The Application of Radio Frequency Identification Devices
Onboard Naval Ships
by
Arthur J. Clark
BS Meteorology and Oceanography
State University of New York Maritime College, 1984
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN ENGINEERING IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OCEAN SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT XIII-B
AT THE
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SEPTEMBER 2000
©2000 Arthur J. Clark, All Rights Reserved
The Author hereby grants to MIT permission to reproduce
And to distribute publicly paper and electronic
Copies of this thesis document in whole or in part.
Signature of Author
Departm 4 t of Ocean Engineering
Certified by
Professor Henry S. Marcus
NAVSEA Professor of Ship Acquisition Thesis Supervisor, Iepartment of Ocean Engineering
Certified by
Professor Nicholas Patrikalakis
Kawasaki Professor of Engineering
Chairman, Departmental Committee on Graduate Studies
BARKER
MASSACHUSETTS I STITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
MAR 2 7 2001
LIBRARIES
The Application of Radio Frequency Identification Devices
Onboard Naval Ships
by
Arthur J. Clark
Submitted to the Department of Ocean Engineering
on July 11, 2000 in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science in Ocean Systems Management XIII-B
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to investigate the use of Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) technology aboard U.S. Naval ships. A case study focused on
commercial laundry facilities and its potential application in laundry operations onboard
aircraft carriers. This research is also intended to present the different manufacturers of
RFID technology available to the commercial launderer and enlighten on probable
strengths and weaknesses.
The research integrated a commercial manufacturer and supplier of RFID
technology for laundry applications and the Laundry Room onboard the USS Enterprise.
A month long trial was conducted onboard the USS Enterprise with the Laundry Room
outfitted with all necessary RFID equipment and operated by the crew. This report
includes the results of the trial.
Additionally, the feasibility of introducing RFID in the inventory control process
at Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut was investigated. A commercial manufacturer
provided all necessary equipment and a demonstration was conducted in a SUPSHIP
Groton warehouse at Electric Boat. This report also includes the results of this trial.
Henry S. Marcus:
Professor of Marine Systems,
NAVSEA Professor of Ship Acquisition
2
Thesis Advisor
Chapter One: Reducing Life Cycle Costs And Manning Demands With
Commercial RFID Practice.
Chapter Two: What is RFID
Chapter Three: Existing Applications of RFID In Commercial Laundry Operations
Chapter Four: Manufactures of RFID Laundry Tags
Chapter Five: Laundry System Onboard U.S. Navy Carriers And Demonstration of the
Datamars RFID Solution In Laundry Operations
Chapter Six:
How Does RFID Increase Productivity In Laundry Operations Onboard
U.S. Naval Vessels
Chapter Seven: Costs and Benefits of the RFID System For Laundry
Chapter Eight: Demonstration OF Smart Cards RFID Solution In Materials
Management at Electric Boat Warehouse.
Chapter Nine: Conclusions
Appendix A: Points of Contact
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author wishes to thank the following for their support and contribution that has made
this report possible.
Doctor Henry Marcus whose unfathomable understanding and guidance has been
invaluable throughout the development of this paper.
Captain Jon Calder, United States Merchant Marine for his encouragement and support.
Chel Stromgren for his help with the ProModel software and development of the Laundry
Model onboard an aircraft carrier.
Many in industry and government have provided useful information. While these sources
are too numerous to identify, the author appreciates their assistance.
4
Chapter One
Reducing Lifecycle Costs
And
Manning Demands
With Commercial RFID Practice
5
Reducing Lifecycle Costs And Manning Demands
Introduction
This thesis analyzes the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in
its ability to expedite the collection of information at the data acquisition point. RFID
speeds the collection of data and eliminates the need for human operations in the process,
contributing to the optimization of manning both ashore and afloat.
The research
identified the potential for increased productivity in the area of documenting material
flows through the application of RFID. This new age solution was field tested in two
different processes.
First, the application of laundry operations onboard Navy aircraft
carriers is presented. Second, material management requirements of stored equipment for
the initial load-out of submarines at a SUPSHIP warehouse in Groton, Connecticut are
considered.
This research also addresses a specific shortfall in the Navy logistics system as
observed by LCDR Dunlap in his thesis titled "Applied Information Technology (IT) For
Ship Design, Production and Lifecycle Support: A Total Systems Approach."
LCDR
Dunlap noted, "The one glaring area which was demanding a great deal of time for
shipboard supply personnel, and was not getting much attention by the Navy logistics
leadership, was in the data acquisition point in the system."
The demonstrations
conducted for this thesis seek to address, and eventually with integration of commercial
off the shelf RFID products presented, resolve an area of this deficiency.
6
Optimize Manning
The CVX program has mandated 25% reduction in crew and the Virginia Class
SSN has similar pressure. A primary thrust to meet these challenging goals is automation
of routine and mundane tasks.
Within the Navy the current practice of material
management has not kept pace with that observed in the real-world commercial sector.
In some instances the technology used by the Navy for logistical documentation is 10
years old and ripe for improvement. Other operations, such as the written logbook for
receipt/return of laundry have never been improved upon. These current practices for
required record keeping onboard Navy vessels consume large amounts of the sailor's
time.
RFID is a viable solution that enables the reduction of time expended
documenting material. With the proper RFID system in place for the particular process,
crew sizes may be decreased. The automation that makes this crewing reduction possible
will improve warfighting capabilities and allows increased personnel satisfaction
improving the Sailor's quality of life.
Reducing Life Cycle Costs
Historically, forty to sixty percent of the total life cycle cost of a surface warship
has been spent on training and maintaining a crew. Reducing the number of hours sailors
spend in labor-intensive, mundane chores, where no professional in-rate knowledge is
needed, provides potential for reducing life cycle costs.
7
Automating many labor-intensive chores with RFID systems not only relieves the
sailor from the routine task, but the task with RFID is accomplished in quicker time. This
new age technology when applied to routine data collection requirements relieves
personnel from mundane record keeping tasks, leaving the warfighter to focus on skills
essential to combat readiness.
Integrating Commercial Practices
Within the private sector optimization of labor-intensive tasks has been addressed
with the use of RFID. Commercial industry, in an endeavor to reduce costs, and in some
instances manpower, has contracted with RFID solution providers to achieve these
objectives. In many cases the RFID solution provided is simply purchasing the already
packaged product from the RFID producer and may be thought of as a turnkey operation.
The U.S. Navy is currently adapting a similar approach. This new method to
acquisition in the U. S. Navy is called Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS).
In many
instances the RFID solution required to provide asset velocity of material is a simple
matter of purchasing equipment already designed, field-tested, packaged, and ready for
sale by the RFID producer. There is a wide range of RFID Commercial Off The Shelf
solutions that can be implemented by the Navy and are in current best practices in
commercial industry.
8
The concept of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), that is today's solution to
asset tracking within present commercial logistical and material management needs, is
not new.
It was originally used to identify friend or foe for airplanes flying over
Germany during World War Two. During this time the equipment used was large and
cumbersome. Recent technological developments have enabled this same technology to
become diminutive in size enabling adaptation to industrial applications. The following
chapter gives a brief description of what RFID is and an introduction of its application in
laundry operations.
9
Chapter Two
What is RFID
10
Introduction
Automatic identification procedures are currently prevalent within many service
industries, purchasing and distribution logistics, manufacturing companies, and material
flow systems.
Automatic identification procedures exist to provide information about
people, animals, goods and products in transit.
The barcode label that initiated the change from manual transcription to automatic
identification is being found to be inadequate in an escalating number of cases. Barcodes
may be extremely cheap, but their stumbling block is their low storage capacity and the
fact that they cannot be reprogrammed. In addition, the reader must be extremely close
to the barcode and a direct line of sight is necessary.
The most technically optimal solution to date is the storage of data in a silicon
chip, where contactless transfer of data between the data-carrying device and its reader
provides greater flexibility. In the ideal case, the power required to operate the electronic
data-carrying device would also be transferred from the reader using contactless
technology. Magnetic or electromagnetic fields are the medium for this transfer. The
underlying technical procedure is drawn from the fields of radio and radar engineering.
Because of the procedures used for the transfer of power and data, contactless
identification systems are called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
The number of companies that are actively involved in the development and sale
of RFID systems indicates that this is a market that should be taken seriously. Total
11
worldwide sales of RFID systems for the year 2000 are estimated at above $2 billion.
The RFID market therefore belongs to the fastest growing sector of the radio technology
industry, including mobile phones and cordless telephones.
Components of an RFID System
An RFID system is always made up of two components.
"
The transponder, which is located on the object to be identified. The transponder
can be either read-only or read-write.
"
The interrogator or reader, which, depending upon design and the technology used,
may be a read-only device or read-write device.
Data
RFID Reader
Contactless
Data Carrier =
Transponder
Energy
Computer with
Application
Coupling element
(Coil, microwave antenna)
A reader typically contains a radio frequency module (transmitter and receiver), a
control unit and a coupling element to the transponder. The RFID reader directs the radio
frequency transceiver to transmit radio frequency signals, receives the encoded signal
from the transponder through the radio frequency transceiver, decodes the transponders
12
identification, and transmits the identification with any other data from the transponder to
the host computer through an RS232 interface.
The transponder, which represents the actual data-carrying device of an RFID
system, normally consists of a coupling element and an electronic microchip. When the
transponder, which does not usually possess its own voltage supply i.e. battery, is not
within the interrogation zone of a reader, it is totally passive. The transponder is only
activated when it is within the interrogation zone of a reader. The power required to
activate the transponder, initiating the transfer of data, is supplied to the transponder
through the coupling unit via electromagnetic fields and is contactless.
Coupling Element (coil Antenna)
Housing
Basic layout of the RFID data-carrying device, the transponder.
13
Read Only Transponders
The majority of RFID transponders, more commonly referred to as tags, for
laundry applications are read-only having an immutable preprogrammed identification
number inscribed at the factory. These types of tags are known in the industry as write
once read many (WORM). The reader when interrogating read-only tags via the coupling
element or antenna interprets the factory installed number on the respondent tag. Readonly tags require the need for a relational database contained in the computer, whereby
designated tag numbers are correlated with ownership.
Read-only tags offer an inexpensive means for the basic identification
requirements of access control and industrial tracking and management.
A portable hand-held reader when interrogating a read-only tag will only display
the preprogrammed number initially installed at the factory. To determine ownership the
portable reader must download the information from its readings to the computer
containing the relational database.
Another option available is using a portable reader connected to a handheld
computer.
In this manner the tag is interrogated and ownership identified with the
relational database contained in the hand-held computer.
In reviewing the various
equipment available to date, hand held computers are not displayed. Rather the handheld
reader is connected to a laptop computer.
14
The majority of button-sized tags for laundry applications, available on the market
today, are designed for compressed extraction of water from the articles being laundered.
In practice many commercial launderers extricate the majority of moisture after the
garments have been washed via a large hydraulic press. This results in a cake of clothing
prior to the final drying cycle. Many of the tags for laundry applications are designed to
withstand pressures in excess of 10 Bar.
Read-Write Tags
Read-write tags have the ability to be inscribed with data many times over after
leaving the factory. For example, the desired tag may be rewritten each time with the
identifying letters or numbers desired. In this way, current tag data travels along with the
item. Read-write tags do not require a relational database. When a read-write tag is read
with a portable reader, the written characters on the tag are displayed on the readout.
Another characteristic of the read-write tag is the ability to lock in certain
information. For example, in the application of laundry the individual's name and social
security number may be permanently affixed within the tag. Other information such as
division, department, and name of vessel can be rewritten upon change of duty station.
There also is the ability to automatically write to the tag the number of times the article of
clothing has been washed onboard the ship.
Read-write technology is used in applications such as smart cards, prepaid value
cards, toll collection and industrial compliance marking.
15
Frequency of Tags
Basically there are three defining radio frequencies, low, medium and high. Low
frequency is defined from above 0 kilohertz to 300 kilohertz.
Medium frequency
occupies the electromagnetic wave frequency that lie in the range extending from 300
kilohertz to 3000 kilohertz. High frequency extends from 3 megahertz to 300 gigahertz.
High-frequency RFID systems are suitable for applications requiring a longer read range
such as toll-collection systems and railroad car and intermodal container tracking.
Low-frequency RFID systems are used for applications requiring shorter read ranges.
These include access control, work in process tracking and asset management.
The frequencies occupied by RFID tags for laundry applications are either low or
high frequency.
Of the 7 known manufacturers of RFID for laundry applications, 4
manufacturers use low frequency. One of these manufacturers produces tags that operate
on the 110kHz frequency. The remaining three manufacturers produce tags operating on
a low frequency of 125kHz.
