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MEMS enables logisticians to monitor not only where the materiel is while in transit, but allows
the monitoring of temperature and vibrations (shock readings) while in transit. This technology
meets an important mission requirement for the logistics community.
—Colonel Kelvin B. Owens
Commander, USAMMCE
demonstration’s distribution routes from USAMMCE
to final destinations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a
temperature parameter or shelf-life timer was breached
en route or in storage, an alert was sent automatically to
USAMMCE users through the RF–ITV network. The
alert notified USAMMCE of the unacceptable environmental
condition and the time and nodal location of the
event. The demonstration showed how MEMS RFID
is suitable for onward shipment and use and supports
proactive management through asset viability.
In-transit security monitoring. Sensor tags can
also be used to detect intrusion. Prompted by incidents
of active RFID tags being destroyed, damaged, and
stolen from containers without command knowledge,
PM J–AIT conducted a limited operational test in the
CENTCOM AO of the new ST 675–I security sensor
container tag. In addition to temperature and humidity
condition sensors, the ST 675–I tag monitors container
security by using open door, light, and shock sensors
while the container travels along the supply chain. The
ST 675–I checks, time-stamps, and logs door security
status and environmental data at frequent intervals
using local flash memory. During the demonstration,
the tag beaconed and transmitted alert messages to the
RF–ITV network whenever an alert event occurred.
The test successfully demonstrated the potential for
sensors to enhance container security.
The Next Steps
The demonstrations at Sierra Army Depot and
USAMMCE and in the CENTCOM AO have paved the
way for future MEMS and sensor tag implementations.
The demonstrations validated the use of sensor-enabled
RFID technology for automated in-transit and in-storage
condition and intrusion monitoring.
Although the demonstrations focused on specific
assets that show possible high-payoff applications of
MEMS RFID, the benefits of sensor technology extend
to all classes of supply and logistics processes and across
all services. Clearly, these capabilities are particularly
appropriate for life-limited assets, such as medical supplies
and food, but the applications are many and varied
and each application must be evaluated based on
individual merit. Key considerations for implementing
the technology include examining business rules, integrating
the supporting automated information systems,
establishing policies and standards, and developing
training programs for the schoolhouses. As sensor,
RFID, and satellite-based location and tracking systems
ARMY LOGISTICIAN PROFESSIONAL BULLETIN OF UNITED STATES ARMY LOGISTICS
become more interoperable, these sense-and-respond
networks will help improve the quality, integrity, and
safety of products in storage and in transit.
Currently, PM J–AIT is working to integrate MEMS
RFID technology into the RF–ITV infrastructure so that
users can view the identities, locations, and conditions
of their shipments. This will support improved readiness
by increasing visibility and providing tools to ensure
the efficacy of life-limited Army assets. USAMMCE
is continuing to use the capability. The Army Materiel
Command is working with PM J–AIT and USAMMA
to implement active RFID container security sensor tags
in all DEPMEDS in storage at Sierra Army Depot. The
medical community is exploring the use of sensors and
associated alert capabilities for monitoring refrigerated
shipments and medical chemical defense materiel. The
Army Medical Department is collaborating with PM
J–AIT, Army G–4, Army Central Command, and other
stakeholders to identify requirements for fielding, sustainment,
and user training.
Using MEMS RFID is an effective way to reduce
or eliminate losses caused by extreme environmental
conditions and security issues. MEMS RFID provides
logisticians a unique opportunity to transform the
logistics process by providing more timely and accurate
support to Soldiers. As the technology becomes
more widespread, it will allow logisticians to gain
near real-time situational awareness, giving them the
ability to make responsive decisions based on timely,
condition-based information. As a result, Soldiers will
have greater confidence in the viability of their assets,
and logisticians can improve packaging techniques,
learn more about environmental effects on assets, and
deliver serviceable supplies more quickly. ALOG
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