Just-In-Case or Just-In-Time. Total Asset Visibility and Just-In-Time Distributions Impact on Future Class IX Repair Parts Operations in US Army COSCOMS and DISCOMS,

Abstract

Under public pressure to reduce defense spending and a Congressional demand for increased efficiency created by the collapse of the Soviet Union during the early 1990's, the United States Army has repeatedly been accused of maintaining unnecessary and expensive inventories of class IX repair parts throughout its supply system. In contrast, private industry has dramatically reduced its repair parts inventory levels, while reducing order ship times for arrival of repair parts by a combination of two initiatives called Total Asset Visibility (TAV) and Just-in-Time Distribution (JIT). This monograph examines the question: can implementation of TAV and JIT systems and methods in US Army COSCOMs and DISCOMs improve class IX repair parts receipt, storage, issue and transportation, while increasing customer satisfaction and providing cast savings in personnel and equipment? To accomplish this task, the monograph first defines TAV and JIT. and discusses the historical development of US Army tactical class IX repair parts operations to include: force structure, current doctrinal missions and responsibilities in the COSCOM and DISCOM. The monograph then discusses the history and use of TAV and JIT in civilian industry. Next, the monograph compares and contrasts the civilian industry and the US Army standards used by the COSCOM and DISCOM for inventory control, storage, issue, receipt and transportation of repair parts and discusses the reasons for their differences. After this comparison, the monograph uses four of the nine Army Principles of Logistics: Logistics Intelligence, Simplicity, Timeliness and Cost Effectiveness, to evaluate historical examples of COSCOM and DISCOM class IX repair parts operations in Operations Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Restore Democracy and comments on current reports from Operation Joint Endeavor.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 18, 1997
Accession Number
ADA340134

Entities

People

  • Franklin D. Roach

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Business Administration
  • Combat Operations
  • Commerce
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Information Systems
  • Logistics
  • Military Budgets
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Organizational Structure
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Depots
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military Mobilization and Reserve Forces Studies.
  • Pavement Materials Engineering.