contractors and DoD operators providing logistical support.
One of the key opportunities is quicker and more efficient inventory tracking.
With active RFID the chip is powered by battery, making it readable over a distance.
This would allow the entire contents of a palette, shipping container, or even the hull of an aircraft to be read in an instant.
This would increase the organization and speed with which supplies reach the final users in the supply chain.
Active tagging will become the norm for all packages in the international DoD supply chain.
National shipping will still use passive, which will require less technology and eliminate worries about batteries running out over long-term storage.
The DoD RFID system will be compatible with many industry standards for shipping.
For example the RFID tag used for a product going to a major retail outlet can be used for DoD RFID applications.
This technology was implemented from 2004 to 2007 and progressed through various stages.
Starting with only major consumables such as food, fuel, and ammunition being tagged it is now the DoD norm that all packages are tagged with a RFID chip.
This system is linked to a database by the RFID tag serial number.
This insures that the RFID system is secure from enemy interference and observation.
As a backup all packages will also have human readable english labels of what they contain.
This provides security in case of system failure and allows easy reference for logistics workers.
This process will provide a simple and efficient system that takes away the need to read package barcodes individually.
This will save time and labor, ensuring that processes can be increasingly mechanized.
With the modern military seeking to put as few human lives in danger, systems such as this have huge potential.
Aircraft can be unloaded quicker, meaning less time on the ground where they are vulnerable to attack.
Supplies can be send to the areas where they are needed much faster with minimal human error, eliminating many double checking operations which leaves personnel vulnerable.
With a system that is efficient and in line with domestic industrial standards, RFID tagging is a key element of the DoD supply chain.
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