Powerful,Targeted Solutions

Project Needs:

• Logistics Management software deployed world-wide was out of date and ineffective based on changing technologies.
• Data being exchanged between systems was frequently inaccurate due to system and end-user errors in managing information.

Solution:

• IR Technologies developed a new deployed supply management software solution to be deployed across the US Marine Corps (several thousand users).
• IR Technologies continues the development of USMC deployed supply management software and provides direct end-user support/help desk services.

Results:

• The new software solution provides a far more usable interface to end users with many new supply management capabilities.
• Users are able to perform daily work faster and easier as compared to previous systems.
• PM identified $40M / year productivity improvements resulting from PC MIMMS enhancements provided by IR Technologies at no cost.
• Users are focused on their job rather than managing software, allowing work to be completed faster and with more accuracy.
• The USMC has a measurable (>$10M/year) cost savings in terms of end-user productivity on ATLASS as well as reduced costs in software and program management.
• Letters of Appreciation for IR Tech team the last 4 years in a row.

In response to Logistics Modernization mandates, IR Tech completed the conversion of the ten year old ATLASS and PC MIMMS systems, written in ADASAGE for DOS to Java under Oracle 9iAS and Oracle DBMS. ATLASS is a complete supply and asset tracking system for the Marine Corps. PC MIMMS is a complete ground maintenance system. Together, the systems are in use by every Marine Corps unit and have over 9,000 users. Both systems operate as standalone systems and as server-based, multi-user systems. When roll out and deployment is complete the systems will engage over 21,000 users Marine Corps wide. There are over 700 operational units or utilizing the enhanced ATLASS application.

With interfaces to supply mainframes and Defense Logistics Agency supply systems, ATLASS is capable of managing all local assets and supply requisitioning for a deployed MAGTF. The new system resulted in increased labor savings, a functionality streamlined design, and improved performance on standard Windows 2000 or greater workstations. ATLASS is fully compliant with policy and doctrine for deployed information systems utilized by the operating forces. These systems are being used by every Marine Corps unit conducting standard supply and maintenance activities regardless of location or specific mission attributes. PC MIMMS provides a complete and user friendly application for organizational maintenance planning and execution and is effective for enterprise asset management.

During design and development, IR Tech added significant new functionality to both systems during and after conversions. For example, the Marine Corps has verified that IR Tech’ proposed enhancements to PC MIMMS will result in approximately a $40 million productivity improvement per year when fully deployed. IR Tech employs a continuous process review activity to document additional requirements that are within the scope of the current program profile. A Configuration Control Board (CCB) chaired by the Functional Advocate with membership from the operating forces post and station and the USMC Reserve component is fully operational and determines feasibility for each request for functionality improvement.

IR Tech developed tools and techniques to automatically port and generate code from ADASAGE instructions and data schemas and instances to Java objects and forms. Tools were developed to support data cleansing, validations and improved data accuracy. Most importantly, the enhanced ATLASS provides a capability to cleanse data prior to conversion activities during roll out schedules at each Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). This enhancement is a precursor to the availability of GCSS-MC which requires pristine data as an operational consideration. The new system operates as a standalone application on a workstation or as a browser accessible from the Internet. At the present time, ATLASS provides roll up functionality with information available at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.

ATLASS improvements are projected to save over $10M per year. Further enhancements are underway to better integrate the supply and maintenance functions and to provide more seamless transitions from server to desktop as the communications environment dictates. Significantly, the application provides a dashboard capability that enables users to view units supply requirements and to take corrective action as necessary in a streamlined process that eliminates the access to redundant and time consuming reports.

The ATLASS Web-based environment is optimized to operate over low bandwidth, high latency tactical networks using tactical radio and satellite links. This was proven in real-world field tests using EPLRS,