DLA Apparel Item Level RFID Technology: “Synergy for Success” – AdvanTech Leads the Way

AdvanTech has performed in a leadership role managing the DLA Apparel Item Level Passive RFID (pRFID) Technology Implementation Project. While the project ultimately provides DLA the ability to develop an advanced implementation protocol that can quickly and cost effectively deploy item level pRFID tagging technology to DOD manufacturers and other supply chain operations; the chief benefactors of this leadership, guidance and expertise are the participating DoD Manufacturers.

They have been given the "How-to" steps to successfully evaluate, procure and implement pRFID into their operations including information on the following:

• Current pRFID Item Level Technologies (Readers, Antennas, Inlays and Chips);
• Apparel item level pRFID performance and data requirements;
• Evaluating the integration pRFID item technology into current manufacturing/packaging processes – to include the realization of potential benefits
• Potential technology solutions to meet item level pRFID requirements
• Approach for manufacturers to procure item level technology capability
• Lessons learned - Potential pitfalls for passive pRFID implementation
• Evaluation, performance tracking and continuous improvement of item level technology implementation

Specific functions provided for the Manufacturers by AdvanTech during this project are:

• Coordinate and maintain project schedule
• Conduct initial assessment site visit
• Identify potential process improvements
• Provide statement of work information
• Assist with format and contents of Request for Proposal
• Provide vendor review cost analysis format
• Install RFID test kit and train personnel on use (including blind capable operations)
• Coordinate final hardware list with RFID Vendor
• Oversee vendor solution installation
• Provide post go live follow on support for six months

Implementation of Item Level Passive RFID (pRFID) Technology has been successfully demonstrated at eleven (11) military apparel manufacturers and finishers who have integrated pRFID Item Level tagging into their manufacturing and packaging processes. This technology has greatly benefitted the US Air Force Recruit Training Clothing Initial Issue Facility at Lackland AFB, TX. Utilization of this technology has helped Lackland reengineer their clothing issuing processes and reduce the time required to issue and record the items and sizes by 60%. Documented inventory variances have also been substantially reduced by use of this technology.

DLA will continue to expand the number of Manufacturers providing item level RFID tagged apparel items – in addition to current case and pallet pRFID requirements. Experience gained through the original eleven implementations indicates that the process improvements required to deploy the technology can result in additional efficiencies to the overall manufacturing operations. Manufacturers who have implemented this technology have been able to substantially improve their packaging accuracy which has resulted in a dramatic reduction or elimination of resolving problems prior to final Quality Inspections and Shipping.

Without exception, each manufacturer has expressed appreciation for AdvanTech's guidance during their implementation stating that the Cost Analysis provides an "apples-to-apples" comparison of vendor proposals and that the test kit significantly reduced the learning curve and facilitated the best possible "go-live" implementation.

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