16
There are 3 manufacturers of RFID tags for laundry applications that produce tags
operating in the high frequency range. Two produce tags operating at 13.56MHz. One
manufactures a tag operating at 2.45GHz.
As you move up in frequency, tag and reader costs move up as well. Tags at
125kHz operating frequency have initial costs, costing cents as compared to 2.4GHz tag
with initial costs, costing several dollars.
Also as you move up in frequency, you not only receive an increase in passive
read range but also an increase in the speed at which the device can operate. Longerrange tags in the hundreds of MHz and GHz are measured in yards and miles. Lowfrequency tags in the 125kHz range have read ranges measured in inches and feet.
Application requirements for minimum read range, cost ceilings, speed of
operation and communications complexity drive the decision as to which frequencies to
deploy.
Through discussions with various experienced engineers in the laundry industry,
it was learned that the lower frequency is optimum for RFID in laundry applications. If
perchance the laundry is still damp the lower frequency will have a higher success at
reading the articles of clothing. A second advantage is that the higher frequencies are
less tolerable to noise.
17
Benefits of RFID
RFID surpasses barcode technology because RFID tags can withstand harsher
environments and have an inherent read-write capability.
Data can also be read or
written quickly and accurately through any non-metallic material without any line-ofsight requirement.
*
RFID is ideal for dirty, oily, wet or harsh environments.
0
RFID tags and readers have no moving parts so the system rarely needs
maintenance and can operate for extended periods of time.
*
RFID is an inexpensive form of automatic identification when measured over time.
*
Unlike bar codes, RFID is very difficult to copy and is ideal for confidential
identification of people or assets.
*
RFID is fast, the tag and reader communicate in virtually milliseconds. Actual
throughput depends on communication with the host computer, but total speed is 20
to 100 milliseconds
Benefits of RFID in Laundry Applications
The RFID system offers a number of unique advantages for a wide range of users
specializing in garments, flat work or dust-control mats.
*
Precision inventory control and ability to locate individual laundry items at all
times.
18
*
Analyses according to customer, garment or wearer for use as the basis of individual
costing and pricing calculations.
*
Fully automatic sorting at soil count and in the finishing line boosts productivity.
*
Computer-aided production, logistics and invoicing, together with after-sales service
and administration.
* Inventory control.
" Clear-cut, reliable service.
"
All items are delivered sorted to suit the customer's requirements.
The technology of RFID has been applied to the laundry industry to reduce the
labor-intensive chore of manually recording the receipt and return of laundry.
In
addition, increased profitability has been experienced as RFID provides greater inventory
control, considerably reducing costs associated with lost and/or misplaced garments.
Radio Frequency Identification made its d6but in the laundry industry about ten
years ago first appearing in Europe. This technology used in the application of laundry
operations has expanded to the United States starting about 5 years ago. Today RFID
used to track garments by professional launderers is an expanding market and can be
viewed as best industry practice.
The following chapter outlines two applications of
RFID in commercial laundry operations.
At both facilities reduced man-hours and
greater inventory control was experienced after applying RFID technology.
19
Chapter Three
Existing Applications
Of RFID
In Commercial Laundry Operations
20
Larae Hotel in Las Vegas
On Friday, September 17, 1999, Doctor Marcus, Chairman of the Ocean Systems
Management Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, met with the Uniform
Control Manager of a large hotel in Las Vegas. The Uniform Control Manager has done
a great job of implementing what is now a 6-year old RFID technology into their laundry
system. Described below is the laundry system found at the large hotel; the limitations of
which are the same that would be encountered onboard an aircraft carrier.
The large hotel tags all their uniforms, consisting of more than 100,000 pieces,
each piece requiring an RFID tag. The tags are manufactured by Motorola and are sewn
in the pocket of pants, the tail of shirts/jackets, and the narrow end of ties. Almost all the
tags are "medium" in size comparable in size to that of a nickel. The "larger" quarter size
tag has a hole in it and is used with tuxedo shirts that they sell. The quarter size tags are
attached with a plastic punch like strip. "Small" dime size tags are used with ties and
women's silk blouses, but there is concern that small tags will slip out of sewed clothing.
Tags cost about $1.60 each for an order quantity greater than 3,000. Tags can endure
industrial laundry service heat of 5000 F, hot water.
The antenna unit is 8" x 8" square, laying flat on the table; the tag must pass
within 16" of the antenna. Items are passed over one at a time.
21
Clothing is stored on conveyors.
conveyor.
Each employee has a unique space on the
Each piece of clothing also has a strip about 1/2" x 2" with the unique
conveyor space defined on it in readable type. The strip is permanently heat-sealed onto
the garment with equipment made by Smart Card.
Lessons Learned In Application of RFID At the Large Hotel
The large hotel did not place RFID tags in collars and cuffs because these parts
receive extra heat. The Motorola tags have a 3 to 5 year guarantee. The hotel has lost
about 75 tags in 5 years.
The tag contains a number inscribed at the factory. This
number once read is correlated with an identical number found in the relational database.
Once matched with this number in the relational database, additional information can be
obtained. Information maintained at the large hotel for their garments is stock number,
name and number of employee, department and job title.
There are 8 conveyors, and 5 employees share one foot of space on each
conveyor.
Each conveyor can accommodate 780 employees.
Each employee has a
unique space on conveyor. The large hotel employs approximately 6,200 employees in
uniform. Each employee typically has 3 sets of uniforms. Some have up to 5. Engineer
employees have 13 pieces. A company called "Penn" makes the name strips.
Problems have been encountered with the hand-held reader with cable antenna used in
the checking in/out of garments. The cable attached to the hand-held antenna, with use,
22
detaches from the hand-held antenna. In addition, at times cable is pulled out of the
reader or "station" by the actions of an enthusiastic employee. If portable readers, are
used a problem of theft or misplacement is encountered.
The computer system used to document inventory of garments is not integrated to
anything else. A company called "Brady" does the maintenance on conveyors.
Technological Challenges
1.
Can RFID manufactures make a flat tag that goes on the back of the name
strip?
2.
Present system at the large hotel cannot read stacked tags, or multiple tags
simultaneously. Can RFID manufacturers devise a system were a bag full
of garments could be inventoried with RFID technology in the future?
The Benefit of RFID At the Large Hotel
Personnel scan laundry when employees bring in dirty laundry to be sent out to be
cleaned.
The garments are passed over the antenna thereby checking out the laundry
from the large hotel. Upon return of the cleaned garments the laundry is again passed
over the antenna thereby checking in the garments.
The articles of clothing are then
returned to the conveyor manually. The personal working in the garment room issue
individual garments to each employee manually when needed.
23
After the application of RFID the staff in the garment issue room was reduced
from 24 personnel to 20. However, the goal was not to save labor but to keep uniforms
from being lost. The large hotel saves about $700,000 per year in uniforms, with the
added benefit of higher inventory accuracy.
lIplementation
Total cost of implementation with 4 computers, and readers, 100,000 tags was
less than $1 million. Training included posters, signs, memos and three 1-hour training
sessions per employee.
AmeriPride Linen and Apparel Services
On May 3, 2000 Arthur Clark met with Bill Dougherty, President of Datamars,
North America, and Tim Schmidt, Customer Service Manager of AmeriPride.
The
meeting took place at the AmeriPride commercial laundry facility in Hartford,
Connecticut.
This AmeriPride facility uses the Datamars technology in the tracking of
laundry garments for inventory control upon check-in and checkout of the facility.
The process used at AmeriPride is very similar to the planned process of laundry
handling onboard a Navy Aircraft Carrier after the application of RFID for the use of
inventory control within the laundry room. At the Hartford plant laundry is brought to
the check-in desk via a forklift carrying a cart full of garments to be laundered. The cart
contains about 300 articles of clothing. On the check-in desk are an A-ST7530 Datamars
24
Antenna and R-IN-7500 Reader. This is the same antenna and reader used onboard the
USS Enterprise for the month-long trial. Additionally, there is a computer and monitor,
containing and displaying the database of tagged items. On the other side of the table are
several large baskets on wheels used to separate the various clothing, such as shirts,
pants, and whites. The person checking in the garments stands between the cart and the
baskets, each within about an arm's length. The laundry is placed into these baskets after
being passed over the antenna that reads the RFID tag, logging the garment into the
facility. With this method one reader and operator can check in approximately 2,200 to
2,600 garments per hour.
Antenna
Computer Monitor
Table
Baskets
C
A
R
T
Top view of the check-in desk at AmeriPride.
25
The database containing the RFID tag number assigned to a particular article of
clothing is used for additional purposes.
For example the time in service for each
garment is monitored. When a new garment enters into service an RFID tag is attached
below the back collar just below the manufacturer's tag found on all shirts, or under the
manufactures label in the waist of pants. At this time an entry is made into the database
documenting the RFID tag number to that individual piece of clothing. An entry is also
made of the date the garment entered into service, the garment style, color, size, and
condition (ie: new, good, used, etc.). This facilitates determining the longevity and cost
effectiveness for this particular garment.
Also contained within the computer database for each individual garment is the
number of washings that garment has been cycled through.
This helps determine
durability in addition to the number of times that a RFID tag has been cycled through the
laundry sequence.
The check out process is accomplished with the Datamars A-P07500 Hand Held
Antenna With Cable.
At the check out station the garments have been washed and
pressed and are on hangers traveling on an overhead trolley. A person using the Hand
Held Antenna With Cable inventories the garment by passing the Hand Held over the
RFID tags location on each garment, thereby logging out the garment. For each type of
garment the RFID tag is placed in a particular location; therefore, time needed to locate
the tag is none existent. With this method on the order of 3600 to 4000 garments are
inventoried per hour.
26
There is a second checkout station after the clothing is bundled by person, where
each person may have in the neighborhood of five to ten items. When inventoried at this
location, if an article of clothing is detected that does not belong in that individual's
bundle, an audible alarm is given.
This assists in inventory control subsequently
reducing costs.
Conclusions
The AmeriPride facility in Hartford Connecticut has successfully implemented
the RFID packaged system solution manufactured by Datamars.
The plant has
experienced a considerable reduction of man-hours in the process of documenting
material received and returned. Previous to the application of Datamars RFID laundry
system, this was a labor-intensive process prone to error. In addition, AmeriPride has
experienced cost savings associated with the increased accountability and inventory
visibility that the RFID system provides. The result is that the amount of garments lost
and/or misplaced has been considerably reduced increasing the profitability of
AmeriPrides laundry operation.
The RFID system for laundry applications observed at AmeriPride is one
manufacturer's solution in a growing field of RFID system providers for laundry
operations. Within the past year the competitive base has expanded with a new entrant in
this area. Gemplus has expanded its already comprehensive product range with an RFID
27
system solution for laundry, bringing the total number of RFID providers with
applications for laundry to a total of seven.
Each of the RFID manufacturers for laundry applications has developed
characteristic attributes in their RFID system in an endeavor to be unique.
These
attributes are presented in the next chapter providing a detailed overview of what is
available within this market.
28
Chapter Four
Manufacturers
Of
RFID Laundry Tags
29
Website
Product Name
Vendor
Brady
63064 Wave Point Tag
www.bradyrfid.com
DATAMARS
T-BT7700 LAUNDRY CHIP
www.datamars.com
GEMPLUS
Ario 10-SL (RO) / Ario 40-SL (RW)
www.gemplus.com
MOTOROLA
IT-253E
www.mot.com
OMRON
V700-D13P21
www.onron.com
RFID INC.
Sim Tag
www.rfid.com
SINGLE CHIP SYSTEMS (SCS)
Dura-label (DL-201)
www.scs-corp.com
30
Vendor
Function
Frequency
Operating /
Guarantee
Size
Temperature
Brady
RO
125kHz
DATAMARS
RO
110kHz
GEMPLUS
RO
13.56MHz
GEMPLUS
RW
MOTOROLA
-4'F to 185*F
Read
Read
Anti--
Distance
Distance
Collision
Hand Held
Fixed
18m/1 lOw
16mm Dia/3mm Thick
1.2 inches
3.1 inches
NO
60m/120w
15.5mm Dia/2.9mm Thick
6 inches
8.5 inches
NO
-4*F to 185'F
36m/100w
17X17mm Sq/1.6mm Tk
6 inches
9 inches
NO
13.56MHz
-4*F to 185 0 F
36m/100w
17XI7mm Sq/1.6mm Tk
4 inches
8 inches
NO
RO
125kHz
-40'F to 257 0 F
36m/150w
17mm Dia/3.76mm Thick
1.5 inches
9 inches
NO
OMRON
RW
125kHz
-4*F to 158 0 F
200hrs@180*C
20mm Dia/2.7mm Thick
2 inches
11 inches
YES
RFID INC.
