Automatic identification technology tracking weapons and ammunition for the Norwegian Armed Forces

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to recommend technology and solutions that improve the accountability and accuracy of small arms and ammunition inventories in the Norwegian Armed Forces (NAF). Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Item Unique Identification (IUID) are described, and challenges and benefits of these two major automatic identification technologies are discussed. A case study for the NAF is conducted where processes and objectives that are important for the inventory system are presented. Based on the specific requirements in the NAF's inventory system, an analysis of four different inventory management solutions is examined. For the RFID solution, an experiment is conducted to determine whether this is a feasible solution for small arms inventory control. A recommendation is formed based on the results of this analysis. The tandem solution, which uses IUID technology at the item level, passive RFID at the box level and active RFID when items are transported, is the recommendation. This solution uses the appropriate technologies where they are best suited and offers the best results for an accurate inventory control system with low implementation costs and risks.