Spain's Military Uses Savi's Consignment Management Solution

SUNNYVALE, CA /PRNewswire/ -- The Spanish Armed Forces (SAF) now is up and running with an active radio frequency identification (RFID) network and software platform that can be interoperable with similar network solutions deployed by NATO and other allied defense forces. The compatible RFID networks provided by Savi Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp., now enable SAF and NATO to automatically track and manage national and multinational, joint force consignments as they're transported through each other's far-reaching supply chains, extending through Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere worldwide.

The RFID platform was installed through the Savi Consignment Management Solution (CMS), which consists of Savi SmartChain Site Manager, Savi SmartChain Enterprise Platform, and Savi SmartChain Consignment Management Application. The solution also includes Savi's data-rich, active RFID tags; fixed readers; and handheld reader kits based on Echopoint technology--a highly configurable system using dual frequencies for spot- level and wide-area locating of consignments and supply chain assets.

Last year, the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A) initiated use of an interoperable RFID backbone when it upgraded to Savi CMS for its International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, which operates across six key nodes in The Netherlands, Germany, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.

"We're pleased that the Savi CMS solution is up and running in short order, and we're eager to further test the system across the supply chain nodes where we have it operating, and to collaborate on tracking consignments through compatible networks, such as NATO's," said Col. Enrique Porras, technical director of SAF's Logistic Resources Tracking System Program.

"We anticipate that the timely and accurate information from the Savi CMS solution will improve our ability to efficiently and effectively deliver supplies to our soldiers deployed in the field, and to collaborate closely with allies during more complex joint-force operations."

Savi Technology, a leading provider of RFID supply chain solutions for commercial, defense, and civilian agencies, also has extended active RFID networks and support software for the U.S. Department of Defense, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, Australian Defence Forces, and the Danish Ministry of Defence.

"As more defense organizations like NATO and Spain implement and upgrade RFID networks using the Savi Consignment Management Solution, there will be a multiplier effect in terms of efficiencies, economies of scale, reduced supply losses, and improved service deliveries in the field for users who leverage their own and each other's interoperable systems," said Bruce Jacquemard, managing director of Savi's International Public Sector.

Savi CMS is a complete, integrated solution that bridges the visibility gaps of consignments as they move through military supply chains. More accurate information on the location and status of consignments will reduce the chance of military supplies being misdirected, misplaced, delayed, or unnecessarily reordered.

In addition, Savi CMS provides exception-based management alerts; real-time tracking of assets and their contents, and monitoring of environmental conditions inside the container; and support for multi-national coalition operations for shared information when appropriate. Savi CMS also leverages data stored on all types of automatic identification and data collection devices, including sensors, bar codes, and RFID tags affixed to containers and other supply chain assets used to transport consignments.

Savi's RFID solutions have been implemented in more than 2000 locations in over 50 countries and are the foundation for the largest interoperable RFID networks deployed worldwide. Savi has also sold over 1.5 million tags to defense forces and the combined networks track about 35,000 consignments a day.

The RFID-based networks are based on the ISO 18000-7 standard, operating at 433.92 MHz, which has proven to be most effective in environments where large metal ISO containers are tracked and stored.

About Savi Technology
With over 16 years of experience, Savi is a leading provider of active RFID solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments, and consignments. Savi's integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory, and operational costs. The company tailors its solutions to the defense, commercial supply chain asset management, and global supply chain visibility and security markets. Savi's solutions are designed to meet the supply chain needs of defense and government organizations, global shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers, as well as service providers such as terminal operators and asset owners. Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA, and offices in Washington DC, London, Singapore, Johannesburg, and Melbourne. For more information, visit the company's Web site.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion. For additional information, visit the company's Web site.