RO
13.56MHZ
-67*F to 193'F
120m/400,OOORW's
12Xl2mm/1.8mmThick
2 inches
10 inches
YES
lOin Read
RFID INC.
RW
13.56MHZ
-67 0 F to 193*F
120m/400,00ORW's
12Xl2mm/1.8mmThick
2 inches
7in Write
YES
SCS
RW
2.45GHz
-5'F to 149'F
75w
6cmXlcmX.8mmThick
14 inches
50 inches
YES
31
Brady
Brady offers an extensive Radio Frequency Identification product line defined by
their unique WavePoint read/write products that include both
portable and fixed station readers and writers. The company
has recently developed an innovative system whereby the
sensor is protectively encapsulated. To the left is a picture
of a newly developed 125 kHz tag incorporating this coating
technology. The new WavePoint read-only RFID tag is priced below $1.00 US dollar
and the all-purpose tag is used in applications where a unique ID number 40-bit (5ASCII
character or 20 HEX character) must be assigned to an asset. The ID number can be read
from the tag at any time to identify the item the tag is attached to. The tag can be
repacked to provide increased durability.
The monolithically constructed tag is formed from an epoxy resin encapsulating
the memory chip, which is read-only. This is known as write once/read many (WORM)
within the REID industry. Most WORMS are preprogrammed at the factory; however, in
reading the literature provided by Brady, versions of read-only tags are also available that
can be programmed by the user with a user-defined number. Once programmed, the
number is unchangeable and permanently stored in the tag. Currently Brady's product
line does not offer a read/write transponder.
However, in my discussions with John
Pearson I was informed that Brady has plans of increasing both the depth and breadth of
their product line by introducing read-write tags with anti-collision capabilities that can
be applied to laundry applications.
32
The WavePoint reader/writers are designed to operate in hostile environments
where less durable equipment could fail. Their standard features allow them to fend off
heat, cold, noise, and volatile fumes without sacrificing performance.
Datamars
Datamars offering a wide range of Radio Frequency
Identification device products and has 150 customers on
three continents using the Datamars RFID technology in
laundry applications.
tags, readers, antennas and auxiliary equipment.
The system consists of read-only
Each tag has an individual
preprogrammed code inscribed on the transponder that is encased within an epoxy- like
material with a memory capability of 64 bits total (40 bit data).
The special casing
protects the electronics inside the tag against all the different chemicals and the high
temperatures, which are typical for this application.
The details of the temperature range guarantee for the Datamars T-BT7700
laundry chip are:
Patching - (heat seal) 428 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 seconds
Washing - sustained 194 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes 120 cycles; will handle 210
degrees Fahrenheit.
Tumbler - 365 degrees Fahrenheit input, 338 degrees Fahrenheit output, 120 cycles.
Tunnel Finisher - 338 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 minutes, 120 cycles.
33
The reader communicates with the passive, no battery, tag via the antenna to the
encapsulated transponder that serves as the informational repository. The transponder
transmitting its preprogrammed inalterable code upon interrogation identifies the item
when correlated with the relational database.
The relational database can be in either
DOS or Windows.
The portable reader has a memory capacity for 2,000 garment numbers and can
operate up to 800 readings before requiring recharging.
The portable reader can be
linked to virtually any hand-held PC or laptop containing the relational database.
Offering an outstanding price/performance ratio, the Datamars laundry tag is the
modern alternative to optical identification systems such as barcode/dotcode. Since the
garment bearing a tag, without particular regard to its position and without manipulation,
has only to pass close enough to an antenna to be identified - the time saving is
considerable. Datamars reports the application of RFID in laundry operations influencing
profitability through excellent price/performance ratios typically results in payback
periods of less than a year for an installation comprising of tags, readers and antennas.
The tag's price, as with all RFID manufactures, is driven by volume, with
attractive discounts for large quantities. For example, Datamars tag price can range from
a high of $1.25 in very small quantities to as low as $.65 for very large quantities.
34
Specially developed transponders will cost more, which will be predicated on the
technology needed and the capability of the unit.
Gemplus
The Gemwave Stamp is a rugged tag specifically designed to support extreme
temperature and humidity and pressure environment. The tag is small and thin, easy to
The small dimension of these
fix or mold anywhere.
industrial smart tags, about the size of a postage stamp,
and their flexible supporting structure make them an
attractive
tool for
smart
challenging environments.
tracking
applications
in
It is made of stiff foils
protecting the GemWave Small Module.
Operating at 13.56 Mhz high frequency standard, the stamp is available in two
versions: read-only and read-write.
The read-only version contains a unique tamper-
proof code (64 bits) that is directly programmed during manufacturing. The read-only
industrial smart label is an attractive tool for identification.
The read-write version has 2 kb EEPROM memory and offers different access
possibilities with contactless field programming. The read-write transponder can serve as
a repository for a host of information including owner's name and social security number.
The read-write industrial smart label acts as a portable and secure logbook, storing large
amounts of information and offering personalized level of data protection. Gemplus has
35
a read-write tag priced at about $1.35 each if ordered in large quantities. They are a new
entrant into the laundry RFID segment and have just completed negotiating a contract
with Rental Uniforms in Culpepper, Virginia.
Motorola
Motorola Indala's model IT-253E tag is a small, low
cost, passive read-only tag. The Indala IT-253 tag can take
punishment. It can be attached to electrical transformers,
engine blocks, drill pipe, bus transmissions, or vulcanized
inside of a truck tire.
It can be painted, degreased,
immersed in PCP's or cutting oil. The Indala IT-253 tag
was designed to withstand exposure to various liquids and chemicals used in commercial
laundry processing.
The tag, boasting superior performance, exceeds all other read-only passive tags
in durability designed to withstand exposure to various liquids and chemicals used in
commercial laundry processing The tag can withstand compression up to 60 bars in
hydraulic drying presses.
The 40-bit output code, in the passive tag, is configured to
provide 110 billion unique codes. Code numbers are factory assigned, etched into the
silicon for the highest level of data integrity possible, making them impervious to
electrical or magnetic erasure. Housing of the tag is made of thermoset epoxy resin,
designed to be chemically resistant, withstand pressure and shock, and be over-molded to
36
fit specific application needs. Passive tags use energy supplied by the reader and do not
require battery power to maintain memory.
Motorola offers two other tags capable of commercial laundry applications within
the same operating parameters. They are the IT-254E HiStress Disc Tag and the IT-52E
Mini Disc Tag. The IT-254E has a diameter of 21.5 mm by 3.2 mm thick. This tough
little tag will read at distances up to 12". Like the Indala IT-253E, the IT-254E can take
punishment. The tag can be attached to a wristband and it can be used to time swimmers,
identify patients or allow employees to identify themselves without taking off gloves or
special uniforms.
Imbedded in a shoe, it can open or lock a door as an employee
approaches. This tag has a small diameter hole in the center of the tag for attachment
with plastic tie strips.
The IT-52E Mine Disc Tag has a diameter of 11.9 mm by 3.7 mm thick. The
small size of the Indala IT-52E makes it attractive for imbedding in high value products,
such as expensive tennis rackets, golf clubs, skis, and high value tools for tracking
product from kitting, through work in progress, finished goods inventory, shipment, point
of sale, warranty repair and counterfeit detection. The Motorola product line includes the
complete array of equipment needed to support any operation. They also offer a Dual
Technology Portable Reader that reads both RFID and bar codes.
37
Omron
The V700-D13P31 coin shaped tag has read-write qualifications. The advantage
is that a person's name, social security number, division; etc can be
programmed onto the tag.
When this tag is interrogated with a
portable or fixed reader, the display will show the person's name and
other information written to the tag if required. Additionally, there is
no need for a relational database, which is required for read-only tags that are
programmed at the factory with an immutable number.
The relational database is
required to correlate the name of the individual with the number on the tag. Also this tag
is low frequency, allowing greater penetration and read accuracy.
The tag has several characteristics regarding the manner in which information is
stored.
First, the tag is equipped with read only information composed of a serial
number. Second, information can be written to the tag in two ways, write protect and
with a lock function. With the write protect feature information is stored on the tag but
can be reset at any time when desired.
When information is written with the lock
function, it is permanently inscribed for the life of the tag and is irreversible.
The tag is equipped with anticollision features enabling an indefinite number of
tags to be read simultaneously. As the tags are interrogated with the signal beam from
the antenna, they individually cease responding after having sent the data written on the
tag. This allows the tags to be read sequentially, having no limit to the number of tags in
38
the antenna field at the same time. Omron has developed and implemented technology
that allows an infite number of tags to be read simultaneously.
manufacturers claim a maximum of 50.
Some other
When I inquired as to the length of time
necessary to read and document 100 tags, the respondent replied "about a second."
Considering the average time to read a tag is about 20ms, this estimate is plausible.
The V700-D-13P31 tag is currently being used in some very harsh environments.
An example is that this tag is tracking items that are being dipped in acid. The tag is
rated IP68, which means it can be immersed in water indefinitely. It is extremely resilient
to ambient environments with a PPS protective sheathing, allowing it to be dipped in a
variety of chemicals.
Omron manufactures a detailed product line to support various applications for
their RFID tags. Of notable interest is their V600-CH1D Handheld Reader Writer. This
reader connects directly to a personal computer via RS-232C port.
It is made of
protective construction suitable for outdoor applications. It has the capability to read and
write data to the tag.
RFID Inc.
RFID Inc. core product line has been in existence for 15 years focused on
industrial applications providing the company with expertise in the field. SimpleTag is
the firm's least expensive tag and offers technology with anticollision capabilities. Prices
range from under $0.50 to the mid $2 dollar level, quantity and type dependent. The
39
entire
SimpleTag
line is CE certified and FCC
approved. Based on 13.56 Mhz the tag is available in
both read/only with a 12 hex memory capacity and
read/write with 2K bits of contactless programmable
memory. The read-write transponder comes with the
anticollision feature. The antenna to the left measuring
12" by 12" is the one recommended by John Martinez
of RFID Inc. for use with the laundry read-write tag,
designed to fit over the opening of a washer inventorying the articles of clothing as
placed into the machine.
Single Chip Systems (SCS)
SCS founded in 1992 with corporate offices in San
Diego, California, markets RFID products through a
worldwide network of system integrators and distributors.
Its exclusive product features include read-write tags with
anticollision allowing 50 tags to be read simultaneously.
The tags have a long read range when compared with
other manufacturers of RFID technology for laundry applications.
Diminutive and
robust, the tag is available at a competitive price. A very unique feature of the Dura-label
is its flexibility with the ability to retain its shape after being subjected to a bending
environment.
The tag has the ability of forming itself to the article attached.
Additionally, when compared to other laundry tags, it is indeed diminutive with a
40
thickness of only .8mm, surpassing other manufactured products.
The read-write
transponder has a memory capacity of, Reserved - 1 Word (1 6bits), Unique Serial Code 5 Words (16 bits each), and User Defined - 1 Word (16 bits).
There is a cautionary note on the bottom of each specification sheet. "Obstructing
metals, other conducting material and label orientation may significantly affect read
distance." Obstructing metals and other conducting material affect all transponders when
placed in close enough proximity to the tag regardless of manufacturer resulting in the tag
to become detuned and unreadable.
Transponder Manufacturers
There are several companies that manufacture nothing but the transponders, also
known as chips, that are used for the sensors encased within the protective housing for
application in the laundry industry. Two companies are Microchip and Phillips.
Microchips transponder designated as MCRF250 can be used for laundry in
addition to other applications premiered on 12/3/97. It was on this date that Microchip
announced an upgrade for two already existing chips, the MCRF200 and MCRF300. The
newly introduced MCRF250 and MCRF350 expanded the Microchip's microlD family of
RFID tag chips. The MCRF250 is a contactless programmable passive RFID device with
anti-collision operating on the 125 kHz frequency band with anticollision capability for
up to eight tags per second. The new Microchip products are available in die, wafer,
41
wafer-on-frame, 8-lead PDIP and 8-lead SOIC packages.
The MCRF250 pricing in
10,000-unit quantities on 12/3/97 is $0.35; this is the price from distributors.
On 9/14/98 Microchip expanded the MCRF250 anticollision capacity to 10 tags
or more in the same reader field with a read range comparable to single-read tags.
Pricing for the MCRF250 in 10,000-unit quantities is $0.35 each in die form and $0.70
each in COB module form.
