Electronic Data Interchange in Defense Transportation
Abstract
In a previous study for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, we found that the private sector was beginning to make extensive use of techniques for the electronic exchange of transportation information. We also concluded that those techniques - Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) - could be applied in Defense Transportation and proposed that DoD undertake a demonstration test to establish the feasibility of electronically exchanging Government Bill of Lading and freight invoice information between its transportation activities and private motor carriers. This report presents the results of that test. Test results show that the DoD can substantially reduce its transportation paperwork by using EDI techniques to pass transportation information. The benefits from doing to include reduced clerical effort, greater accuracy, and more timely information. For the DoD to obtain those benefits, some organizations will find it necessary to realign organizational and functional responsibilities and to change business methods and operating procedures. To ensure that the DoD embarks on an effective and productive EDI program, we recommend that the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Production and Logistics) prepare a long-range plan for implementing EDI, upgrade DoD's largest freight payment center to operate in an electronic environment, and prescribe use of the EDI standard developed by the transportation industry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA196468
Entities
People
- Thomas W. Heard
- William R. Ledder
Organizations
- LMI