7 Ways Technology Can Improve Defense Logistics
In the digital age, technological innovation has taken over almost every industry, making processes faster and more efficient. The defense industry has capitalized on technology’s functionality as professionals seek to better leverage its capabilities and test methods more effectively. Technology is the key to drastically improving defense logistics—boosting accuracy, relevancy, intelligence and resources while cutting costs when applied successfully in multiple areas.
Detailed Data Analysis
Making informed decisions is one of the most important aspects of defense. Modern technologies have now made this easier than ever, providing users with quick access to specified data. In return, this allows for faster turnarounds on intelligence interpretation and communication to inform strategy. The ever-changing nature of technology requires continuous learning in the defense industry in order for professionals to stay up to date on logistics and how they are being used elsewhere. By remaining attentive to this, technology can transform how data is processed and actively used in defense logistics.
Situational Models for Testing
Technology in defense logistics also allows for greater testing capacities. With resources such as digital twins and artificial intelligence, defense organizations are able to model specific situations to ensure proper testing and deployment of logistics. Through the use of technology to test operations without the cost of putting the real system in danger, defense teams are able to save time and resources while managing risk. The possibility of applying artificial intelligence to defense also expands the scope of testing and deployment technologies beyond anything experienced before. Digital models such as these are strong contributors to success in multiple sectors, from military preparedness to aerospace engineering, motor vehicle research and beyond.
Supply Chain Efficiency
For technology to optimize the defense supply chain, the entire process must be redeveloped around the strategies and technology being used. When this transformation is made, defense organizations will see the supply chain process working more efficiently. As more stages in the chain become digitized, the entire system can be developed to work best in the current situation and reflect future innovation. Technology can be embedded into the supply chain to integrate information and allow for conditional application and monitoring of the process for success.
Life Cycle Logistics
An innovated life cycle is generally correlated to innovated defense. Technology plays a key role in life cycle logistics, as an essential part of the cycle involves technological advancement and risk management. To promote the sustainment and improve the adjustment of system life cycles, technology must be used wisely and precisely. The defense industry can employ technology in a variety of techniques, whether by direct insertion interrupting the cycle, or a refresh to update a system or aging technology. The sustainment of and adjustments made to life cycle logistics will be an indicator of industrial readiness in military depots, depending on how well technology is integrated.
Cost Reduction
Despite what they are tasked with, defense organizations must still operate on a budget. Increasing the efficiency of the supply chain, introducing artificial intelligence, analyzing data and performing tests more accurately, professionals in the industry have the opportunity to cut down costs. Since technology and risk are directly related, cost management depends on how well technology is being used and margins of error associated with practices and calculations. Technology can prove beneficial in this area when results are achieved faster and more accurately.
Application Design & Mobility
The employment of mobile technology and applications gives those in the defense industry the freedom to work beyond barriers and discover more. Several developers have been able to create specific applications for professional use that allow data to be collected and applied beyond the scopes of a geographic area. The introduction of application design in the defense industry has allowed for technology to be tailored to each individual sector’s needs. For example, troops can take advantage of mobile technology to complete specialized tasks, enhance their learning in a variety of subjects, and obtain information without the restrictions of time and location.
Cyber Security
Technology can be implemented in the defense industry in a variety of ways, including security design, testing and evaluation. Professionals must protect valuable research, intelligence and defense logistics by keeping these areas safeguarded against potential threats such as cyberattacks or hacking. When this information is stored digitally, technology can be maneuvered to not only store it, but protect it. Conversely, technology is a valuable resource in defense cyber security to test the strength of security measures in place and ensure no loopholes are remaining. Defense logistics can also be improved through security evaluation. Those in various business sectors can use technology to calculate and assess risk based on current testing to ensure the most stable, secure and accurate measures are in place.
Bring a better understanding of technology’s impact on defense, supply chain management and life cycle logistics back to your business. Enroll in LOGTECH Advanced, LOGTECH Executive, or the Industry Based Broadening: Logistics courses, educational programs designed for experienced professionals and senior leaders. We also offer early career logistics training in our six-day LOG 21 program.
About the Institute for Defense and Business
The Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research institute which provides custom solutions and programs for a variety of defense-related specializations. With over two decades of success in creating meaningful change, IDB seeks to train, challenge and inspire leaders involved in the defense enterprise. IDB’s curriculum promotes collaboration between the military and government, private sector and academia through courses offered in relevant, evolving subjects. Ready to enhance your leadership and advance your organization? Learn more about our courses in Logistics and Life Cycle Management, Complex Industrial Leadership and Strategic Studies.