On 11/18/99 Eric Sells from the Microchip distributor in Marlborough MA
reported that the MCRF250 is still selling for $0.35. He mentioned that his company
only manufactures the transponders for various industrial RFID applications necessitating
the need for Value Added Resellers (VARS) or as this respondent referred to in the terms
of the RFID industry, "Design Technology Centers" to complete the desired packaging.
He recommended a local company Poly-Flex Circuits as using Microchip products. He
also recommended RFID Inc. The Microchip MCRF250 allows multiple transponders in
an RF field to be read and is reported to take about 10 seconds to read 100 chips.
It is this author's opinion that there is not any difference in the encapsulation costs
between a read-only and read-write chip. It is my belief that the Design Technology
Centers are trying to capture a higher price for first on the shelf that may not be totally
justified.
Considering that the Navy, in addition to the Total Force, is adapting a
Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) policy, I believe caution is necessary.
42
Conclusions
As we have observed in the previous chapter, RFID in laundry applications is
currently being used by today's commercial industrial launderer. This chapter presented
the various RFID providers in this field. The United States Navy is currently using a
system for documenting the receipt and return for laundry that is not using industry's best
commercial practices.
Presented in the following chapter is the current practice of
laundry operations onboard the USS George Washington. Also a demonstration of the
Datamars RFID system for garment inventory control in the laundry cycle was conducted
onboard the USS Enterprise. The process of setting up an RFID system onboard a U.S.
Navy aircraft carrier is outlined as well.
43
Chapter Five
Laundry System Onboard
U. S. Navy Carriers
And
Demonstration of the Datamars
RFID Solution
In Laundry Operations
44
Contacting an RFID Provider
The RFID suppliers for laundry applications were found by using a web search
engine.
This was accomplished by searching under the title of laundry.
One of the
website hits was the National Association of Institutional Linen Management (NAILM).
On review of this website there was a link to send questions or comments.
Having
enquired at this website about RFID manufactures for laundry applications a response
was received from ragman c aol.com through NAILM. He, in turn, forwarded my request
for information to a large list of his associates.
One of the responses from his forwarding my request for information was from
Mr. William Dougherty, President, North American Division of Datamars, a Swissbased manufacturer of RFID technology for the laundry industry. The Datamars product
line, which they manufacture, market, and sell, includes RFID transponders, antennas,
and readers for laundry application. In addition, they produce RFID technology for
animal control and technology for industrial container application. Datamars currently
has several other exciting proprietary applications in the final stages of development.
Datamars has been in business since 1988 as a RFID technology company. In the
laundry identification sector, their 8 years of continual growth has resulted in over 150
pleased industrial linen and hospital laundry customers in 15 countries on 3 continents.
As the developer of RFID technology for the laundry business, they are also the world's
leading company to this industry. Many of their laundry customers are the largest market
45
share leaders in their respective countries. They have millions of the Datamars product in
use.
The newest version of the Datamars chip is smaller in diameter than a U.S. Dime.
It is nearly undetectable in garments, mops, mats and other laundrable textile products.
Datamars guarantees their chips for 120 washings or two years, whichever occurs first.
The Executive Vice
This is backed by their no questions policy of replacement.
President of one of the largest uniform and linen companies in the United States, who has
introduced the Datamars product in 25 of their U.S. operations, 4 Canadian and 4
European locations, was recently quoted by one of the industry trade associations
journals, as reporting that his company has passed 400 washings with the Datamars chip
without experiencing any problems.
This information is published in the Industrial
Launderer, June 1999. Jerry Johnson, AmeriPride's Minneapolis-based executive VP has
"pointed out that some Datamars RFID chips are now past their
4 00h
wash cycle: none
have worn out yet. When a garment's life has ended, its chip has been reused in a new
item".
The Datamars laundry chip is ideal for inventory control, in plant manpower
reduction, and is the backbone of automatic sortation system technology. Their United
States headquarters in located in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama.
46
Meeting With Datamars At MIT
Having contacted Mr. Dougherty, a meeting was arranged for September 28,
1999.
Attendees included: Mr. William Dougherty, Doctor Hank Marcus, Chairman
Ocean Systems Management Program, Arthur Clark and several other students from the
Ocean Systems Management Program. The meeting was held at the conference room in
the Department of Ocean Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mr.
Dougherty's presentation of the Datamars solution to the new age technological solution
to laundry operations using Radio Frequency Identification devices was very informative.
Mr. Dougherty explained that launderers are confronted with two major issues.
First, that loss can account for up to 10% of garments. Second, laundering is a laborintensive process. To address those issues technologies that have been used up to now,
fabric labels and bar codes, have limitations:
*
Line of sight technologies, such as optical character recognition and bar code,
require that the entire label has to be seen, to be read.
* Reading failure rate is high at approximately 5 % failure rate.
The failure rate
becomes worse after several washing cycles as labels deteriorate and may require
the replacement of the label for some garments.
47
*
RFID technology far exceeds the number of articles that can be read in a given time
when compared to bar code technology. The primary reason is that in order to read
a bar code the label must first be found and then swiped with the reader. When
RFID technology is used the garment is simply passed over a tabletop antenna.
The decision to use the Datamars technology for the forthcoming study was made
after this meeting. This decision was not based on the desire to choose the best of the
RFID solution providers, but on the cooperative spirit of the Datamars representative, Mr.
William Dougherty, and a general confidence that his product would perform well aboard
an aircraft carrier.
Meeting At COMNAVAIRLANT, And Tour Of Laundry Facility
Onboard USS George Washington CVN-73
On January 24, 2000 a meeting was held in Building T26 that serves as the
headquarters for Commander Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet, located at NOB
Norfolk Virginia.
The reason for the meeting was to become familiar with existing
practices in the laundry operation onboard U. S. Navy aircraft carriers and to determine
the potential in this area for the application of RFID. The meeting was attended by CDR
Parke L. Guthner, USN of COMNAVAIRLANT, Robert W. Belcher and Gary Good
from Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), Dennis D. Perzyk a federal government
employee
who is Assistant for Services for COMNAVAIRLANT,
William D.
Dougherty, President, Datamars, North America Division, ENS C. D. Tillman, USNR S3
Division Officer and Leading Petty Officer SHI Herlong USN, from the USS George
48
Washington CVN-73, Doctor Hank Marcus, Chairman, Ocean Systems Management
Program and his student Arthur Clark from MIT.
The meeting commenced shortly after 0945. Doctor Marcus opened the meeting
with an introduction on the research conducted by LCDR Gary Dunlap highlighting the
potential for Radio Frequency Identification devices to reduce costs for the Navy and
increase the Quality of Life onboard navy combatants.
The cost considerations are
achieved by the insertion of information technology thereby eliminating or reducing
manual input of required data.
In some instances the saving in man-hours can be
substantial, to the point that may allow the reduction of crews onboard US Naval vessels.
In any event time reduction of mundane labor -intensive tasks; requiring minimal or no
professional in rate knowledge can be eliminated thereby allowing personnel to
concentrate on their specialty providing greater personal satisfaction. In this manner the
quality of life is increased for sailors and officers serving onboard today's naval vessels.
For the application currently considered this is reduced man hours spent logging
in the quantity of clothing from all Chief Petty Officers (CPO) and Officers into the
laundry facility onboard the USS Washington. Doctor Marcus gave a brief overview of
what RFID is and the application in industry. Doctor Marcus further explained that the
return on investment can be achieved in a relatively short period of time and in some
cases can be attained in a year.
49
After this introduction Mr. William Dougherty of Datamars took the floor and
explained his product and its success within the textile laundry.
He cited numerous
instances of the Datamars laundry chip in the application of laundry operations in the
private industry sector.
During his presentation a Master Chief from the Nimtz
commented on his use of bar code labels manufactured by Brady, a company with an
extensive RFID product line. The Master Chief further explained the success they have
had with bar code labels in reducing tedious man-hours in the check-in of laundry. He
demonstrated a tag that he brought with him that had gone through about 30 washings but
when exposed to an undiluted cleaning agent the tag became smeared although still
readable with a bar code scanner.
Mr. William Dougherty went on the explain that RFID tags have a much longer
service life with the added benefit of reduced time needed for documenting the presence
of articles of clothing equipped with RFID.
Following Mr. Dougherty's presentation there was some general questions on
RFD and its application in the laundry industry.
Additionally, there was a brief
explanation of laundry operations onboard US Navy Aircraft Carriers. After this brief
explanation of laundry ops the meeting was suspend to resume onboard the USS
Washington.
After arriving onboard the USS George Washington we assembled in the laundry
room and were given a tour and further clarification of the laundry process. It became
50
readily apparent that the application of RFID would be beneficial in reducing the time to
log in the number of khaki shirts and pants, and nylon mesh bag of the chiefs and
officers. We continued to tour the laundry room and shortly after departed.
After touring the USS Washington we again assembled in the conference room in
building T26.
This meeting lasted in total about 1 hour.
We further discussed the
laundry operation and discussed the possibilities of a test using the Datamars laundry
chip. A Commander on the COMNAVAIRLANT staff emphasized that the Navy does
not have funds to pay for a demo. Dennis Perzyk commented that the test should be of at
least 2-weeks duration to fully evaluate the application of the Datamars chip. We all
agreed. Mr. Dougherty graciously offered to provide chips, hermetic cloth seals, and to
obtain the software for the relational database at no cost to the Navy for a demo. It was
decided that the demo would include all officers and chiefs of the ship's complement
while the air wing is disembarked onboard the USS Washington. We left the meeting
with the feeling that the demo would take place in about a month.
Laundry Operations Onboard the USS George Washington
Background
The USS George Washington is an aircraft carrier whose homeport is Norfolk,
Virginia. The ship's company consists of 3,000 officers and enlisted personal. When the
air wing is embarked there are approximately 6,000 personnel onboard the vessel. The
ship's company consists of 188 chiefs and 199 officers.
51
Of the officers 45 are senior
officers and are considered VIP in the handling of laundry. The handling of laundry for
senior officers differs than that for junior officers and chiefs. The air wing consists of
130 chiefs and 192 officers, of the officers 18 are senior officers.
The laundry room onboard the USS George Washington operates twenty-four
hours a day seven days a week. The laundry crew works port and starboard shifts, each
shift comprising of 10 men/women. In all 20 people per day take care of the laundry
needs for a crew of 6,000.
In an effort to reduce labor- intensive inventory of laundry upon check in and
check out to the laundry room, the insertion of Radio Frequency Identification devices is
being investigated. RFID for laundry applications are small tags composed of an internal
wire winding with attached microchip encapsulated within a monolithic epoxy shell. The
microchip serves as a repository for the identification information whereby an article of
clothing can be correlated with the owner. The tag is attached by a hermetic seal to an
unobtrusive location on the article of clothing.
The tag when interrogated by an
electromagnetic field generated by an antenna transmits its information through the
antenna to a reader. In turn the reader sends this information to a computer providing a
running inventory of articles received upon check in and discharged upon check out.
The Laundry Process
Laundry for chiefs is collected three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday.
Laundry for officers is collected three times a week for officers as well on
52
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Chiefs and officers can place laundry for pickup on
any one of these days. A nylon mesh bag is used to contain the individual's whites such
as t-shirts, underwear, and socks. The nylon mesh bag is presently identified with an
affixed cotton tag upon which is written the individual's name, social security number,
and division.
The khaki uniform is placed on hangers alongside the nylon bag. When
leaving laundry for pickup, the individual fills out a preprinted laundry chit documenting
the contents of the nylon bag and items placed on the hangers. This chit is attached to
one of the hangers.
Location: Officers/Chiefs Berthing
The Officers/Chiefs Berthing is the start of the laundry cycle. A sailor making the
prescribed route for that day, depending whether it's for chiefs or officers, picks up the
laundry. The sailor verifies the number of khakis on the hangers against the checked
items on the laundry chit. The sailor does not inventory the contents of the nylon mesh
bag. At this node the sailor from the laundry room assumes responsibility for the articles
of clothing to be laundered. He/she then transports the laundry to the check-in desk in
the laundry room.
Location: Laundry Room - Check in/out Desk
The sailor delivers the garments to the Laundry Room. On first entering the
Laundry Room the sailor reports to the Check-in desk. Presently, upon check-in, each
chief's and officer's clothing is inventoried, validated against the laundry chit, and
53
manually logged in a hand written logbook. This inventory entails the quantity of khaki
shirts, the quantity of khaki pants, and one-nylon mesh bag containing the whites.
