How the Military uses RFID for their asset tracking system
posted on: 03 Dec, 2024 | 12:33:35 PM by ibc
Military RFID Applications
Currently, the military distribution system has over 3 million active RFID tags in circulation. In Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Pakistan, there are over 3,100 tag-reader devices. The Navy, Air Force, and Marines have invested in passive RFID technology with promising results.
The Navy:
RFID readers are installed at warehouse doors and other receiving points in Hawaii naval installations. The Navy has not only made RFID tag transaction information visible to its customers but has also implemented interfaces between RFID technology and naval distribution systems. The success of these improvements has led to discussions on whether RFID can be safely used on vessels for onboard supply processes, considering the hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO). If feasible, detailed asset tracking and visibility will be possible for shipboard supply.
The Air Force:
Passive RFID tags are used to manage materials related to nuclear weapons. Each item requires two-person identification and documentation, and passive RFID is helping meet these intensive inventory management requirements. For example, an entire warehouse inventory can now be completed in minutes with the use of handheld terminals. Items are tracked when moved between areas, buildings, or installations. Automatic alerts notify when items do not arrive by their expected delivery time.
The Marine Corps:
Distribution managers are working to integrate passive RFID with their information systems. This will eliminate several manual processes and could significantly reduce human error. Each Marine Corps main base already uses passive RFID systems to document on-base deliveries.
These are just a few examples of RFID applications in the military. Many others exist, such as the Army using passive RFID to track parachute processing—from warehousing and inventory to packing, shipping, jumping, and recovery. Implemented in the early 2000s, this system has helped eliminate manual methods that were error-prone, labor-intensive, and vulnerable to tampering.
The Benefits of Military RFID Applications
The benefits of incorporating RFID tags are significant, both for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its suppliers. For the DoD, these benefits include:
Improved asset tracking
Replacement of manual procedures
Enhanced labor productivity
Improved acceptance and receipt processes
Automated acceptance and receipt
For the DoD’s suppliers, RFID offers:
Improved planning
Increased ability to ensure that supplies and equipment are stocked on DoD shelves
Improved efficiency in recalling defective items
Faster receipt of payments
Automated data capture for efficient material recording, ensuring assets’ location is always available
RFID Technology to Overcome Challenges
RFID technology addresses several challenges faced by government and military agencies. Here are some examples:
Challenge 1: Managing Equipment
Government and military agencies manage a wide range of valuable equipment. These assets need to be tracked, located, and maintained for loss prevention and efficiency. Whether tracking election equipment or counting mortars fired from tank guns, RFID provides an automated method for locating assets, tracking usage, and scheduling maintenance.
Challenge 2: Managing Inventory
Agencies constantly use a variety of inventory items, including files, documents, ID cards, and licenses. Managing these items as they move through the supply chain can be a challenge. RFID tags provide automated registration of these assets, offering real-time access to inventory levels and locations.
Challenge 3: Managing Personnel
Security and performance are key for personnel management. It’s crucial to track personnel locations, identify soldiers, and locate the wounded in field hospitals. By assigning RFID badges to personnel and visitors, agencies can verify identities and track locations, ensuring maximum visibility.
Challenge 4: Controlling Access
Security is a top priority in government and military agencies. Securing sensitive zones within buildings or military bases is crucial for protecting assets. RFID badges for personnel and visitors control access to various areas, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter specific zones. All access activity is logged, providing security teams with comprehensive reports.
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