Army renews contract for munition logistics automation

The Army Joint Munitions Command has renewed a contract with Savi Technology to continue developing and supporting a government-owned software system that handles depot-level ammunition logistics, the company has announced.

“This is a reaffirmation of our relationship with them,” said Bob Kenney, Savi’s director of strategic programs.

Since 1999, Savi has provided the command with the Munitions Total Management Systems-Field Module — munitions logistics software that automates, integrates and streamlines depot operations. The renewed contract will allow the company to address current and emerging requirements for enhancing the software, Kenney added.

The system provides extensive business process automation functions for employees at locations nationwide and automates about 40,000 movement transactions each year, dramatically reducing keystrokes, dual-entry notations, manual errors and inventory reconciliation time, according to Savi.

Savi, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is best known for its radio frequency ID technology. But Savi officials said their work on the Army system goes beyond the use of RFID tags to streamline every step of the process — from receiving and storing munitions to shipping them to destinations in the field.

“Many people associate Savi with active RFID,” Kenney said. But in this case, the emphasis is on tracking munitions by whatever means are most appropriate.

Although the Army system includes tags that actively broadcast their location, it also includes identifying information and passive technology, such as 2-D bar codes placed on individual munitions, and Global Positioning System tracking, he said. “We tailor our solution to meet the business requirements,” he said.

The software enables users to automatically manage, update and reconcile inventory records; generate receipts for incoming supplies; and track internal warehouse movements and outbound shipments.