The Rapid Field Initiative Business Analysis
Abstract
The Army's Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI) is the process by which new equipment is distributed to Soldiers either at home station or in a theater of operations. Currently equipment is shipped from over 50 suppliers around the United States to a single central warehouse on the east coast where it is packaged into sets. The sets are then shipped to the end user stationed at one of over 40 locations around the world. It is a process that costs the Army time money and a great deal of effort to execute. This case study examines the RFI supply chain and makes recommendations to improve the current inventory management system (IMS) by removing the communication gaps between the PM warehouse and suppliers; a location analysis is performed to select the most efficient and economic location for the warehouse and packaging facility; and a new tariff is proposed that will reduce the number of items shipped to and returned from each fielding location that better meets the needs of the Soldier. The recommendations are the result of applying a combination of Lean Six Sigma tools and the Systems Decision Process to determine the most efficient and economic solutions and provide the greatest value to the stakeholders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 21, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472634
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Mccarthy
- Gregory Griffin
- Scott T. Crino
- Simon R. Goerger
Organizations
- United States Military Academy