Logistics Technologies and Military Logistics - Research Paper Example

Logistics Technologies Table of Contents Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Integration of Logistics Technologies 4 2.1 Benefits 4 2.2 Challenges 6 3.0 Factors that drives logistics technologies 7 3.1 Personnel and processes 7 3.2 Logistics automation software 8 3.3 Influences of competitors 9 4.0 Examples and Functions 9 4.1 Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) 9 4.2 Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) 10 4.3 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) 11 4.4 Global Transportation Network (GTN) 11 5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation 12 6.0 References 13 Logistics Technologies 1.0 Introduction Stroh (2002) said that logistics has its origin from the military. Logistics as Stroh explained relates to “the strategic process of supplying a theater of war with troops, supplies and their equipment.” On the other hand, the council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) defines logistics as “the strategic management of inventory, at rest or in motion” (Stroh, 2002). Murphy & Wood (2004) explained that such movement of military items in logistics has to be in “a cost effective manner.” Logistic technology refers to automation and computerization of logistic process towards ensuring efficiency and reliability in the entire logistic process. Military logistics is critical in the battlefield for the army to accomplish their strategies. The success of any military operation depends on the organization of its logistics, which acts as the backbone in any military operation. During the 1812 War and during World War II involving the Third Reich’s Sixth army, “the enemies severed their logistical capabilities on their march to Moscow, making them vulnerable and easy prey for the Russians who laid in wait” (De Rosario et al, 2009). The armies ran out of water, food, ammunitions and fuel, with the Russian winter making the situation much worse. Due to the great distances involved, there was no communication among the various commanders on the ground and from their command base, thwarting any efforts of coordinated operation. Consequently, in the spring season, “the armies could not adequately resupply their diminishing stocks and greatly lowered their resistance against a much stronger advancing Russian Uranus forces” (De Rosario et al, 2009). There was communication breakdown as the entire army network was broken; generally, the failure was because of poor logistics planning in establishing the relationship between intelligence in the war, operations needed and the logistical issues that facilitate communication. Military operations are solely dependent on the logistics laid down to support the operation. It follows that to enhance reliability and effectiveness in military operations, integrating technology in the logistic process is a critical aspect to consider in any military related logistic process. 2.0 Integration of Logistics Technologies 2.1 Benefits Logistics is critical to the functioning and success of any army operation. Any change in the operation strategies has to affect how such changes have to be supported. Technology is currently the single most important aspect in ensuring smooth army operations and great support, leading to success. Army transformations require the army to balance the modernization of the force and near term preparedness amidst increased missions and decreasing resources. This has led to the “revolution in Military Logistics (RML) in the US army” towards preparing for “more challenging future operations and balancing between modernisation and readiness” (Charles & Mahan, 2001). Technology in this preparedness mission plays an active role in transforming the army from the cold war-like structures to a combat structure that can respond strategically and dominate any combat operation. The major benefit acquired through integration of technologies is “communication, improving automations of critical equipment and systems, improving business practices within the army and enhancing command and control relationships,” towards making the army more effective, as a result of an efficient unit of command and better logistical processes (Piggee, 2002). Information technology describes the critical role played by logistics management, which relates to “managing orders, transport of the supplies and creating value” within the process (Wood & Murphy, 2007). Some of the technologies that have proved essential and indispensable in the US army logistics include “prognostics, information technology, and smart diagnostics,” which have been of much importance in reshaping “Combat Service Support (CSS) practices” (Piggee, 2002). Automation in logistical process is not just about changes in technology, but goes beyond this to provide new support processes and techniques, and a highly dynamic logistical solution. Automation has greatly improved precision in delivery of the CSS by increasing both the supply and distribution rates of all materials needed by the army. For instance, the use of the Global Support System –Army (GCSS-Army) in the US facilitates integration of collected information from the source to the areas of combat, while at the same time ensuring “effective expedition, coordination and management of any activity between the involved steps” (Piggee, 2002). In other words, automation