Low-Cost Automatic Shipboard Wireless Configuration Management

"The objective of this SBIR is to demonstrate an inexpensive, open architecture and accurate ship based automated Configuration Management (C/M) System. This system will employ wireless Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) such as passive RadioFrequency Identification Devices (RFID) or Real Time Location System (RTLS). These AIT devices are read/write addressable and will internally store National Stock Number (NSN), Part Number, Model Number, Modification Number and other O&M data as allowedby addressable storage on the device. These devices when interrogated by a fixed array or mobile tag readers are merged into a single cohesive C/M database. The middleware platform serves to universally communicate with different types of RFIDtechnologies and provide for navigational cross-referencing to ship's Operations & Maintenance (O&M) databases. Middleware will be designed using a "customer's based approach for establishing requirements". Middleware allows technology refresh, costcompetitiveness and seamless integration with existing C/M databases. This system will simplify current shipboard C/M administration/validation, reduce manual human interaction with numerous databases, forms and documentation. The goal is to reducemanpower, data entry errors, improve integrity of the ship's C/M database(s) and ultimately provide for sustained operational readiness. The proposed Phase I investigation is expected to yield strategies for e