Implementation at Pine Bluff Arsenal

1. Assessment of Radio Frequency Identification Research Team: Justin Chimka PhD, Scott Mason PhD, Earnest Fant PhD, and David Scott Research Assistant Implementation at Pine Bluff Arsenal Pine Bluff Arsenal Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA) spends a considerable amount of money due to multiple and non-existent tracking systems for both inventory maintenance and production support. Errors continually occur due to current methods depending on human accountability. Department of Defense requirements are serving as additional motivation for RFID deployment. (PBA) RFID EPC Standard Methodology The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a unique 96 bit code embedded into each RFID tag • Preliminary Investigations provided understanding of system • Identified Opportunities for Improved Operations • Evaluation of Automatic Identification Technology • Developed Implementation Plan • Recommendation of RFID Practices • Documentation EPC Classification RFID Deployment Team Objective • First Level of Deployment • Track all direct materials depending on read numbers • Portals at the warehouses • Handhelds for warehouse tracking • Choke points – gates, fences • Incoming materials tagged at receiving • License plate tag type • Portal at receiving dock doors • Handheld tracking at receiving • Tagging at pallet level • One receiving team responsible for RFID products • Portals at gates to Production • Tracking for 69 buildings • Second level of Deployment • Tracking at unit of pack • All pallets are tagged at receiving to preload system for further applications • Tracking expanded from 69 to include a greater number of the 198 buildings • Third Level of Deployment • Tracking at sub-units of pack • Tracking in 198 buildings that include Receiving, Storage, and Production • Wired forklifts • RFID tracking devices used at spotting in production areas • RFID tag production managers for checking off material • Discrepancy actions can be taken by production • Tags provided by Vendors Class 0 - Passive, Read only Class 1 - Passive, Write once Class 2 - Passive, Multi Write / Read Class 3 - Active, Multi Write / Read Class 4 - Active, Networking Tags Our objective was to investigate implementation of RFID technology for tracking at Pine Bluff Arsenal and develop an implementation plan leaving the Arsenal in a position to install the system. Tag Classification • Active • Battery powered (memory radio circuitry) • Long read ranges (300ft to 1000ft) • $30-$100 per • Semi-Active • Reader activates tag onboard battery • Medium read Ranges (10ft to 60ft) • $5.00 - $50.00 • Passive • Reader powered • Short read range (4ft to 30ft) • $0.25 - $5.00 Frequency Range Drivers of ROI • Shrinkage • Counterfeiting • Meeting Requirements • Quality / Control • Stock-out situations • Excess Inventory • Misplaced Inventory