The use of Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) enhances the supply chain by providing timely asset visibility. Many retail companies and government agencies such as Wal-Mart and the United States Department of Defense (DoD) are beginning to reap the benefits of AIT. AIT utilizes machine-readable devices to capture and transfer data to automated information systems. The DoD has mandated that its 43,000 suppliers utilize AIT technology, specifically in the form of unique identification (UID) and radio frequency identification (RFID). This technology will be used to improve the reliability of information concerning the DoD's assets. It would be beneficial for the FAA Logistics Center to follow the DoD's lead and implement UID and RFID in its supply chain. The FAA Logistics Center is responsible for managing approximately 71,000 National Stock Numbers (NSN) that support the National Airspace System. Tracking and tracing items based on the NSN alone does not allow the FAA to develop the business knowledge that can be gained by uniquely identifying assets.
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