DOD RFID: SAVI Technology and SAMSys Technologies integrate RFID solution to bolster security at U.S. Army ammo depots
SUNNYVALE, CA and TORONTO, ON - Savi Technology, a leading provider of RFID networks for real-time supply chain visibility, asset management and security, in partnership with SAMSys Technologies (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), an international provider of RFID hardware solutions, announced the successful design, integration, and delivery of a passive
RFID tracking solution for the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command (JMC).
The Check-It-Out Key Management System automatically monitors and tracks the details of each key issue and return transaction for thousands of high-security keys, virtually eliminating the need for manual record keeping. Check-It-Out links with the U.S. Army’s existing legacy inventory management application and updates transaction details in order to determine when to unseal buildings for inventory. The Check-It-Out solution, designed by Savi Technology, can be configured for all kinds of “check-in and check-out assets”, from tools to cell phones.
“The implementation of Check-It-Out at just one U.S. Army depot in Utah, which consists of more than 1,200 buildings and 2,500 keys, has successfully reduced the number of hours required for manual check-in and check-out procedures by 25 percent,” said Mazie Angus, JMC’s Inventory Team Leader. “Our employees are working more efficiently and productivity has increased. We are very pleased with this solution and look forward to working with Savi in the future.”
Check-It-Out eliminates manual data input errors, provides 100% data accuracy, reduces bottlenecks during heavy check-in and checkout times, and provides real-time status reports. Its comprehensive internal database enables it to operate as a stand-alone application or as a front-end data source for the existing Ammunition Inventory Accountability Program.
“This solution instantly and accurately documents and ensures the security of thousands of daily key transactions occurring at US Army ammunition depots,” said Jerry Bredesen, Program Manager for Savi Technology who oversaw software design and system implementation. “Based on the success of this solution, it is easy to foresee it being replicated for other government and commercial sector applications, including equipment rental, shared radios and cell phones, test equipment tracking, and even book tracking systems in libraries.”
Following a thorough evaluation of RFID reader vendors, Savi selected SAMSys to supply the hardware components because of the company’s integration support and the ease with which the hardware could be integrated into the Check-It-Out solution. SAMSys components include high-frequency passive tags and SAMSys fixed proximity readers with external flat antenna.
“SAMSys has extensive experience and success in the implementation of RFID solutions for various industries and environments and we are delighted to have been selected to participate in this innovative installation,” says Cliff Horwitz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SAMSys. “We are pleased to support both Savi Technology and the U.S Army on this important implementation. The reader hardware we provide is at the forefront of RFID advancement and will provide the necessary platform for future tag protocol and Standards migration.”
Each key is fixed with a small, rectangular, RFID tag embedded key chain containing “license plate” information on the key’s identification. Savi’s software and a localized relational database marry the tag’s ID with users and their privileges, authorized custodians, its corresponding building number, and conditions that must be met before the key is issued. When the key chain is scanned, all of this information displays on the key custodian’s computer screen for verification.
“The initial preparation and integration of this solution took only three days and within the first two days of operation we recovered four man-hours,” said Bruce Banks, a Key Custodian at Tooele Army Depot in Utah. “In the first version of this program it has worked flawlessly and demonstrated impressive results. It has also been easy to learn and train others.”
The Check-It-Out solution builds on and augments an earlier solution Savi Technology developed called The Stockpile Inventory List Comparator (SILC) suite, which was announced about a year ago. SILC, using a special cross-laminated material for 2-D barcodes, also seamlessly integrated Automatic Identification Technologies (AIT) and software applications into the Army’s Ammunition Inventory Accountability Program to enhance the speed, productivity and accuracy of managing ammunition inventory data. SILC already has been implemented at every major ammunition storage depot in the United States and several overseas. Check-It-Out is currently being fielded to two more U. S. Army locations, and should be fully implemented at all U.S. ammunition depots by Fall.
About Savi Technology
With over 15 years of global logistics infrastructure experience, Savi is the proven leader in global supply chain security and asset management. The Savi SmartChain™ suite of asset management, security and collaboration software applications is uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to provide real-time logistics management solutions. Savi Technology works with leading freight transportation carriers, shippers, service providers and owners of supply chain assets to create unique solutions that ensure vastly superior management, visibility, and security of shipments. For more information please visit: www.savi.com.
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