We also promote a supply chain management tool that is vendor neutral-for example we developed a mobile marking cart that is compatible with any windows based printer driver and it supports a variety of applications from laser engravers to thermal transfer printers.

UIDJ: Going forward we presume you continue to implement similar projects. Could you give an example?

Northrop Grummond:

Similar projects continue to be implemented: Commander Fleet Industrial Supply Center (COMFISC) Wash. DC Navy Yard- is developing a Government owned UID Compliancy software called Quick Compliance Tool Suite (QCTS). QCTS and is being integrated for use in Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) organizations.

We are working with COMFISC and their prime contractor to assist in the implementation of QCTS and to provide UID training. Additionally we are working with several of the mission module groups to provide UID Marking Analyses. These analyses evaluate factors such as environmental exposure, life cycle events, configuration and operational environment to generate detailed part marking instructions. The part marking instructions consist of how/where/when to mark a part; establishes a template in which to be used; what materials to use (marking media).

We also provide training to these groups on how to make these business decisions while not affecting form, fit or function and establish standardization across a program.

We work with organizations to evaluate technology and recommend UID solutions based on their specific requirements and help them determine the best course of action.

This includes the evaluation of outsourcing their UID requirements or establishing an in house capability. For example, if an organization only has a requirement for a few labels a month maybe it makes sense for them to outsource that small amount.

However another organization may want to use a Construct 2 UID (combine part number and serial number) and mark every part that goes in and out-so having the ability to make a UID on site may be a better option. Every organization has their own requirements and we help point out the advantages of outsourcing labels and making them on site.

Northrop Grumman is now in the process of installing a passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID) Real Time Location Tracking System (RTLS) in a Navy Warehouse.

The innovative nature of this new technology will allow automated nightly inventories to be conducted using passive (UHF Gen 2) tags and special pRFID antennas. This type of RTLS technology allows organizations to quickly realize an ROI through cost savings of an automated nightly inventory vs. manual inventories.

Automating the inventory process provides near real time visibility of parts and their actual location which in turn increases the fidelity of the inventory database, resulting in the reduction of spare parts in the warehouse and optimizing spares management.

Mr. Jones, we appreciate your discussing this with our audience. Thank you very much.