Operational and Process Management Improvement through Implementation of In-process Manufacturing Wireless Asset Tracking

Impact Technologies, LLC proposes development of a Wireless Mobile Asset Tracking (WMAT) system with integrated reasoning algorithms to track the location of in-process production materials. Implementation will hinge on the creation of hardware and software technologies. The hardware will be designed to withstand the riggers of a shipyard, fusing location tracking, automatic identification, and wireless data transmission technologies into a cost-effective, ruggedized package that supports both cellular and secure (FIPS-140) wireless utility interface. Embedded reasoners, employed within the software, will determine the location of in-process materials and identify the most probable locations of those assets that cannot be found due to mishandling and lost or damaged tags. An electronic visualization will identify those areas to search for missing materials. The tracking system will improve production planning capabilities by providing the ability to continuously monitor the status of items throughout the production process, thereby creating a more efficient, agile manufacturing climate. Trending of historical data will enable the study of workflow patterns to improve overall operational efficiencies. The technology is scalable, allowing the implementation into any size production facility. Under Phase II, proof-of-concept technology demonstration will be conducted at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (Ingalls Shipyard - Pascagoula) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.