Nellis AFB Digitalizes Logistics Management with SEE ID Inc.

The 57th Munition Squadron (MUNS) at Nellis Air Force Base faced significant challenges in ammunition and logistics management. Traditional operations were inefficient, error-prone, and unsustainable, requiring approximately 250 human hours of manual work. Located near Las Vegas, Nevada, Nellis AFB houses hundreds of storage bunkers that required manual operations for accurate inventory records, inventory management, asset tracking, and data entry. However, the existing asset management platform, Theater Integrated Combat Munitions System (TICMS), was built on manual data entry, which amplified inefficiencies and vulnerabilities.

\n

\n

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

\n

The project's core components included:

\n

\n

• 5G Passive Labels: Enabled real-time and precise tracking of ammunition at the product level, reducing the need for manual inventory checks.

\n

• Visual Inventory Management: Using electronic e-paper markers and shelf labels minimized manual data entry and errors, providing significant reductions in labor hours.

\n

• Long-Range RF Localization Systems (LRL): Included automated loading and unloading operations.

\n

• Intelligent Logistics Platforms: AI-enabled platforms optimized storage and distribution, improving decision-making processes and operational workflows.

\n

\n

\n

To enable real-time tracking of trailers and personnel at the facility, labels were placed on a trailer and two vehicles moving within the base. The demonstration tracked moving assets on maps, recording historical movements for later analysis. The labels and network gateways were certified under the Air Force's HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance Certification and Management) safety program.

\n

\n

According to the Air Force, SEE ID Inc.'s software demonstrated the capability to track a trailer's real-time location anywhere on the base using a single antenna station. No integration with the existing TICMS is required. Additionally, an audit application records required trailer inspections and flags items needing maintenance. The system provides effective tracking even in GPS-denied environments where GPS signals are unavailable. The long range of LRL antennas enables coverage of the entire base and a wide surrounding area.

\n

\n

Intelligent, battery-powered labels use 5G connectivity to scan items loaded on trailers, forklifts, or other transport vehicles and automatically update asset movements and inventory. The labels can also read sensors such as tire pressure, temperature, and movement. The 5G labels and smart labels contain readable printed barcodes, allowing manual retrieval of information for those not using the automated system and providing backup storage in case of unexpected system failures. Both the labels and shelf labels can be provided in tamper-evident forms that enhance system security.

\n

\n

Tracking capability reduces radio traffic, provides better real-time awareness of mission status, and provides valuable accountability data for investigating incidents. It also enhances security and minimizes muster time during emergencies. Additional benefits achieved through deployment of SEE ID's technology include savings of 250 work hours per week, increased operational efficiency, and improved staff focus. The Air Force stated that deployment of the SEE ID system produced "transformative" results, dramatically increasing the efficiency, command visibility, and security of MUNS logistics operations. An advanced software dashboard and logging feature was introduced to enhance TICMS operations.

\n

\n

Although the focus of the research project was MUNS operations, the Air Force indicates that the system could be applied in other areas such as Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE), security forces, civil engineering, and medical operations. Following successful testing and demonstration of the Phase II program at Nellis AFB, the Air Force is currently evaluating the system's applicability in general service operations. A Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program application is ongoing for this purpose.

\n

\n

Key Points:

\n

\n

• The 57th MUNS at Nellis AFB was losing 250 work hours per week due to manual logistics processes.

\n

• In collaboration with SEE ID Inc., a 5G-based track-and-trace system was implemented.

\n

• The project utilized 5G passive labels, electronic e-paper shelf labels, and AI-enabled logistics platforms.

\n

• The system provides effective tracking even in GPS-denied environments and holds HERO safety certification.

\n

• Weekly savings of 250 work hours increased operational efficiency and staff focus.

\n

• The system requires no integration with TICMS and can be applied across different operational areas.

\n

• The Air Force is pursuing a TACFI application to scale the system to general operations.

\n

\n

\n

\n

---

\n

\n

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

\n

\n

-------------------

\n

!!! ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

\n

How to Implement ERP? Our Book Has Been Published on Google Play Books.

\n

#What is ERP?

\n

https://www.sedatonat.com/erpnasilalinir You can download and read it for free via the link.

\n

We would be delighted to receive your feedback.

\n

We wish you happy reading.