Both the sailor delivering the laundry to the laundry room and the person logging
in the garments are involved in the check-in process. At this point the sailor passes the
responsibility for the garments to the laundry room. The check in time for one chief or
junior officer is 3 minutes. The check in time for one senior officer is 3 minutes.
The nylon mesh bag is not inventoried for chiefs and junior officers. However,
the laundry chit attached to the hanger contains the contents of the nylon mesh bag as
documented by the officer/chief.
The nylon mesh bag is inventoried and logged for
senior officers.
At the check-in desk the laundry is separated into lots. A lot is a certain chiefs
berthing compartment or segment of officer staterooms. Once batched into a lot, the
garments go through the laundry process as a unit. For example, all the khakis and nylon
mesh bags from a chiefs berthing compartment are grouped into a lot and go through the
laundry process together. The khakis are taken off the hangers and placed into a single
pile. The hangers are arranged in alphabetical order and placed next to the pile of khakis.
The nylon mesh bags are also placed into a single pile. These two piles are considered a
single lot, and are stored in the area for dirty laundry.
54
Location: Storage Area - Dirty Laundry
The storage area for dirty laundry is a queuing area for that day's laundry. Here
dirty laundry is staged waiting their turn to be processed through the laundry room.
Location Washers
At a time when a designated lot is ready to resume the transit through the laundry
room, it is retrieved from the staging area for dirty laundry. The khakis and nylon mesh
bags containing the whites are washed separately. The nylon mesh bags in the lot are
washed as a single bundle - the whites are not taken out of the bag. The respective lot
containing both khakis and whites go through the laundry process together. The washing
for the lot of khakis and whites takes about 30 minutes.
Location: Dryers
After being washed the nylon mesh bags are moved to a dryer. The khaki
uniforms do not go through a dryer cycle. Instead after being washed they are
transported to another area in the laundry room to be pressed. After being dried the nylon
mesh bags containing the whites are set-aside in the Storage Area - Clean Laundry
awaiting the pressing of khaki uniforms. The time needed for the drying of the nylon
mesh bags is about 45 minutes.
Location: Table
The khaki laundry is taken from the washers to a table to be separated by pants
and shirts before being pressed.
55
Location: Khaki Garment Press
After being washed the khaki uniforms are taken together as a lot and pressed.
The khaki uniform, after being pressed, is placed on a hanger that holds the chit the chief
or officer has filled out. These hangers are placed in alphabetical order on a long bar on
one side of the laundry room, in the pressing area. After a khaki article is pressed, the
stencil is "man read" and then easily matched with the associated hanger.
When a
complete lot of khaki uniforms have been pressed, they are again married up to the nylon
bag containing the whites in the Storage Area - Clean Laundry.
Location: Storage Area - Clean Laundry
Once all of the khakis in the lot are pressed, they are married up with the
associated nylon mesh bags in the same lot in the Storage Area - Clean Laundry. Here
the lot is waiting to be checked out of the laundry room and returned to the officer's
stateroom or chief's berthing compartment.
Location: Laundry Room - Check in/out Desk
The lot at this point is again inventoried, verified against the laundry chit, and
logged out of the laundry room. Both the sailor and the person at the Check in/out Desk
are involved in the checkout process. Here the responsibility for the garments is passed
from the laundry room to the sailor.
The sailor then delivers the clean and pressed
laundry to the respective chief's berthing or officer's stateroom.
56
The time needed to checkout one officer or chief's laundry is 3 minutes. Both the
person at the checkout desk and the sailor delivering the garments occupies these 3
minutes of time.
Location: Officers/Chiefs Berthing
The laundry is taken from the Check in/out Desk to the Officer's/Chief s Berthing
completing the laundry cycle.
57
Laundry ROOM
Officers Stateroom
Or
Chiefs Berthing
Check in / Check out
Desk
Storage Area for Dirty
Laundry
D
W
R
A
Y
E
R
S
S
H
E
R
S
Table for Khakis
GARMENT PRESSES
For Khaki Uniforms
C
N
L
A
U
N
HANGERS FOR KHAKI
UNIFORMS
58
Conclusion
During our visit onboard the USS George Washington it was readily apparent that
increased productivity could be achieved with the insertion of Information Technology in
laundry operations.
The bottleneck of the operation is the inventory, verification, and
logging in and out of chiefs and officers clothing. This segment of the operation is time
consuming and labor intensive, it is also prone to error.
With the application of RFID the time for check in and check out would be
greatly reduced.
Each khaki item would be tagged with a laundry RFID tag.
Additionally, each nylon mesh bag would have a RFID tag attached.
Checking in an
individual's laundry would be a simple matter of passing the tagged khaki uniform and
nylon bag over an antenna.
Total time for inventory, and logging in an individual's
laundry would be under 15 seconds. Validating the laundry chit with contents would also
be a minimal expenditure of time as the chit can be compared against the display on the
computer monitor. My best guess for check in would be under 30 seconds total for each
chief and junior officer. The written logbook presently used would cease to exist with all
records maintained on the computer's hard drive.
Another area where the application of an RFID tag hermitically sealed to the
khaki uniform would reduce time in the laundry cycle is in "man reading" the stencil on
the khaki uniform. Currently, the stencil is not effortless to read on many uniforms. The
reason being is that some are faded while others are on an angle. They are also located in
a variety of different places on the khaki shirts and pants. With the RFID tag heat sealed
59
on the garment, using a rectangular khaki colored patch, identification would be
facilitated. The patch would have the officer's name and last four digits of his/her social
security number clearly printed on it, using an appropriate printing device. They would
all be in the same location. This would ease the difficult process of visually identifying
the owner of the garment, resulting in less sorting time before placing the garment on the
hanger after being pressed.
Demo Onboard the USS Enterprise
In
discussions
with
Mr.
Dennis
Perzyk,
Assistant
for
Services
COMNAVAIRLANT, the USS George Washington was not available to conduct the
demonstration
of the
application
of RFID
technology
in laundry operations.
Consequently the USS Enterprise was chosen as the test platform.
The date April 10, 2000 was chosen to install the equipment necessary to evaluate
the effectiveness of RFID in laundry operations onboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The
following people were in attendance onboard the USS Enterprise.
Mr. William
Dougherty, President, Datamars, North America Division, Mr. Mark Davison from ABS,
Mr. Bill Shay from the Innovation Center at Newport News Shipbuilding, Mr. Dennis
Perzyk from COMNAVAIRLANT, Ensign Warner Sales Officer USS Enterprise, SHi
Camacho Leading Petty Officer, and Arthur Clark from Massachusetts Institute of
Technology.
60
We were all assembled in the Laundry Room onboard the Enterprise by 1000.
Mr. Dougherty of Datamars installed the associated equipment required to operate a fully
functional laundry operation with RFID.
During the installation of equipment Mr.
Dougherty examined the surrounding area for possible sources of interference.
Sources of Interference
Because the RFID system uses radio frequency energy to communicate between a
tag and the reader, there are several important points to keep in mind while setting up and
operating the system.
" Metal adversely affects both the reader and tag antennas by reducing the read range
of the overall system. To the extent possible, keep tags and the reader antenna away
from metal components.
* Interference from other electronic sources can reduce the read range of the RFID
system.
If the interference is strong enough, it may even render the system
inoperative. When reading tags, keep the reader antenna and tags as far away as
possible from interfering sources.
" When writing data to a tag, the tag should remain stationary and in close proximity
to the reader/writer. Any deviation from this procedure could lead to corrupt data
being written to the tag.
61
Possible sources of interference include, but are not limited to:
1. CRT's (Computer Monitor, CCTV Monitor TV's)
2. Light dimmer switches
3. Brush-type motors
4. Motor drives, starters
5. Motion control equipment
Mr. Dougherty made a through investigation of the ambient surrounding and
concluded, as demonstrated by the successful operation of the RFID equipment, that
RFID technology can successfully operate in the shipboard environment.
Installation, Training and Trial Run
Mark Davison of ABS Solar, the software provider, installed the ABS Solar
software on the computer provided. He also instructed SHI Camacho and another Petty
Officer on how to operate the software. Additionally, he explained how to build the
relational database after the RFID tag had been applied to the khaki uniforms.
After several khaki uniforms and nylon mesh bags had the RFD tag applied and
logged in to the relational database, we tested the system. Myself serving as the person at
the check-in desk, now equipped with RFID equipment, I checked-in two pair of khakis
and one nylon mesh bag several times. From this short trial I was able to document the
receipt of these articles, easily, in less than 10 seconds. This did not include checking the
khaki uniforms for ink pens that may have been left in the pockets. In addition, it did not
62
include the time necessary to validate the garments against the laundry chit attached to
the hanger.
It is my feeling that the entire check-in task can be accomplished in 30
seconds or less.
Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Davison continued instructing the two Petty Officers
present in the use of the equipment.
Mr. Dougherty additionally ensured that all the
equipment was in good operating order. Having completed the installation and training
of RFID equipment, we departed the USS Enterprise at 1330.
Equipment For Application of RFID in the Laundry Room
ABS Solar Garment Management System
ABS Solar is a garment tracking and stockroom management system that supports
laundry activities within the laundry operation.
Solar software allows automation of
garment operations and provides detailed information on all transactions through the
garment service life cycle.
ABS Solar streamlines the entire process by:
" Garments are identified with RFID tags.
" Tracks all garment assignments to wearers, and all history is saved.
" The laundry inventory is maintained in a computer database doing away with manual
written logbook.
63
"
A printout can be generated to acknowledge receipt of and accountability for
garments.
"
Tracks all garment receipts, issues, put in service and returns.
"
Expedites the check-in and checkout process.
ABS Solar is easy to learn software that is characterized by a simple, intuitive
Windows interface display. It takes only a couple of hours to become proficient in the
use of key functions. ABS Solar can be started quickly, requiring only basic data to be
entered prior to starting the system. Once the basic data has been entered, all of the
systems features are available. It is not necessary to enter the data more than once.
The use of the latest screen management technologies allows users to customize
screens to meet their needs. The layout of a screen and the icons available can be tailored
to the users' responsibilities and functions. Information can be sorted and arranged easily
by using the mouse.
Cost $5,000
Quantity required I
HS4B Automatic Thermo Patch
The HS4B is the machine used to affix the hermetic tapes securing the RFID tag
to the garment. This machine operates on 110 A/C power. The heat seal machine can be
set on a small table area, where some working room is needed to affix the heat seal
hermetic tapes with the RFID tag between the garment and the tape.
64
Quantity required I
Cost $1,516
Hermetic Tapes
The hermetic tapes are approximately I-%2 inches by 4 inches and have a sealing
agent on the one side. It is a cloth patch about the about the thickness of the khaki
uniform. The side without the sealing agent is smooth in texture and here the owner's
name and last four digits of social security number are placed. The patches come in rolls
of 1,300 patches per roll.
$98
Quantity required 2 rolls
T-BT7770 Laundry RFID Chip
T-BT77770 Laundry Chip is manufactured by Datamars.
The tag is read-only
inscribed with an individual preprogrammed identification number that cannot be
falsified. The casing is made of Ryton, an extremely durable material designed for the
harsh environment within the laundry cycle.
This tough outer casing protects the
electronics very efficiently against any combination of water, chemicals, pressure and
high temperature typically found in the industrial washing process. The tag is guaranteed
for 60 months and/or 120 laundry cycles. The tag demonstrated successful durability
with AmeriPride of 400 laundry cycles. The full complement of officers and chiefs on an
aircraft carrier is 318 chiefs and 391 officers.
65
Considering that in all likelihood each
officer and chief has 5 pair of khaki uniforms and one nylon mesh bag, the below
quantity is given. The tag's cost when bought in quantity is 65 cents.
$5,069.35
Quantity Required 7,799 tags
A-ST7530 Antenna
The A-ST7530 antenna is an active device with built-in coil and electronic circuit.
It generates the activation signal and receives and treats the message from the
transponder.
The durable casing is made of tough ABS-plastic and it protects the
electronics inside against spray-water and normal wear in the industrial environment.
The standard version is delivered with a cable length of 2 meters. Cables with a length of
up to 10 meters can be obtained. The dimensions of the A-ST7530 Antenna are 494mm
by 435mm by 62mm thick. Key features are:
0
Very high reading speed (20msec)
0
Reading distance up to 25 cm
o
LED to indicate operation
0
Reads through virtually every non-conductive material
*
Works on the principle of low-frequency radio waves
" Easy installation through standard construction and casing
" Field strength meter available for comprehensive tuning
" CE and FCC approval.
66
This tabletop RFID reading device guarantees foolproof identification and activates
the transponder within the RFID tag to emit the radio code. The stationary reading
device is designed for continuous operation under industrial conditions.
