U.S. Navy Saves More Than $10 Million With Wireless Inventory Management System

Thursday, Dec 04, 2008

The NSWC and Anteon Corporation implemented the first phase of a tracking system using mobile computers and printers by Intermec Technologies Corp. known as the Philadelphia Inventory Management System (PHIMS). It is now in its fifth phase of ongoing upgrades and implementations to fine-tune efficiencies. The new system is a vast improvement over the old paper-based way of tracking parts and kits.

With the new system, inventory accuracy is about 98 percent, up from about 50 percent under the old tracking method. Human error has been virtually eliminated and productivity has increased by 50 percent in the first year.

One application of the system, called the Excess Material Improvement Program (EMIP), has saved the Navy more than $5 million. PHIMS paid for itself within the first three years of operation.

Keeping accurate, up-to-date records on some 15,650 item-types means never having to say three little words. ""‘I don't know' is absolutely the wrong answer,"" Gasier said. "" Admirals and Generals want to know where their assets are, and they want to know now."" Tracking these assets conforms to Naval Sea Power 21 Proclamations.