Essential functions, all in a single system
Each state agency can choose an ArmsTracker configuration to suit, for example Police, Military or Customs, then select only the features it needs. We configure every installation to match local laws and procedures, then we help the client to migrate any existing data. Available functions currently include:
Record-keeping
The heart of any arms control system, record-keeping is the most requested category of international donor assistance. One UN report found that: ‘transfer controls, marking and record-keeping, as well as tracing… are often neglected or under-developed... poor record-keeping remains one of the primary shortcomings among States'.
ArmsTracker is the world's most affordable record-keeping solution designed for small arms, light weapons and ammunition.
Licensing and registration
ArmsTracker identifies and stores photos of each officer or private individual authorised to use or possess a specified arm or category of arms. State and agency licences can be issued to a rank or position, such as station commander or armourer. Every weapon is separately identified, photographed and registered, along with any ballistic images of expended ammunition or casings. ArmsTracker follows each registered arm as it transfers from one licence holder to another. A tamper-protected database maintains a chain of evidence and a history of personal responsibility for each arm all the way from import or seizure to export or destruction. E-mail reminders can be sent to expired licence holders, reducing the number of unlawfully held civilian weapons while recovering compliance costs.
Data security
A secure asset management system for small arms and light weapons, ArmsTracker controls inventory for military units, police stations, Customs import/export comptrollers and registries of civilian firearms. No outsider has any access to the client's registry, and no data can be shared unless the owner adds a feature to do so. The ArmsTracker database exists only on the owner's premises, and only the owner can configure security settings and encryption. As with other downloadable software, periodic ArmsTracker updates cannot access a client's data.
Trafficking, tracing & crime
ArmsTracker is a potent tool for low-capacity law enforcement agencies to detect and prosecute arms trafficking. It quickly identifies illicit arms and helps transnational crime operations trace weapons back to their origin. Incident reports include photos and GPS coordinates, with all data designed to contribute to international tracing and mapping mechanisms such as iARMS (Interpol) and iTrace (Conflict Armament Research).
Arms identification
Thanks to a partnership with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, ArmsTracker automatically classifies most of the world's small arms by maker, type, action and calibre. When an unknown firearm is located or seized, ArmsTracker will also link to international law enforcement firearm identification libraries. These describe the world's small arms by manufacturer, brand, model, action and markings, often with photographs. Accurate identification can validate both international tracing requests and local records of seized firearms awaiting judicial process, destruction or other disposal.
Easy reporting
ArmsTracker generates instant reports for management, or to inform other government departments. Without sharing their own confidential data, separate state agencies can deliver anonymised, but compatible statistics for use in reports to international instruments such as the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Register of Conventional Arms and UN Security Council Arms Sanctions Committees. While popular report templates are included, users can also create their own. ArmsTracker both exports and imports data in the most common file formats.
Data migration
ArmsTracker can import and re-code legacy data from most popular databases, spreadsheets and file formats. To help state agencies migrate records from existing systems without the data leaving their premises, initial import scripts can be written for each client to run on their own files. If an agency requires complex or large-scale migration and cleaning of existing data, additional funding may be sought to engage local part-time staff or contractors.
Scaleability
All ArmsTracker data is stored in SQL, the world's most commonly used database format. This allows almost infinite scaleability to proprietary or open-source platforms on local or wide area networks, intranets and cloud-based web apps. All networking, security protocols, encryption and remote storage are entirely at the discretion of, and under the control of the state agency which owns the data. As technology evolves, ArmsTracker data will not be left behind.
Additional features
Frequent ArmsTracker software updates make each new feature or improvement freely available to all. Under active development are: web apps for most popular devices to input data and interact from remote locations; context-specific Help pages for each ArmsTracker function and form; data export to ID card printers; a translation interface to allow clients to select their own display language. Future developments will include: connections to biometric identification systems, barcode readers and e-manifests for arms exports and imports; GIS mapping of arms transfers, diversions and illicit weapon hotspots; community reporting of illicit arms. We welcome new ideas.
