Boeing is to launch an automated inventory management system together with Fujitsu in early 2012, which is based on radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology and can be retrofitted to existing aircraft.
Customers will not have to install the hardware to aircraft components and materials themselves, but can have this work done through Boeing. The system will be available for Boeing-built as well as other aircraft.
Fujitsu will provide the airframer with a globally-shared platform that includes automated identification technology devices, device readers, software applications as well as a system integration and deployment service.
The system is scheduled to become available in the first quarter 2012, after three planned phases of beta testing.
Boeing and Fujitsu have been working together to introduce RFID technology to the aviation industry for more than five years, but have now formalised their partnership.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news