From supply chain management to infrastructure management to transportation, logistics requires managing several moving parts. However, defense logistics is even trickier to navigate because of strict regulations and sensitive materials.
Whether it’s for military operations or defense contractors, defense logistics comes with an extra layer of complexity and uncertainty. This is why more defense logistics providers are embracing RFID location tracking for defense logistics.
In this guide, we’ll explain how RFID location tracking for defense logistics works and why this technology is so beneficial.
Image by Joel Rivera-Camacho from Unsplash
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a type of technology that uses small electronic devices, called RFID tags, to track and identify objects. Each tag contains a tiny chip and an antenna. When the tag is near an RFID reader, it wirelessly transmits stored information to that reader, automatically.
Unlike barcodes, RFID tags don’t require line-of-sight to scan information into a computer system. This means you can read RFID tags over longer distances—and even through some materials, like cloth or metal.
RFID tags are ideal for real-time equipment tracking because they can transmit information across longer distances without manual scanning. Defense organizations use RFID tags and equipment identification tags to track their locations in real-time, usually with specialized tracking software.
Check out the video below for a quick demonstration of real-time asset tracking in action.
Location tracking is a helpful technology for any company with moveable assets, like vehicles or mobile machinery, but it’s a must-have for defense logistics. More defense organizations are embracing RFID location tracking tags for benefits ranging from visibility to security.
Defense logistics requires tracking an immense amount of equipment, weapons, and supplies—often on a global scale. In an industry where seconds matter, real-time RFID location tracking offers instant visibility into all assets at once.
RFID boosts accuracy and makes it much more efficient to track assets through their lifecycles, from acquisition to disposal.
Improved visibility also cuts down on asset losses, and you certainly don’t want military-grade weapons to go missing. Fortunately, RFID tracking allows for quick asset location and retrieval.
Defense materials are sensitive and require stringent security measures. Not only do RFID tags keep these materials safer with greater visibility, but the tags themselves are also more secure.
It’s possible to encrypt and secure RFID tags, ensuring only authorized personnel can access the information on these assets.
Photo by Joel Rivera-Camacho on Unsplash
Human error can lead to thousands of dollars’ worth of asset losses over time. RFID streamlines inventory management by automating the inventory process entirely.
This takes human error out of the equation and allows the logistics team to focus on more high-value tasks.
High-quality historical data is a valuable asset in defense logistics. RFID location tracking stores information about assets you can then use to forecast trends and make faster, more strategic decisions.
RFID location tracking tags easily integrate with asset tracking and maintenance management platforms. These tags are interoperable, which means they integrate well with other defense IT systems, ensuring a seamless flow of information to help you make more strategic decisions.
The demands of modern defense logistics require more accurate, durable tags. RFID location tracking gives defense organizations real-time insights into asset locations, as well as advanced analytics and automation capabilities.
While RFID is important, it’s also critical to label assets with durable identification tags. RFID tags might be able to transmit data electronically, but they often aren’t human-readable, which could make a big difference in life-or-death situations.
MPC’s high-quality identification labels are rated for defense and aerospace applications. Depending on the substrate you choose, our tags and labels can last as long as 20 years in even the most challenging environments.
Test MPC’s identification tags for yourself: order a free label and tag evaluation kit now.
Image by Israel Palacio from Unsplash
Both RFID and barcodes are identification technologies. However, RFID doesn’t require line-of-sight scanning like a barcode does. RFID can also transmit more information in real time, which makes it ideal for applications in defense logistics.
If you’re concerned about RFID tag durability, opt for RFID tags rated for harsh environments. These tags are more rugged and are designed to survive in extreme environments with high heat, moisture, or chemical exposure.
This depends on the type of RFID tag. Passive tags have a shorter range, but active RFID tags can transmit information over 300 feet, depending on the environment.
Our sales engineers are experts in automatic asset tracking, tagging and identification,a nd can answer all your questions. Get in touch now.
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