DSCOM is the element within the JSC that is responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of available materiel to the Front-line by planning and acquiring agreed storage, transport and travel services for DE&S. Performance relative to IPT requests are tracked on a monthly basis.
However, the tracking of this performance is can problematic as a result of two key factors:
• Underlying IT systems are complex and out-of-date: Within the logistics area there are three legacy systems (one for each Service) each of which is supported by a number of smaller systems. In total around c.140 IS are used across the logistic environment, a "spider's web" of systems which overlap in capabilities and is fragile in terms of performance and data integrity.
• IPTs frequently codify equipment and spare parts incorrectly. Discussions with staff at DSCOM suggest when parts are requested data flows render it virtually impossible to track them down. Often leads to the JSC failing to support in-service equipment adequately.
These issues have constrained the ability of the JSC to improve inventory management to any significant extent.
Some of the management information / data issues may be addressed through the forthcoming deployment of the Enterprise Data Warehouse ("EDW") which seeks to consolidate data from around the MoD. The introduction of the EDW system will provide a central data repository for DE&S, making it easier for all DE&S and FLC staffs to use the same data set to manage Inventory and assess JSC performance
More stringent enforcement of "Purple Gate" materiel acceptance requirements with suppliers and IPTs should improve the ability of the supply chain to support UOR equipments whilst in-service.