enhances communication not only between the field command lines, but also between the related services in the operations. The result is improved knowledge that leads to increased awareness, which in turn allows the US commanders to manage the “Battle Command Sustainable Support System (BCS3) processes more efficiently and to streamline operations,” in addition to accomplishing the required tasks with much ease and at greater accuracy and efficiency (Sachariason, 2009). Facilitating best business practices refers to use of “methodologies and approaches that are applied by private industry players” to outdo competitors in the field (Piggee, 2002). In other words, these practices will facilitate most leading organizations to offer high quality services and performance to customers. In military logistical preparedness, such practices have been found to be of great importance, more so when the appropriate technologies are used to effectively compete with the enemies. For instance, technology has aided the US military to acquire and use “integrated supply chain management procedures, facilitate electronic commerce, promote identification technologies that are based on highly automated technologies and ensure optimization of involved loads” (Schoomaker, 2004). The use of electronic commerce in the supply chain management has revolutionized logistics and improved electronic commerce in the army, in enhancing “process automation, reengineering of processes, improving data and information exchanges and facilitating the necessary changes in organizations” (Keeter, 2001). This has resulted into great success in improving logistics in most the army’s operations. 2.2 Challenges Despite the numerous benefits of technology integration in military logistics, there are a few challenges that enshroud the process involved in application of advanced technologies. For instance, the American army has various software needs at critical points. In such cases, “the developers of such software and systems are forced to release them before they are properly perfected and offer upgrades with continued use” (Ferrell, 2002). This brings a major challenge in balancing between the “system’s benefits in using the best technologies and a system that is combat ready and stable for use” (Ferrell, 2002). In other cases, changes in software or system are carried out just prior to major training events, which does not allow the operators enough time for training before the actual event, leading to possible errors in operations. Moreover, apart from the timing of system changes, the frequency of these changes has also been a problem to operators, which affects the general logistical preparedness. Some tactic command and Control Systems (ATCCS) in the US military may lead to a ‘stove pipe’ in their development that necessitates the “use of manually transferred data, which consumes time” and may lead to lose of command and poor knowledge of events around commanders (Ferrell, 2002). Other challenges as Ferrell (2002) explains include “failures of systems in the logistic chain and the risk of hacking into systems by enemies” where vital information is leaked about an operation, compromising the effectiveness of the operation. 3.0 Factors that drives logistics technologies 3.1 Personnel and processes Provision of effective training and preparedness to army personnel has always been challenging, particularly in training of its logistical unit managers regarding the use of technologies. As an army grows, there has to be “preparedness to deploy with greater speeds and conduct any missions far from their locations,” and away from material supplies and availability (Rand Arroyo center, 2004). To achieve these objectives, the personnel have to undergo extensive training. Moreover, the personnel have to operate in high demand work environments using computers, to streamline the deployment. This is because such large deployments have to occur irregularly, and the time involved in the management of such contingency distribution systems is limited. The army has one of the highest “personnel turnovers, which regularly create the need to train new personnel” in costly and time-consuming process (Rand Arroyo Centre, 2004). The existing personnel have to apply their expertise to stretched levels to meet this objective; they have to interact more with such technological gadgets in ensuring smooth logistical process. However, in most cases, revision of logistical doctrines and processes complicates the work of such personnel, as they have to learn using new software and programs to oversee the logistic processes. Change of technologies in such cases leads to “improvements in the entire logistical processes and retraining of the personnel to improve the CSS operations” (Rand Arroyo Center, 2004). In addition, the process strategy has to be designed in an “end-to-end view of the whole system,” towards offering an opportunity to the personnel being trained to have detailed understanding of “how their roles have to directly fit into the larger process” (Rand Arroyo Center, 2004). To the personnel use of logistical technologies will require wide raging changes in the training structure, training content and how such content is delivered. To the process, technology will require an overhaul or improvement of existing processes to ensure improved results through more advanced technologies. 