U.S. Navy Ammunition Management Undergoes Technology Revolution

The 57th Munitions Squadron (MUNS) at Nellis Air Force Base was grappling with significant challenges in ammunition and logistics management. Traditional operations involved labor-intensive, inefficient, and error-prone processes that consumed approximately 250 human hours per week, diminishing efficiency in fulfilling mission-critical tasks.

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Located outside Las Vegas, Nevada, Nellis AFB houses hundreds of storage shelters, and the correct inventory records, inventory management, asset tracking, and data entry for these shelters required manual operations. However, the existing asset management platform, the Theater Integrated Combat Munitions System (TICMS), relied on manual data entry, amplifying inefficiencies and vulnerabilities.

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Through a grant provided under the National Science Foundation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR II) program, Nellis AFB collaborated with asset tracking technology provider SEE ID Inc. This collaboration aimed to implement a new track-and-trace logistics system that would accelerate operations, significantly reduce manual labor, and enhance tracking accuracy.

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The core components of the project included item-level tracking using 5G passive tags, visual inventory management with electronic e-paper signage and shelf labels, Long-Range RF Locating of Trailers (LRL), and automated loading-unloading operations through Smart Logistics Platforms. These components improved decision-making processes and operational workflows by delivering systems that optimize storage and distribution using artificial intelligence.

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Through tags embedded on trailers at the facility and vehicles moving throughout the base, assets in motion could be monitored in real-time on maps and historical movements could be recorded. The tags and gates were certified in accordance with the Air Force's HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance Certification and Management) safety program.

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SEE ID Inc.'s software demonstrated the ability to track the real-time location of any trailer within the facility with a single antenna station. Integration with the existing TICMS system was noted as unnecessary. Additionally, required trailer inspections were recorded through an audit application, and items requiring maintenance were flagged.

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The system enables tracking in GPS-denied environments where GPS signals are unavailable. The long range of the LRL antennas provided extensive coverage that encompassed the entire facility and a wide surrounding area. Smart, battery-powered tags utilizing 5G connectivity automatically scanned items loaded onto or carried by trailers, updating asset movements and inventories. The tags can also read sensors that monitor tire pressure, temperature, and movement.

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This tracking capability reduced radio traffic, improved real-time visibility into order status, and provided valuable accountability data for investigating incidents. While enhancing security, it minimized muster time in emergency situations. Additional benefits derived from the implementation of SEE ID technology included savings of 250 human hours per week, improved inventory accuracy, and enhanced operational decision-making processes.

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The Air Force stated that following the successful testing and demonstration of the SEE ID system in the Phase II program at Nellis AFB, it is currently evaluating the system's applicability to general service operations. For this purpose, the Air Force is in the process of submitting a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program application. Although the research project's focus has been on MUNS operations, the system is noted as applicable to many other fields such as Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE), security forces, civil engineering, and medical operations.

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Key Points:

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• The 57th Munitions Squadron (MUNS) was struggling with manual operations.

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• Collaboration with SEE ID Inc. under the National Science Foundation's SBIR II program.

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• Implementation of a new track-and-trace system using 5G passive tags and smart tags.

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• Achieved savings of 250 human hours per week.

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• Tracking accuracy and inventory management were significantly improved.

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• The system is capable of operating in environments without GPS signals.

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• Security was enhanced with tamper-detectable tags.

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• The system is applicable to Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) and other operational areas.

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• The Air Force applied to the TACFI program for integration of the system into general operations.

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News Link: https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/40611-a-us-air-force-base-automates-and-streamlines-asset-tracking

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