In practical
operations an operator can document 2,800 to 3,200 garments an hour with this
instrument.
$604
Quantity Required 1
R-IN7500 Reader
The R-IN7500 reader was developed for all applications where a very fast reading
process is required.
The very short reading time (less than 20 milliseconds) makes it
suitable for most laundry systems even with high transportation speeds. Up to two series
A-ST75XX antennas can be connected to the reader. One serial interface (RS232) as
well as two digital Inputs and one digital Output for local reading control are provided as
a standard option. An external device that alerts the operator at each reading by means of
an acoustic signal and/or high visibility lamp can be provided as an option.
The
dimensions of the R-IN7500 Reader are 235mm by 143mm by 248mm. Key features:
" Can handle two RFID antennas
* Distance between reader and antenna can be up to 10 meters
" CE and FCC approval.
$1,623
Quantity Required 1
67
AP07500 Hand Held With Cable
The AP07500 Hand Held With Cable is the appropriate antenna for the
identification of garments on hangers. In practical operations an operator can document
3,600 to 4,000 garments an hour with this instrument. Key features:
*
Handheld
*
Fast recognition of the garments on the hanger
* Rugged housing for long working life
*
Can be up to 10 meters away from the reader
*
Reading distance up to 15cm
*
Very high reading speed (20 msec)
$433
Quantity Required 1
R-P07450 Portable Reader
R-P07450 Portable Reader is for every stationary reading point in the laundry
operation. Key features:
" Ergonomic shape for easy handling
" Light weight
*
Reading distance 15cm
* Memory for 2000 garment numbers
* Built-in RS232 serial interface
*
Can be linked to virtually any stationary or hand-held PC
e
Up to 800 readings with one charge
68
* Ni-MR rechargeable battery pack
$940
Quantity Required I
R-BuzzlOO Yellow Light
The R-Buzzl 00 Yellow Light is used to give visual and audible indication that the
RFID tag in the garment was indeed read.
Quantity Required 1
$202
Computer with Monitor and Printer
A computer with windows is needed to run the ABS Solar software and maintain
the relational database required for Read Only RFID tags.
Quantity Required 1
$1,500
Dot Matrix Printer
This printer is needed to print the individual's name and social security number
on the hermetic tape.
Quantity Required I
$350
$17,335.35
Total Cost
69
Results Of RFID Demonstration Onboard USS Enterprise
Introduction
As observed on the initial visit to the Laundry Room onboard the USS George
Washington the entire manual recording process could be replaced with RFID
technology. The speculation was that this would allow the Navy to improve efficiency,
improve the accuracy of record keeping and reduce the manpower necessary to
accomplish the task of processing and recording laundry onboard Navy ships.
The area targeted was the check-in/checkout desk in the Laundry Room to
determine if time may be saved in the process of receiving and issuing of garments while
maintaining accountability in the ships laundry. The primary goal was to reduce the time
necessary for the check-in and checkout for an individual officer or chief. Prior to the
application of RFID, this time was on average 3 minutes, creating a bottleneck in the
laundry cycle.
In addition, with the current manual logbook prone to human error, a
desired result with the application of RFID would be improvement in accountability for
articles of clothing.
The Effect OF RFID in Laundry Applications
The Radio Frequency Identification system has been reported to be an agreeable
aspect added to the laundry operation onboard the USS Enterprise. The RFID system has
numerous features that have complemented the laundry operation. However, there are
some areas that could be improved upon, as some problems did arise.
70
The RFID tags were applied to over 200 sets of khaki uniforms and laundry bags.
The RFID system reduced the average check-in / checkout time for an individual officer /
chief from 3 minutes to 30 seconds.
The total check-in / checkout time was greatly
reduced. As reported by LTJG Warner Sales Officer USS Enterprise this was the most
beneficial feature of the system.
The reports that could be generated from the software program were of good
information. They provided accurate check in and check out times for the bags and
uniforms. They also informed as to how long the bags and uniforms were in the laundry
cycle. This information helped locate when and where the laundry was in the cycle.
A problem encountered was the inability to print reports. The reason is that the
computer software is designed to a European standard.
This standard resulted in the
incorrect parameters between the computer and printer. It is believed that with some
programming expertise this difficulty could be overcome.
Another issue encountered was that the demonstration was not equipped with
portable readers. Neither the handheld with cable or the portable reader was used. This
resulting inconvenience meant that laundry could only be checked in or out at one
location - the check-in / checkout desk.
71
Conclusion
The introduction of Radio Frequency Identification onboard the USS Enterprise
can viewed as a success and proved several aspects of this new age technology. First,
that RFID can be introduced to the shipboard environment both inport and at sea without
any detrimental effects. The RFID system is tolerant to both the vibration experienced by
a naval vessel at sea and interference from electronic sources in confined shipboard
spaces.
Second, the RFID system does not negatively affect sophisticated equipment
found on today's naval combatants. The short range of electromagnetic energy radiated
by the RFID system did not adversely affect any operation of shipboard equipment.
In the laundry operation the RFID system effectively reduced the check-in and
checkout time resulting in substantial timesavings. In addition the tedious mundane task
of keeping a hand written logbook was eliminated. The RFID system also increased asset
visibility in that ease of location of items in the laundry cycle was increased.
The reduction of the actual time required for the check-in and checkout process is
only one aspect of capability of RFID to reduce manpower in the laundry operation.
There are numerous personnel that each morning retrieves the dirty laundry from the
officers and chiefs berthing.
Additionally, each morning the clean laundry is returned.
The reduced check-in and checkout times has the added benefit of substantially
decreasing the waiting time required for sailors to check-in or out laundry while waiting
in line at the check-in / checkout desk for other sailors ahead of them. This is part of the
total check in / out time, and was noted as the greatest benefit onboard the USS
72
Enterprise. The next chapter discusses the computer model that was used to generate an
estimate of this timesaving, allowing a complete cost benefit analysis to reflect the total
benefits of the application of RFID in laundry operations onboard naval vessels.
73
Chapter Six
How Does RFID Increase Productivity
In Laundry Operations
Onboard US Naval Vessels
74
The Laundry Process after the ADlication of RFID
The sequence of events in the laundry cycle remains unchanged after the insertion
of RFID. The laundry is still picked up from the Chief's Berthing Compartment and
Officer's Stateroom and cycled through the cleaning process and returned.
What has
changed is the time requirement for operations in the check-in and checkout process. The
time spent documenting the receipt and return of laundry is significantly reduced. As we
have seen from the demonstration of RFID onboard the USS Enterprise, the application
of RFID has reduced the average time from 3 minutes to 30 seconds. There is also a
significant reduction of time spent by sailors waiting in line at the check-in/out desk. For
calculating the role that RFID contributes to reduce man-hours in this area, a computer
model will be used.
First is described the new process in the laundry cycle, after the application of
RFID, and how RFID tags, attached to the garment and bag, accomplished a reduction in
check-in/out time from 3 minutes to 30 seconds for an individual officer or chief Second
we will look at how a computer model was used to calculate the potential reduction in
time spent waiting in line by sailors at the check-in/out desk. The new laundry process
after the application of RFID is described below.
Receipt of Laundry
On entering the laundry room from picking up the officer's or chief's garments,
the sailor still reports to the check-in desk. Both the sailor delivering the laundry and the
person at the check-in desk are involved in the process of checking in the laundry. Here
75
the khaki garments are taken off the hanger and checked for any ink pens that may have
been left in the pockets. After this check the khaki garments and nylon mesh bag are
swiped over the tabletop antenna. The reader with an associated antenna reads the RFID
tag on each article of clothing and the tag attached to the nylon bag.
The information read from the RFID tags is sent to the computer containing the
relational database contained within the ABS Solar software. This software generates a
report of the garments checked in by each individual sailor delivering laundry to the
laundry room. This report can be printed if necessary either for the laundry delivered by
each sailor or by lot, and validated against each chief's and officer's laundry chit for
accountability.
Before the application of RFID, the typical time requirement to document the
receipt of laundry was 3 minutes. On the average when the aircraft carrier is at sea, 235
chiefs and offices have their laundry delivered to the laundry room per day. Both the
sailor delivering the garments and the individual at the check in desk are involved in the
check-in process. The daily time required for only the check-in of laundry is 11.75 hours
for the sailors delivering the laundry and 11.75 hours for the desk clerk logging the
articles of clothing.
After the application of RFID technology, the time requirement for the receipt of
laundry is considerably reduced. As previously mentioned, the need to manually write to
a laundry inventory log is no longer required.
76
This reduces the time necessary to
document receipt of laundry significantly.
With the RFID system in place as
demonstrated onboard the USS Enterprise, the average time requirement is now reduced
to 30 seconds for each chief and officer for the receipt of laundry. The time required for
only the check-in of laundry is now 2 hours for the sailors delivering the laundry and 2
hours for the desk-clerk logging the articles of clothing.
Checkout of Laundry
The checkout process currently found onboard US Navy aircraft carriers is also
labor intensive. Both the sailor who is to return the khaki garments and nylon mesh bag
and the individual working at the checkout desk are occupied in the checkout process. At
this time both individuals are involved in a second inventory for each officer and chief.
The khaki garments are physically inventoried and validated against the written log book
and attached chit on the hanger. After this is completed, the sailor returning the garments
takes responsibility for the laundry and delivers the garments to the respective officer's
stateroom or chief's berthing compartment. This checkout process takes the same time
period as checking in the laundry, an average of 3 minutes for each chief and officer.
The daily time required for only the checkout of laundry is 11.75 hours for the sailors
delivering the laundry and 11.75 hours for the desk-clerk validating the articles of
clothing. Again using an average daily laundry flow of 235 chiefs and officers.
With the application of RFID technology the checkout time is significantly
reduced.
After being washed and pressed, the khaki uniforms are hung in the Clean
Laundry Storage Area.
The nylon mesh bag is placed under the respective chief's or
77
officer's khakis. The checkout inventory is still conducted by both the individual at the
check-in/out desk and the person returning the garments to the respective stateroom or
berthing compartment.
The RFID demonstration onboard the USS Enterprise used only the tabletop
antenna. With the RFID technology now in place, the inventory was conducted with the
tabletop antenna connected to a reader. The khaki uniform and nylon bag are passed over
the antenna.
The reader interrogating the tag attached to the garment sends the
information from the attached RFID tag to the computer containing the ABS Solar
software.
A report is generated from the information obtained.
This report can be
segmented into what each individual is to return to the stateroom or berthing
compartment or by lot. Additionally, the Solar software can be programmed to produce
any discrepancies between what was checked in when compared to the inventory from
what was checked out.
With the RFID system installed and tested onboard the USS Enterprise, the
checkout time was found to have an average time of 30 seconds. The total time required
for only the checkout of laundry is 2 hours for the sailors delivering the laundry and 2
hours for the desk clerk validating the articles of clothing. Again using an average daily
laundry flow of 235 chiefs and officers.
78
Timesaving
Present Method
Time required for average daily check-in
23.5 man-hours
Time required for average daily checkout
23.5 man-hours
Total time in daily laundry cycle check in/out
47 man-hours
After Application of RFID
Time required for average daily check-in
4.0 man-hours
Time required for average daily checkout
4.0 man-hours
Total time in daily laundry cycle check in/out
8.0 man-hours
Time Savings
Timesaving per day check in/out
39.0 man-hours
The time saving calculated above is only for the time spent in actually checking in
and checking out of laundry. The above time does not reflect the time spent by sailors
waiting their turn in line to check-in and checkout laundry.
79
The Computer Model
It is believed that the introduction of RFID tags in the laundry process onboard
naval vessels will greatly increase productivity and possibly the reduction of manning
needed for laundry operations. As we observed in the RFID demonstration onboard the
USS Enterprise, the average time required for only the check-in/out laundry was reduced
from 3 minutes to 30 seconds for an individual officer or chief. The contribution of
RFID in this specific area in laundry operations resulted in a savings of 39 man-hours per
day. However, there is an additional benefit to be realized in man-hour saving that is not
reflected in the above calculation. This the reduced time sailors spend waiting in line at
the check-in/out desk.
The first evolution to be conducted by the Laundry Room is gathering the laundry
for that day from the various officers' and chiefs' berthing. Generally, this requires in the
neighborhood of 6 to 8 Seamen Apprentice (SA) who are currently going through the rite
of mess cooking.
The Seamen proceed to various berthing compartments to collect the
laundry and return it to the laundry room for check-in. Inevitably, some of the sailors
returning to the laundry room arrive at approximately the same time. Sailors must then
wait until the check-in clerk is free.