3.2 Logistics automation software Some of the factors that affect use of software include the need to trace any military equipment or cargo at any point. The “Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) include the bar codes, satellite tracking systems, lasers, smart cards and radio frequencies,” all which improve traceability of products when on transit or in stores (Ferrell, 2002). The need for safety during transport is another factor. For instance, “the Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) system facilitates satellite-based real time tracking and monitoring” of all goods and military equipment being transported (Ferrell, 2002). The effect is that the visibility of goods while on transit improves responsiveness to any logistical needs, and facilitates timely delivery of military supplies. Another factor is the ease and efficiency of passing commands. Some software facilitates commanders and other personnel to access almost real-time information to commands and other essential information through a strategic force database. The system mostly used to accomplish this objective is “the Army Battle Command System (ABCS)” (Ferrell, 2002). Some of the ABCS software includes the Maneuver Control System (MCS), All Source Analysis System (ASAS) the Combat Service Support Control System (CSSCS), among others (Ferrell, 2002). The above software assists commanders in deploying military personnel and monitoring them in transit, as well as issuing the relevant commands in the transportation process. 3.3 Influences of competitors The basic aim of using technologies in military logistics besides ensuring effective military operations is to ensure military dominance over other military forces. Armies with the most sophisticated technological advancement in their logistical process can adequately maneuver tough terrains and difficult operational grounds with enough support, command and with enough supplies. This aspect differentiates preparedness between different military operations. For instance, the army transformational plan is aimed at guaranteeing war fighting preparedness through a force that will bridge the near term ability window and ensure a future objective force. The effect will be transformational objectives with a wide range of options to promote regional engagement, improve crisis responsiveness and ensure unmatched sustained ground force in all its operations (Ferrell, 2002). 4.0 Examples and Functions 4.1 Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) Military automation is particularly critical in ensuring a smooth logistical process in delivery of materials and equipment. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a holistic approach that integrates all the data and other processes in an organization into a single unified system; “the system aims at integrating a number of computer hardware and software into a central database” (Ocacio, 2007). The aim is to enhance the “Combat Support System –Army in the field or tactical GCSS-Army [F/T],” to have an allowance for data integration and undertake the necessary reengineering of the appropriate business processes (Ocacio, 2007). The process helps in solving a good number of shortcomings involved when using a number of software in different hardware, resulting in major errors and inaccuracies that have to be collected by integrating such software in a central location, as indicated in the figure below. Fig 1. Problems solved by ERP (GCSS-Army) system (Source: Ocacio, 2007) 4.2 Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) ILS offers integrated logistic support services with regard to planning, through-line support and acquisition for use by other military services. The system offers the best practices and expertise in “warehousing, operational logistical processes, engineering and technical abilities” (Coker Logistics Solutions, n.d). The system was originally introduced in the US military service to improve the entire “lifespan and reliability of the military equipment and other related products” (Coker Logistics Solutions, n.d). The process makes it possible to have support in the equipment at any stage of design and development. The principle behind the system is to provide discipline in maintaining supportability and other factors related to costs, and which are identified in the design stage of any equipment, in improving the life cycle of military equipment. 4.3 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) The defense logistics system and the military services departments have over the time invested heavily in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and in other necessary infrastructure since1996. The principle behind this investment in the department of defense (DoD) is to promote in-transit visibility (ITV) details. It is on this basis that the department can make informed decisions on whether to “wait for the supply, order more supplies, redirect any goods delayed in the process and plan when to gather the necessary materials and offloading equipment” ready for arriving supplies (Kelly & Robertello, 2011). Since 2007, the department of defense has predominantly used RFID systems in tracking all items in its entire logistical process. 