Expert Provisioner: The Development And Implementation Of A Knowledge-Based Decision Support Tool For Royal Air Force Reprovisioning
Abstract
The Royal Air Force (RAF) operates a single echelon, centrally controlled inventory system to manage an inventory of approximately 855,000 line items; nearly 680,000 of which are consumables. Generally speaking, consumable items are those which are either consumed in use or are otherwise not economically reparable. Each of the consumable items in the RAF inventory is subject to reprovisioning as shelf-stock is consumed. During reprovisioning, Range Managers (RMs) must take order quantity decisions that will minimise the risk of future stock-outs while also minimising investment. Successful consumable item reprovisioning requires a staff of RMs with a great deal of specific knowledge about item characteristics and customer requirements, coupled with a high level of expertise in reprovisioning procedures. Although the RAF Supply Central Computer System (SCCS) calculates proposed reprovisioning Order Quantities (OQs), Range Managers must review item provisioning parameters, demand trends and financial considerations before initiating procurement. Following the review, RMs have the difficult task of either accepting, based on their expert knowledge and judgement, or adjusting the proposed OQs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA369421
Entities
Organizations
- Air Force Logistics Management Agency