CASE STUDIES

Northrop Grumman Gains Efficiency and Reduces Asset Loss with FactorySense

In Brief

Advanced RFID asset tracking deployed within 1.5 million square feet of aerospace operations, resulting in measurable efficiency gains and a significant reduction in asset loss.
RFID asset tracking software delivers real-time location data connected to in-house systems, compliance support, and enhanced visibility across secure and varied environments.
FactorySense provided strategic RFID consulting, hardware, and software deployment, leading to the implementation of a modular and scalable system adaptable to evolving operational needs.

Rethinking Visibility at Scale

Operational efficiency in high-security aerospace environments depends not only on precision and speed, but also on the seamless availability of critical tools and materials. At Northrop Grumman’s Space Park campus in Redondo Beach, California—a complex spanning 46 buildings and more than 1.5 million square feet—traditional asset management methods were no longer keeping pace with the demands of modern aerospace production.

With inventory spread across disparate facilities, and compliance requirements shifting from building to building, locating high-value assets was proving to be a costly challenge. The organization needed a scalable, software-driven solution to establish continuous visibility, reduce friction in operations, and support ongoing digital transformation goals.

Space Park, home to the development of the James Webb Space Telescope, continues to define the forefront of aerospace innovation.

A Targeted RFID Strategy

After canvassing the industry, speaking with industry peers, and conducting a down-select process, FactorySense was engaged to deliver a comprehensive RFID solution, beginning with a site-wide assessment through its RFID consulting practice. Working closely with Northrop Grumman’s operations and compliance teams, FactorySense mapped out the physical infrastructure, workflow dependencies, and environmental constraints that would shape the deployment.

The solution was centered on FactorySense’s RFID inventory tracking platform, paired with UHF fixed and handheld RFID readers and supported by edge computing infrastructure. This approach enabled secure, low-latency communication between assets and the FactorySense.io cloud platform, which provided real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts, historical movement data, and configurable role-based access.

One of the more complex challenges involved environmental adaptability. FactorySense worked with the on-site deployment team to standardize a tagging strategy, optimizing for performance across cleanrooms, warehouses, and R&D labs. Each tag type was validated for durability, read range, and compliance compatibility.

Critically, the RFID reader software was designed to integrate with Northrop’s existing enterprise systems, allowing asset data to flow directly into procurement, audit, and facilities workflows without disruption.

Operational Impact

The implementation has already produced quantifiable results. Search times for key assets were reduced dramatically, contributing to leaner cycle times and improved equipment utilization. The system’s automated alerts have helped enforce asset movement compliance: especially in areas governed by ITAR and other sensitive regulations.

Just as important, the system has proven to be an organizational catalyst. By empowering teams with access to location intelligence and audit-ready data, FactorySense’s RFID asset tracking software has elevated both accountability and operational confidence.

The success of the deployment was recognized at an industry level when Northrop Grumman was awarded the “Excellence in Manufacturing Transformation” honor at RFID Journal LIVE!, affirming the project’s strategic impact.

Looking Ahead

FactorySense’s RFID solution has laid a foundation for future innovation at Space Park. The modular design supports expansion to additional zones, integration with autonomous materials handling systems, and deeper analytics to drive continuous improvement.

As aerospace manufacturers continue to digitize their operations, the Northrop Grumman case underscores how RFID software—when tailored to the realities of complex environments—can become a strategic asset in its own right.