Procedures vary on different aircraft carriers. If
sailors are required to drop off dirty laundry during the same time period in the morning
and pick up clean laundry during the same time period in the afternoon, waiting times
could potentially be huge.
80
The application of RFID significantly reduces the "waiting in line" time before
going through the actual checking in/out process. A computer modeling system was used
to determine the reduction of man-hours of waiting in line attributed to the insertion of
RFID in laundry operations. For the model generated for this report a total of 6 SA'S
was used in gathering and delivering the laundry.
The Function Of A Computer Model
The main purpose of simulation is to allow for "what-if' experimentation.
Different aspects of a system are modeled and tested to see the effect of possible changes.
A simulation model accurately reflects the objects and interactions that make up the
system.
It shows all the necessary workings of the real system in order to define
solutions to the problem under study.
System knowledge is essential in developing a simulation. A system is a set of
interdependent components and their interactions, which are united to perform a specific
function. In fact, one of the great benefits of simulation is that it forces one to study and
learn about the system. A system includes both objects and interactions. Objects may be
thought of as parts in the system and the interactions as what happens to them. For the
laundry system onboard the USS George Washington, the objects are the khaki uniforms
and nylon mesh bags containing the white articles of clothing. The interactions are the
processes that occur at the various locations as the objects go through the laundry cycle.
81
The current laundry process onboard the USS George Washington was modeled
using a discrete event simulation computer program. This computer system simulated the
operations of the entire laundry process, including pick-up, delivery, check-in, check-out,
and processing.
. This base case was evaluated to determine time expenditures by
personnel in each stage of the process. RFID technology was then incorporated into the
model to analyze potential improvements to the system.
The primary area targeted in the computer model was timesaving that could be
achieved in reducing the waiting in line time of SA'S before actually going through the
check-in/out process.
The base model confirmed that sailors delivering laundry to the
laundry room often encountered delays in check-in. This waiting added significantly to
the total number of man-hours that were expended in the laundry process.
The results of the computer model showed that the use of RFID helped to reduce
the waiting time that sailors experienced in the check-in process. Because the check-in
process was being accomplished so quickly, waiting lines were virtually eliminated. The
overall time spent by sailors in the waiting and check-in process was reduced from 16.2
hours to 2.0 hours.
82
Results Of The Computer Model
Present Method
SA'S waiting in line and check-in time
16.2 man-hours
SA'S waiting in line and checkout time
11.8 man-hours
Clerk at check-in desk time
11.6 man-hours
Clerk at checkout desk time
11.8 man-hours
Total time in daily laundry cycle check in/out
51.4 man-hours
After Application of RFID
SA'S waiting in line and check-in time
2.0 man-hours
SA'S waiting in line and checkout time
2.0 man-hours
Clerk at check-in desk time
2.0 man-hours
Clerk checkout desk time
2.0 man-hours
Total time in daily laundry cycle check in/out
8.0 man-hours
Time Savings
Timesaving per day check in/out
43.4 man-hours
The times given above for both the Present Method and After Application of
RFID include the waiting in line time that occurs before the SA goes through the actual
check-in or checkout process. A total time saving of 43.4 man-hours per day is the time
saving calculated and will be used in the cost benefit analysis presented in the next
chapter.
83
It should be noted that the time savings determined above are actually quite
conservative. In building the computer simulation it was assumed that sailors returning
to the laundry room arrived more or less randomly. This was done to present the most
optimistic base case possible for financial analysis.
Waiting periods were determined
using this random arrival pattern. In the real-life operations on-board the Enterprise it
was observed that this is often not the case. Sailors departed to pick-up laundry in groups
and often returned at the same-time. In those cases, where a large number of personnel
arrive at once, the waiting periods are liable to be much longer that calculated above.
The potential benefits of RFID implementation are therefore even greater.
84
Chapter Seven
The Costs and Benefits of
RFID System In
Laundry Operations
85
Cost of RFID Equipment
In Chapter 5 the cost for the ftill line of REID equipment including sufficient
number of tags for officers and chiefs stationed onboard an aircraft carrier would be
$17,335.35 based on the type of equipment used in the demonstration.
We will use this
number as an initial estimate of installing an RFID system even though it does not
include additional expenses such as cost of acquisition procedures, installation costs,
training, or maintenance and repair costs.
Hourly Salary of USN Sailor
It has been reported that the yearly cost of the lowest paid sailor in the United
States Navy is $75,000. Each sailor earns 30 days leave every year. His/her shipboard
employment including time for leave is 11 months per year. It was estimated that the
average sailor works 50 hours per week, resulting in 2,393 hours of work in the 11-month
period. Dividing this number of hours into the above salary results in an hourly wage of
$31.34. This is the wage that will be used in calculating the benefits of the RFID system.
Monetary Benefit
From the previous chapter it was determined that the timesaving per day of the
RFID system over current practice is 43.4 man-hours. Given that the hourly wage rate is
$31.34 yields a daily monetary savings of $1,360.16. When calculated on a yearly basis
this is $496,456.94 per aircraft carrier.
86
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
($17,335.35) $496,456.94 $496,456.94 $496,456.94 $496,456.94 $496,456.94
IRR
2864%
Internal Rate of Return
The calculated Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for the investment in the Dataxnars
RFID system is 2,864%.
If this interest rate were used to discount all the defined
payments (negative values) and defined income (positive values) that occur in this
project, the net present value would be zero.
Present Value
The Present Value for the investment in the Datamars REID system onboard an
aircraft carrier calculated over a five-year period at an interest rate of 8.5% is:
$1,956,359.11
The present value is the total amount that a series of future payments is worth now.
Net Present Value
The Net Present Value for the investment in the Datamars RFID system onboard
an aircraft carrier calculated over a five-year period at a discount rate of 8.5% is:
$1,939,023.76
87
The Net Present Value (NPV) is the initial investment, in this case is $17,335.35
subtracted from the Present Value of the future cash flows. A positive NPV is considered
a prudent investment.
Payback Period
The payback period is:
12.750 days
The Payback Period is the amount of time required to recover the amount of the initial
investment.
Conclusion
As is readily apparent, the Datamars RFID system for laundry onboard an aircraft
carrier is a very worthwhile investment. The potential for obtaining reductions in crew
size through a RFID system for laundry are feasible. In addition, the quality of life for
the U. S. Navy sailor would be greatly improved with this system. The benefits for this
aspect of the laundry RFID system will assist in attaining the 90% retention goal for
future generations of United States Navy sailors.
88
$470,000 -
$370,000
$270,000
Sariy
Savings
$170,000
m Intial Cost
of RFID
System
$70,000
($30,000)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Graph comparing Yearly Savings to the Initial Cost of an RFID system.
In the next chapter we will discus some of the pitfalls that may be encountered
when implementing an RFID system in a material management system at a SUPSHIP
warehouse in Groton Connecticut.
The shortfalls occurred in two areas.
introducing RFID technology that did not meet expectations.
Second, characteristics
within the supply chain itself that may lead to RFID technology failure.
89
First,
Chapter Eight
Demonstration OF Smart Card's
RFID Solution In Materials Management
At Electric Boat Warehouse.
90
Introduction
SUPSHIP Groton Connecticut is the site chosen to test the application of RFID in
improving logistics tracking management of ship stores within the confines of
warehouses located in the shipyard facility. In these warehouses are located the ship
stores required for the initial load-out of submarines built within the yard. The ship
stores are stowed within the warehouse until needed.
The ultimate goal would be to
introduce a RFID solution with the ability to identify and track material through the full
range of data acquisition needs.
warehouse,
This range has its beginning at the land based
continues with material management requirements
on turnover and
transportation to vessel, and finally scheduled inventory control onboard the submarine
throughout its life cycle. For this report the application of RFID was only demonstrated
at the land-based warehouse containing the stores for the vessels initial load-out.
The RFID system when applied to material management can improve efficiency
and productivity by reducing man-hours required in the existing inventory system. In
addition, reduction of cycle time to issue vessels stores from the land-based warehouse to
shipboard environment is another achievable goal.
Proposed RFID Solution
The RFID system solution evaluated at Electric Boat is based upon Smart Card's
Radio Frequency Identification technology that allows the labels of tagged items to be
electronically read at a distance. A warehouse employee attaches the RFID tag upon
91
receipt of material to the warehouse. This tag is a read-write tag. At the time of receipt,
information is written to the tag documenting its identification in the form of a part
number. In addition, warehouse, location, and date received is written to the tag. The
item once tagged and logged within the computer database is routed to its specific
location, where it is stored until needed.
While ships stores are in storage within the warehouse, periodic inventories are
required to ensure quality control. Currently barcode technology is used to assist in this
scheduled inventory task. The demonstration conducted at Electric Boat using RFID
technology was conducted to determine potential for increased productivity over barcode.
Demo. At Electric Boat in Groton Connecticut, May 5, 2000
The demonstration consisted of three functions performed by the warehouse
personnel. These are:
1.
Receipt, tagging, and stowage of 50 line items.
2.
Location / Inventory audit of 20 to 30 items stowed in one location
3.
Random inventory audit of remaining items stowed in various locations.
Function One
LT Patrick O'Connor and his staff completed the first function. During this stage
of the demonstration a major obstacle was encountered. The portable hand-held reader
could only read and display the factory inscribed number on the tag, entitled SID number
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by Smart Card.
It was unable to read, display, and record the previously written
information to the tag. This restriction of the hand-held reader reduced the function of
the read-write tag to that of a read-only tag.
Consequently a relational database was
required to be built in order to correlate the tags identification number to the desired
information of; part number, warehouse, location, and date received.
Lt O'Connor built the relational database allowing the remaining demonstrations
to proceed.
Function Two and Three
The first demonstration to be conducted was an inventory of about 30 items in one
of the bins located in the warehouse.
The first problem to be encountered was the
inability of the hand held reader to interrogate RFID tags placed on aluminum foil
material used for packaging of electronic spare parts contained in the inventory. In order
to interrogate tags placed on this type of packaging, the person taking the inventory with
the hand-held reader had to place his fingers between the aluminum foil material and the
tag. Once this barrier was formed, the reader was able to communicate with the tag. a
Field Sales Representative in attendance from Smart Card, explained that when a RFID
tag is placed against any metallic material, the antenna contained in the RFID tag
becomes detuned. This results in the inability for the RFID tag to be interrogated by the
hand-held reader. Approximately 40% to 45% of all stock items contained within the
warehouse and onboard U. S. Navy Submarines are packaged in this manner.
93
Another difficulty encountered was the inability of the hand held reader to
interrogate the RFID tag at a distance greater than a half an inch. It was felt that this
procedure with the RFID hand-held is no different than that required for the present
method using barcode technology.
The two SK's conducting the demonstration in
addition to LT Patrick O'Connor felt that a read range of 6 to 12 inches would be
optimum. If a 6 to 12 inch range could be achieved, avoiding the necessity of the present
close proximity required for the RFID hand-held reader, a faster inventory of material
could be achieved. Additionally, on several occasions the hand-held reader had to be
passed several times over the RFID tag before a reading could be obtained.
Presently there is no link to ROMAS, Electric Boat's software for inventory
control.
Consequently, the information contained in the hand held scanner has to be
downloaded to a computer containing the relational database.
After generating the
correlated data between the SID number and the relational database, a print out of this
information is required. This print out containing all information is then compared with
the information within the ROMAS database.
This is a time consuming effort and in
reality no different than the present method using bar code technology.
Conclusion
The general conclusion from the demonstrations is that the RFID technology used
in the demonstration does not improve productivity over the Bar Codes currently in use in
the SUPSHIP warehouse at Electric Boat.
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However, more sophisticated RFID
technology,
which presently exists, may be able
to achieve the productivity
improvements desired.
In talking with Lt Pat O'Connor and the two SK's, it is felt that the biggest
improvement in reduction of man-hours with RFID technology can be achieved onboard
the vessel. This is due to the numerous inventories required on a Monthly, Quarterly,
Semi-Annual, and Annual schedule.
Many of the items to be inventoried are in small
bins approximately 6" by 6" by 2'. These bins contain on the neighborhood of 50 to 100
items packaged in Ziploc bags. Dumping these items on the tabletop and passing the
Ziploc bag with RFID tag over a tabletop antenna can inventory the bin in about 2
minutes instead of the present 1
/2
to 2-hour time period required with the current manual
method. After discussing this option, LT O'Connor now plans to conduct this Demo
soon. Smart Card did provide a tabletop antenna but it is small, about 6" by 8". A larger
tabletop antenna would be better on the size of about 2' by 2'.
