RFID Tracking System dramatically improves efficiency in document management

Kaneohe, HI – May 6, 2009 – 3M Track and Trace Solutions has installed its RFID Tracking System at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) to help the base manage its 8,000-plus records. The base has uses the system to increase its efficiency both in inventorying its records and in deploying units. Base staff hope that their success with the system can be used to expand the program to the entire Marine Corps, allowing personnel records to be transported and tracked easily between bases.

The IPAC uses RFID tags on Marines’ Service Record Books and Officer Qualification Records, documents that are frequently moved within the facility, and which travel with Marines when they are deployed. A 3M RFID Tracking Pad on each deck of the IPAC helps base staff monitor the locations of each of its 8,000 records. Additionally, the 3M RFID Handheld Tracker enhances productivity by assisting clerks with searching for items and verifying shelf orders, dramatically cutting the time expended on organizational tasks.

Inventorying, one of the most time-intensive duties for base personnel, has been impacted very positively. While staff estimate that the monthly inventory previously took up to a week and often required work on weekends, it can now be performed in two to three hours.

“This is a huge savings in manpower and man-hours and will increase our productivity and accuracy,” Chief Warrant Officer 4 Nicholas Bartlone, IPAC Director, told the Hawaii Marine newspaper. “We’re hoping that the entire Marine Corps will adopt the system.”

“We’ve been very pleased to assist the base with maximizing its efficiency,” said Erik Johnson, 3M Track and Trace Solutions. “The 3M RFID Tracking System allows the Marines to increase their productivity and devote their time to more important tasks.”