Supplier Transformation Information Forum

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Supplier Transformation Information Forum
Leveraging RF-based Technology Enablers

• October 24, 2007
• Tim J. Shinbara
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Northrop Grumman Corporation

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Business Strategy
Perform, Position Grow

• Perform
• Safely produce quality product to meet customer
  requirements
• Position
• Strategic planning, optimizing resources and
  investing in disruptive technologies
• Grow
• Increase opportunities through sector diversity
  and promotion of products

Increase Visibility to Better Evaluate our
Current Performance, Create a More Accurate
Process and Promote Lower Cost Initiatives
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RF-based Technology Enabler
Radio Frequency Identification RFID

• RFID technology uses radio frequency transmission
  to identify a unique object or person
• Unlike Bar Codes, which must be seen to be read,
  RFID relies on the use of Radio Waves to find and
  respond (Ease of read/data capture automatically)
• RFID tags can store and transmit
• Part numbers, serial numbers
• Place of assembly, manifests
• Maintenance details
• Expiration dates
• Sensor inputs (temp, humidity, shock, etc.)

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RF-based Technology Enabler
Radio Frequency Identification RFID

• Standard RFID Tag
• EPC Gen2
• DoD Compliant
• Reduced Cost
• Tagging at vendor or upon receipt
• Optionally integrated within existing labels

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Value Derived via RFID

• Inbound Raw Materials automated receiving
• Temperature-sensitive materials
• Temperature-sensitive RFID tags
• Work in Process (WIP) Visibility
• Inventory Management
• Location
• Count
• Shelf life
• Life Cycle Management
• Tool Tracking
• Issuance
• Accountability
• Calibration/maintenance
• Refurbishment/Retro-Fit
• Parts Management
• Chain of Custody

Semi-passive, Temperature-sensitive RFID tags