The Navy’s supply chain has never been more integrated. Supply planners at Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) and Defense Logistics Agency – Aviation (DLA-A) are leveraging a more transparent and responsive supply chain through Integrated Supply Chain Management (ISCM) to deliver material support to flight lines and repair facilities globally.
“Integration is key for any inter-connected ecosystem such as a supply chain, affected by fleet operations, intermediate maintenance-level capabilities, depot and commercial production and design functions,” said Cdr. Geno Lattus, NAVSUP WSS F/A-18 Integrated Weapon Support Team (IWST) Director. “All segments of any supply chain affect one another, pushing and pulling in the form of demand signals, planning factors, costs, production and delivery schedules.”
NAVSUP WSS has led efforts to develop and refine an ISCM process. The ISCM tool and associated business process improvements flag systemic challenges, drive transparency and help coordinate and integrate the supply chain actions across Type Commanders, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), NAVSUP and commercial mission partners.
ISCM is a supply chain management approach that brings together key pillars of supply such as I-level (Intermediate), D-level (Depot), commercial repair, and piece parts to drive holistic supply chain solutions. It uses machine learning algorithms and end-to-end system analytics to advance demand forecasting accuracy, and establishes production targets for commercial vendors and organic repair sites to expand and optimize repair throughput.
ISCM development and implementation is a result of a collaborative partnership between NAVSUP, NAVAIR, and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) to provide a tool that uses all available data to deliver a “single source of truth” across an ever-evolving supply chain. NAVSUP WSS logistics managers are using ISCM as an additional data point when determining requirements. IWST management uses it to measure the performance of each component to its target and to intervene when needed. Vendor performance and delays associated with material, equipment and labor shortages are quickly identified, mitigating interruptions and quickly escalating issues for barrier removal, according to Cdr. Jake Prentiss, NAVSUP WSS, Naval Aviation Enterprise Action Officer.
“In February 2021, NAVSUP WSS loaded all production delivery targets into ISCM, and as of Apr. 1, it’s live and tracking approximately 260 vendors’ progress toward achieving those targets across more than 3,700 components,” said Prentiss. “Continuously learning from and fine tuning this process, NAVSUP WSS will refresh targets in October 2021 and again every six months thereafter.”
The tool was developed to evolve Navy’s supply system by creating visibility through a complete view of end-to-end performance, improving velocity by setting forward looking delivery targets, driving accountability into organic and commercial repair facilities and aligning with other reform efforts throughout the enterprise.
“Early and frequent coordination between supply chain managers at NAVSUP WSS and DLA-A via the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC), which serves as a link to flight lines, increases visibility and provides real time feedback into this new integrated supply planning tool,” said Prentiss. “This increased transparency allows squadrons to plan maintenance, understand timelines and more accurately manage tasks and restore Non-Mission Capable (NMC) aircraft.”
ISCM creates a system capable of delivering needed integration, visibility, and accountability that is resulting in enduring positive change to supply chains and ultimately enhanced fleet readiness.
“ISCM has contributed to higher repair throughput, which stocked shelves, and ultimately filled holes in aircraft,” said Prentiss. “From Fiscal Year 2019 to 2020, there was a 16-percent growth in repairs, a 24-percent decrease in shelf stock orders, and a 45-percent decrease in holes in aircraft.”
NAVSUP WSS is one of eleven commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsupwss and https://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.
Date Taken: | 05.26.2021 |
Date Posted: | 05.26.2021 10:12 |
Story ID: | 397435 |
Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
Web Views: | 542 |
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