4.4 Global Transportation Network (GTN) Global Transportation Network (GTN) is a critical element of defense transportation System (DTS) in military logistical processes. The system is used in command and control where data is sourced “maintain visibility of assets within the defense transportation systems,” which has always proved a challenge in military logistics (Brown, Bennet & Honea, n.d). The system works in that while USTRANSCOM is the main DoD’s strategy in verifying in-transit visibility (ITV), the system has to use the global transportation Network (GTN) as the main repository to transport information (Brown, Bennet & Honea, n.d). Therefore, GTN acts as an automated system based on the command and control operation principle, providing the ITV system information and capabilities, based on command and control of such systems. In other words, the system has to collect and put together transportation data from specific DoD and other commercially related transportation systems. Through the system, USTRANSCOM collects information about cargo or passengers on transit from the point of origin and tracks their movement through each section of the transportation network up to the final destination. In this regard, “USTRANSCOM has to reduce the number of computer systems in use in the transit process towards standardization of data among a number of services,” while at the same time promoting the required capabilities in a number of systems in the logistical process (Brown, Bennet & Honea, n.d). 5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation Military logistics is a critical aspect ion ensuring the success of any military operation. Logistics facilitate movement of the armies, equipment, supplies, communication and planning in the most efficient manner. Consequently, armies that have succeeded in employing leading technologies in their logistical processes have much better success than those that do not. Technology will facilitates automation of equipment and systems, communication and feedback between commanders and other personnel, facilitates design and development of necessary processes in the military, among other numerous uses. Important, the army commanders have to keep track of all suppliers of materials and equipment needed in an operation and have to be aware of there respective movement in transit. The In-transit visibility systems as well as automatic Identification systems are critical in this process, which facilitates better decision making. The uses of advanced technologies also ensure the military is unmatched in any of their interventions in crises, in regional matters or in any other form of operation, in having a great degree of effectiveness. Therefore, military logistical preparedness is the key towards successful military operations. It would be recommended that despite the challenges faced in use of technology in military operations, the benefits obtained from such technologies outweigh these challenges. Consequently, it is necessary for any army to consider integrating technology in their logistics planning. The military should also learn from some of the leading global organizations on how they strategize their logistics towards successful business operations. Use of such strategies in the military operations has proved to offer better results than the use of conservative military logistics. The DoD has of late put in place measures to learn about process improvement from these organizations in improving their military logistics strategies. 6.0 References Brown, E. S., Bennett, M. H. & Honea, B. R. (n,d). U.S. military transportation. A1B11: committee on military transportation. Retrieved from. http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/millennium/00137.pdf Charles, L.T., & Mahan, S. (2001) The challenges of fielding the army’s objective force. Army Magazine, Vol. 51 Issue 10, p127 Coker Logistics Solutions (n.d). Logistics: Integrated logistics support (ILS). Retrieved from. http://www.logsolutions.com/B1AF24BOM.html Del Rosario, D. R., Tom, F. K., Mitchel, G., Ruth, G. B. &Toomey, C. J. (2009). Underlying Technologies for Military Logistics Prediction and Preemption Capability. Army Research Laboratory Adelphi, MD 20783-1197 Ferrell, R.S. (2002). Army transformation and digitization –training and resource challenges. Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania: U.S Army War College Keeter, H. (2001). Transformation office calls for cultural change, possible acquisition shifts. Defense Daily International, 1-5 Kelly, P. & Robertello, C. (2011).Radio frequency identification tags in modern distribution processes. Army Sustainment, 43(3), PB 700-11-03. Murphy, R. P & Wood, R. D. (2007). Contemporary Logistics. New York: Prentice Hall. Ocacio, A. (2007). Enterprise resource planning: The final (Automated Logistics) frontier. Army Logistician, 39(4) PB 700-07-04. Piggee, A. F. (2002) Transformation – revolution in military logistics. Pennsylvania: U.S Army War College Rand Arroyo Center (2004). Microworld Simulations: A new dimension in training army logistics management skills. Retrieved from. http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB3037/index1.html Sachariason, T. E. (2009). The Battle Command Sustainment Support System: The Army’s Command and Control System for Logistics. Fort Leavenworth: School of Advanced Military Studies Schoomaker, J. P. (2004) The Way Ahead: Our Army at War, Relevant and Ready. Retrieved from. http://www.army.mil/thewayahead/relevant.html Stroh, B. M. (2002).What is Logistics? Retrieved from. http://www.logisticsnetwork.net/articles/What%20is%20Logistics.pdf Read More