Automate supply chain visibility
Support automated part authentication and just-in-time processes. Automatically generate decision-making data on critical inventory consumption. Reliable AIDC-solutions can strengthen Defence industry supply chain integrity and resilience.
One for all
With the European Union reinforcing its defence industry supply chains, many companies are joining the effort to ReArm Europe. A growing Defence supplier landscape is boosting production capacity and capability, while also increasing complexity. An unambiguous data structure, that can be generated at various levels of automation, is key to maintain supply chain integrity and resilience. But what are the key elements of such a structure?
An unambiguous language
NATO has adopted the GS1 standard that enables globally unique serial numbers. A GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) uniquely identifies a specific product from a specific supplier, and it can be mapped to a corresponding NATO Stock Number (NSN) that focuses on an item’s form, fit and function. This mapping enables parts and products to maintain their unique identity, even when moving from a civilian to a military theatre.
Unique part serial numbers can be turned into GS1 supported RFID- and 2D barcodes, including datamatrix and QR, for accurate, work-in-progress and logistical data capture. As such an unambiguous, machine readable and global industrial language is created that helps reinforce and secure the European Defence and Technology Industrial Base (EDTIB) from OEM to MRO.
Anti-counterfeit
Any GS1 barcode or RFID-code can easily be authenticated versus a global GS1 registry. Barcode and RFID readers can also automatically compare physical part label codes versus digital data supplied by upstream factories. Automatically authenticating parts and verifying their origin, data captured in this way can in turn be shared with factories downstream to repeat anti-counterfeit checks throughout the supply chain.
Reliable marking
The above benefits can be reaped by every factory in a supply chain, as long as the label or direct part marking stays legible. The optimal marking makes this possible by maintaining its integrity throughout the production processes of every factory in the supply chain. The ideal label or marking even stays with the part for its entire lifecycle, so that it can optimally support any Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations.
For most part markings, stringent requirements are pushed by the largest defence contractors, driven by NATO STANAG compliance or other relevant military standards. Taking these into account, Brady continuously develops new labels in its laboratories, using material science, advanced testing equipment, internationally accepted FINAT- and ASTM-test methods, a thorough knowledge of relevant standards and norms in a wide range of industries, and a century of expertise and experience in identification.
Label materials are available specifically to resist high temperatures, cold, moisture, abrasion, weathering and chemicals, and for optimal adherence to smooth, rough or powdered surfaces, to cables, wires and products and for use in facilities. They are made out of polymers including vinyl, polyethylene, polyimide and others, combined with topcoats and acrylic, rubber or silicon based adhesives.
Most labels can include RFID technology so that all parts in a specific zone become readable at once. However, caution is advised when using RFID in ammunition-rich environments and any applications are to be verified in advance.
While the label may seem the least technologically advanced component of a supply chain visibility solution, that is only true on the surface. In automatically traced supply chains, label failure is not measured in the eurocent cost of a label, but rather in non-compliance, security breaches, discarded components and potential downstream delays. Label reliability is extremely important, and as a result label technology must keep up with evolving production processes.
Alternatively, most parts can be marked directly with high precision lasers or mechanical engraving.
Accurate printers
To create the right label, be sure to have the right printer. While 203 dpi print density may be sufficient to print a large GS1 shipping label, 300 dpi is the minimum to create most other GS1 label types. To print perfectly legible labels in smaller sizes, 600 dpi enables the higher precision in smaller spots and with tighter tolerances that boost barcode legibility for any 2D barcode reader.
Next to printer accuracy, its print technology is important. Thermal transfer print technology provides the print resilience needed to enable supply chain visibility. Unlike direct thermal prints that start to fade almost immediately, thermal transfer uses a heated resin that is burned into the label surface to create a marker that lasts.
Marking components is possible at almost any speed or automation level. In-line laser engravers, print and apply systems, printed label feeders or simple, standalone industrial printers can all source the right data from company systems and mark parts, directly or using labels, with the right data.
Advanced readers
To capture the dense 2D codes based on globally unique GS1 serial numbers, an image scanner is required. Unlike older laser scanners, they can read complex codes from multiple angles and they use algorithmic decoders or AI to read even damaged, dirty and distorted 2D codes.
RFID readers on the other hand send and receive radio signals that are reflected back by passive, UHF RFID tags. This enables a wide range of applications, including the ability to read thousands of labels at once, to detect radio signal strength variation, to auto-assign tools to a badge or to read environmental information on strain, temperature and moisture from sensors built into ultra-thin RFID labels. Data can be processed locally on the reader or shared via a range of established industrial protocols.
Automated data
With advanced readers, modern marking technology and reliable labels, any factory can uniquely identify parts, track work-in-progress, production volume, stock levels and automate part reorders, while contributing to supply chain visibility. Using GS1 or a supply chain proprietary serialisation system, incoming volumes are easier to track for just-in-time processes, and automated part authentication becomes possible to strengthen the integrity of defence industry supply chains.
Free Defence Industry Identification Guidebook
With all components of a quality traceability system under one roof, Brady provides a complete and fully customisable solution that involves reliable part marking and reading at various levels of automation.
The solution from Brady can increase visibility on the origin of components, strengthen anti-counterfeit, feed real-time authenticity data to software systems, enable digital twins for continuous improvement, track supplies in storage and trigger reorders on reaching custom thresholds.
‘Strengthened supply chain security’ guidebook from Brady covers applications in, among others:
- Supply chain security
- Supply chain visibility
- Identification at production pace
- Automated inventory lists
- Inventory condition monitoring
- Automated tool allocation
- Automated asset read-outs
- Machine maintenance risk mitigation
photo courtesy Brady