Another thought expressed is the ability for the hand held scanner to read a
specific tag number. For example, if a particular item with RFID tag became displaced in
the wrong location, the ability to find this single tag in a bin without dumping its contents
would be extremely beneficial.
A benefit of the read-write tag expressed is the ability to change the location
written on the tag earlier. When changing locations within the warehouse, the same tag
can accompany the item when the location is changed. The new location is written to the
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tag replacing the previously written location. Although change of storage location does
not occur often within the warehouse, it does happen on occasion. With the existing
barcode technology an entire new label must be printed and applied to the item being
tracked.
A sales representative from Smart Card highlighted another benefit of RFID tag its durability over Bar Codes. With time Bar Codes fade. He explained the expected life
of an RFID tag is 10 years.
The demonstrations conducted onboard the USS Enterprise and ashore at the
SUPSHIP warehouse highlight the potential benefits and pitfalls that can be encountered
with emergent RFID technology.
As observed in some instances, a particular RFID
technology may not perform as expected. However, the RFID market is broad and indepth, offering many alternatives and manufactures to choose from. Finding the correct
application for a particular need is the key to success. The next chapter, Conclusions,
presents some thoughts and alternatives for improvement.
96
Chapter Nine
Conclusions
97
Lessons Learned
RFID In Laundry Aplication
As is readily apparent in this report and the demonstration onboard the USS
Enterprise, the application of RFID in laundry operations onboard U.S. Navy aircraft
carriers promises great potential. The reduction in man-hours achieved through the use
of RFID in the application of laundry will assist in reducing manning requirements in the
future. The system, if used properly, would be a great benefit to the Navy.
Portable Hand-Held Readers
There are several areas for improvement. The first of these is the use of portable
readers. One option presented is the use of a portable reader by the SA when collecting
the laundry. The SA would leave the Laundry Room equipped with a portable reader.
The portable reader can read RFID tags on location and store the tags identifying
information. The SA on entering the officer's or chief's berthing would read the RFID
tags on location with the portable reader as he/she collects the laundry. After collecting
the prescribed amount of garments and nylon bags, the SA returns to the Laundry Room.
The stored information contained in the handheld reader is then downloaded to the
computer at the check-in/out desk.
This effectively replaces the procedure described
earlier with the tabletop antenna. Additionally, further time saving is achieved, as the
clerk at the check-in/out desk is not required to inventory the garments with the tabletop
antenna as this has already been accomplished with the hand-held reader.
98
The time to connect and transfer the information from the hand-held to the
computer containing the relational database is less than a minute. Once downloaded the
ABS Solar software generates a list of garments checked in for each individual chief and
officer. This list can be printed and verified against the attached chit to the hanger if
desired. This would create a better tracking system and maintain better accountability.
Hand-Held Reader With Cable
The laundry after being cleaned and pressed is staged in the clean storage
area for delivery the next morning. The khaki uniforms are now hanging on a raised bar
with associated nylon mesh bag below. To facilitate the checkout process a Hand-Held
Reader with Cable should be used. This devise is similar in shape to a ping-pong paddle
with a cord. The cord is attached to the reader. The tabletop antenna is not ideal at this
junction in the laundry cycle. With the Hand-Held With Cable the clerk at the checkin/out desk and the SA returning the clean laundry can conduct the inventory. A report
can be printed out if desired.
This may be necessary as it is at this point that the
responsibility is transferred for the Laundry Room to the SA returning the laundry. This
is very similar to the laundry operation at the AmeriPride facility in Hartford,
Connecticut. Additionally, the ABS Solar software can be programmed to produce any
discrepancies between what was checked in and compared to the inventory from what
was checked out.
99
Officers and Chiefs Deliver and Pickup
Another option presented was to have Officers and Chiefs deliver and pick up
their own laundry, after the RFID system had been installed. With a check-in/out time of
30 seconds there would never be a line at the Laundry Room door. In addition, having
each chief or officer deliver his/her own laundry would assist in reducing the amount of
laundry lost. Requiring officers and chiefs to handle their own laundry would also reduce
the number of SA's needed by the Laundry Room. The man-hours can be deployed
elsewhere or used to further reduce the number of personnel embarked upon the vessel.
In the opinion of LTJG Warner, the Sales Officer onboard the USS Enterprise, this is
where the system would really improve shipboard laundry operations - "the check in/out
process would be quick and easy."
RFID In Material Management Tracking
The demonstration of RFID technology in the application of material management
tracking at Electric Boat can be viewed as a learning experience for both the Navy and
this RFID smart card supplier. The RFID technology that was used did not perform as
expected.
In some instances this was a result of inherent characteristics found in the
Navy supply system such as the aluminum foil encountered in the material packaging of
electronic parts. In other areas underperformance of RFID equipment (which was not the
smart card's equipment) was encountered as experienced by the inability to use the readwrite tag to its full potential. By gaining knowledge in the particularities intrinsic within
the RFID system and its application within the Navy supply-chain, the potential for
100
increasing productivity will be achieved. It is hoped that the lessons learned presented,
contribute towards this goal.
Anticollision Tags
As demonstrated in the warehouse at Electric Boat, the tagged item still has to be
picked up individually in order for the hand-held reader to record the data on the RFID
tag. This would be a requirement even if the hand-held had a read range of 6 to 12
inches.
Granted that with the previous RFID methodology described for material
management, in good working order, there would be a slight saving of time over Barcode
with a read range of 6 to 12 inches. However, a tag equipped with anticollision
capabilities would allow numerous items to read simultaneously, without any of the items
leaving the container. The resulting timesaving with this RFID methodology would be
substantial. (Such technology exists, but was not used in this demonstration.)
In the RFID application for laundry, 3 of the 8 vendors have packaged
anticollision technology suitable for the harsh environments encountered within the
laundry cycle. The cost of the tag would be substantially reduced, as the sophisticated
encapsulation of the tag would not be required for the application of RFID in material
management tracking.
Presently there are Commercial Off The Shelf distributors of
RFID tags and equipment with anticollision capability.
The anticollision feature of the RFID tag can be easily packaged to suit the
particular needs of the Navy supply system.
Most notably the aluminum packaging
encountered for electronic parts. This may be accomplished through design technology
101
centers. The design technology center may be able to package a read-write anticollision
tag to enable its use with aluminum foil. Considering the volume of tags required, the
uncomplicated packaging of the tag itself, and reasonable price for the anticollision
transponder, the cost when compared to reduced man-hours over time would be easily
justifiable.
As observed in the RFID application for laundry, the reduced man-hour
requirements with consequent monetary savings is substantial. RFID tags equipped with
the anticollision feature open broad avenues to expand similar results in the Navy supply
chain. For example, a container with items equipped with RFID anticollision tags can be
inventoried in a matter of seconds. This is a substantial reduction in man-hours when
compared to both the Barcode technology currently used and the RFID tags employed in
the demonstration.
Since the tag travels with the item, the reduction of man-hours
cascades from the warehouse to the vessel.
A very desirable feature that enhances viability of the anticollision feature is the
ability of an individual tag to be identified when surrounded by numerous tags. This
quality cannot be accomplished unless anticollision technology is used. The time saved
trying to find a misplaced critical component onboard a submarine in time of emergency
is beyond calculation.
In summary, this thesis has shown that RFID technology has unlimited potential
to aid the U.S. Navy.
102
Appendix A
Points of Contact (POC)
Listing
103
MIT
Professor Henry Marcus, Head, Ocean Systems Management Program MIT, Thesis
Advisor
Telephone:
617-253-5151
Fax:
617-253-8125
E-Mail
hsmarcus@mit.edu
Demo Onboard the USS Enterprise
William D. Dougherty, President Datamars, North American Division
Telephone:
205-403-0008
Fax:
205-621-5333
E-Mail
Doughertygdatamars.com
Dennis D. Perzyk, Assistant for Services COMNAVAIRLANT
Telephone:
757-445-8597 x 412
Fax:
757-445-1950
E-Mail
perzykdd(2wexchange. airlant. navy. mil
Mark L. Davison, President ABS Solar Software
Telephone:
770-642-8811
Fax:
209-882-4996
E-Mail
mark.Davisongabs-group. n1
Bill Shay, Newport News Shipbuilding, Innovation Center
Telephone:
757-688-4204
Fax:
757-688-8228
E-Mail
shaywf@nns.com
104
Parke L. Guthner, Commander, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy Force Financial Management
Officer
Telephone:
757-444-2953 x 355
Fax:
757-445-1950
E-Mail
guthnerplgexchange. airlant. navy.mil
Robert W. Belcher, PE, Engineering Supervisor, Newport News Shipbuilding
Telephone:
757-688-0610
Fax:
757-688-8228
E-Mail
rwbOl gnns.com
LTJG Jason Warner, Sales Officer USS ENTERPRISE CVN 65
E-Mail
warnerj@enterprise.navy.mil
Demo Electric Boat
LT Patrick O'Connor SUPSHIP Groton Conn,
Telephone:
860-433-7707
E-Mail
oconnorpij (isup ship. navy.mil
Robert DeSantis, SUPSHIP, Groton Conn.
Telephone:
860-433-4479
E-Mail
desantisrj@supship.navy.mil
Chuck Fear, SUPSHIP, Groton Conn.
Telephone:
860-433-2591
E-Mail
fearcw @supship. navy. mil
LCDR Bill Hayes, SC, USN, Deputy Program Manager Logistics Productivity R & D
Telephone:
717-605-2254
Fax:
717-605-7045
E-Mail
William-rnhayes@navsup.navy.mil
105
Associations
Uniform & Textile Service Association
Telephone:
703-247-2600
Fax:
703-841-4700
E-Mail
info c utsa.com
Website
www.utsa.com
International Executive Housekeepers Association, INC.
Website
www.ieha.org
National Association of Institutional Linen Management
Telephone:
800-669-0863
Fax:
606-624-3580
Website
www.nailm.com
Laundry Today
Website
www.laundrvtodav.com
AIM
Telephone:
412-963-8588
Fax:
412-963-8753
E-Mail
aidc(haimglobal. org
Website
www.aimglobal.org
Autoid.org
Website
www.autoid.org
RFID Suppliers for Laundry Applications
Brady Radio Frequency Identification Systems
POC
John Pearson
106
Telephone:
414-228-1411
Fax:
414-228-5989
E-Mail
john pearson(hbradycorp.com
Website
www.brady.com
Datamars, Inc
POC
William D. Dougherty
Telephone
205-403-0008
Fax:
205-621-5333
E-Mail
DoughertygTdatamars.com
Website
www.datamars.com
Gemplus
POC
Tom Abbett
Telephone:
317-566-0864
Fax:
317-575-3442
E-Mail
tom. abbett@ gemplus. com
Website
www.gemplus.com
Motorola
POC
J. R. Gonzalez
Telephone:
408-383-4000
Fax:
408-434-7057
Website
www.mot.com
Omron
POC
Greg Konney
107
Telephone:
508-303-8880
Fax:
508-303-8881
E-Mail
greg-konney(2omron.com
Website
www. omron.com
RFID INC.
POC
John Martinez
Telephone
303-366-1234
Fax
303-366-1222
E-Mail
martinezjj (2prodigy. net
Website
www.rfidinc.com
Single Chip Systems (SCS)
POC
Monte Russo
Telephone:
619-485-9196 x 125
Fax:
619-485-0561
E-Mail
monter@scs-corp. com
Website
www.scs-corp.com
Transponder Manufactures
Microchip
POC
Eric Sells
Telephone:
602-786-7668
Fax:
602-786-7478
E-Mail
eric. sellskmicrochip. com
Website
www.microchip.com
108
Philips
POC
Tim Cox
Telephone:
408-991-4838
Website
http: //www-eu3 .semiconductors. com
Design Technology Centers
Poly-Flex Circuits
POC
Amy Annarino
Telephone:
401-463-3180
Fax:
401-463-3679
E-Mail:
amy-annarino@poly-flex. cookson. com
Website:
www. polyflex.com
Contacts of Interest
Stephen Speckhart, VP of Engineering, White Conveyors
Telephone:
908-686-5700
Comments:
Has used RFID and other ID's for different applications for the last 15
years. Is very knowledgeable with RFID in laundry applications.
Don Peddler, President, Hospital Laundry Services, INC
Telephone:
773-477-9696
Comments:
Implemented RFID in their laundry operation.
Author
Arthur John Clark, Captain United States Merchant Marine, CDR USNR
TankerCapt@aol.com
"Life is a voyage that is homeward bound"
Herman Melville White Jacket
109