In early 1998, the Army Materiel Command began the Logistics Modernization Program (LMP), designed to replace its existing material management systems—the Commodity Command Standard Systems and the Standard Depot System. The LMP transformed what it was to bring logistics operations— specifically in six core areas: order fulfillment; demand and supply planning; procurement; asset management; material management; and financial management. Still considered a work in progress, LMP is reported to manage goods and services valued at about $40 billion, including 6 million Army inventory items. As of September 2008, approximately $880 million has been invested by the Army in LMP.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a report on the Army’s reporting of its progress, the implementation at Army depots and the expected capabilities of LMP when fully implemented. One aspect of LMP is that the House of Representatives has directed the secretary of the Army to issue a status report to the House and the Senate as well as the GAO. In general the report found the Army has satisfied the reporting requirements and has acted on most of the GAO’s previous recommendations. While there is always room for improvement, the Army seems well on the way to meeting its obligations and seeing the benefits from the system.
This issue has a very interesting round table discussion with Global Combat Support System offices from the Army, Air Force and Marine perspectives. As with the LMP, this too is a work in progress that has delivered results, but its potential is just being realized. Read the answers from each service and see how they relate to your field or fulfillment activities. I would be interested in hearing from others involved either within the systems or on the receiving end.
As always, please feel free to call or e-mail me with any comments or suggestions.
 Jeff McKaughan, Editor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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