Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany –
Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany – The 52nd logistics preparation squadron adopts advanced technology to improve efficiency and rationalize operations. A new radiofrequency identification system (RFID) should revolutionize the management of stocks for the management of personal protective equipment and materials, ultimately improving preparation for the 52nd hunting wing and in the American air forces in Europe – the air forces Africa.
RFID allows an almost instantaneous responsibility of the active assets with RFID chips. This technology allows real-time monitoring, minimizing deviations and reduction of manual workforce in stock management.
LRs will use RFID to guarantee the accuracy of real -time stocks of its essential mobility assets. This includes monitoring of the specific batch and standard numbers to maintain specific recordings, particularly crucial for elements with expiration dates.
In addition, the system will rationalize the monitoring of degraded operations, which occurs when the standard power supply system is offline.
“Supply regulations require a complete inventory of all assets stored by the Material Management flight each year. This saves around 5,200 hours per year for inventory counts and around 150 hours on additional searches when deviations are found, “said US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Meraz, 52nd LRS IPE Official non -commissioning charge. And equilibrium adjustments, ultimately minimizing waste. »»
The advantages extend beyond the LR. The wing will benefit from better preparation by guaranteeing the accuracy of mobility asset stocks, allowing the IPE section to effectively provide protective equipment. At the USAFE-AFAFRICA level, the monitoring of precise and reliable stocks allows bases to quickly support other locations in the field of responsibility.
The initiative was introduced for the first time by the American Air Force Staff Sergeant. Lauren Rogers, 52nd LRS Supervisor IPE, who proposed the idea after observing the success of RFID in other facilities of the Ministry of Defense, notably Eglin Air Force Base, in Florida. Once approved, Meraz coordinated with entrepreneurs to integrate technology, supervise installation, provide staff training and provide appropriate maintenance once the entrepreneurs leave.
Beyond the LR, RFID could improve efficiency in several stores through installation. “Any section that manages the inventory of reusable assets could benefit from it,” said Rogers. “Several DOD agencies already use this system for weapons responsibility, and it could be extended to follow communication equipment, tools, vehicles and shipments equipped with GPS compatible RFID beacons.”
Another key advantage in implementing the RFID is the impact on the treatment of mass mobilization. “We support several major troop movements per year,” said Meraz. “This technology allows us to build, deliver, transfer and return equipment much more effectively. During the deployment of 30 or more members in a single movement, the delivery of the right equipment takes time. With RFID, we can scan a bag and instantly attribute all items to the account of a customer, saving 5 to 10 minutes per customer. This efficiency accumulates for several hours a day, releasing time for other critical tasks. »»
By taking advantage of RFID, the 52nd LRS provides a more efficient, precise and reactive logistics system, ultimately improving the preparation for combat and the success of the mission for the 52nd FW and USAFE.