June 27–29, 2017 The College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center College Park, MD

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Fraudulent Parts Reduction across Various Logistics Nodes via RFID-Enabled Drone Inventory Management and Supply Chain Optimization

LaTasha Taylor Starr (Latasha.starr@mavs.uta.edu)

With the supply chain becoming more and more complex as the global market expands, oversight is imperative when attempting to avoid the introduction of counterfeit parts. Proper management of inventory from the original manufacturer to the procurement level is required to reduce the risk of non-compliant parts entering the supply chain from unauthorized vendors. Growing concerns of product failure and the desire for a reputable brand have resulted in an increase in customers seeking new technology that will reduce the risk of such an occurrence. As part of this study, RFID- enabled drones will be used to track licenses and authentication stamps of inbound items as well as other data collection activities throughout the procurement life cycle. Customers who could benefit most from this service are often manufactures of electronics and other costly parts that will be assembled into systems of high value and importance (i.e., weapons, satellites, etc.). This research will focus on creating a more robust flow of information across supply chain platforms with RFID enabled devices and Big Data networks. Combatting fraudulent parts in the global supply chain begins and ends with inventory management. To keep up with modern technology advancements and the demand for cutting edge logistical tools, this research will show a direct correlation between the use of RFID-enabled drones and a reduction in the successful introduction and movement of counterfeits through the supply chain. Inventory management improvements proposed by this research will play a significant role in supply chain optimization efforts. As this research will demonstrate, inventory management is two-fold, comprised of tracking procured inventory within a warehouse prior to distribution as well as a path to procurement tracking from the original source. Whether the inventory is located on a conveyor belt, cross-deck or on a loaded truck, having access to this information can positively affect decision making and recommendation of key next steps in the inventory management process. Drones equipped with RFID technology can be programmed to monitor inventory from an aerial point of view throughout a warehouse and/or along the transportation route, capturing real-time accurate data, and providing rapid access to product location and availability. The results of this research can easily be integrated into industry and commercialized on a global scale to create a more effective solution for inventory management and tracking throughout the supply chain, from manufacturer to customer.