People and tech: revolutionising a military logistics system

Client Name

DCP, FFDTL

Location

Timor-Leste

Project Overview

Globally, the phenomenon of digitalization is a reality for all industries including the military. Currently, Timor-Leste Defence Force (FFDTL) logistics wing operates manually, struggling with information flow between different silos, resulting in decreased efficiency and responsiveness. Australian Defence Cooperation Program–Timor-Leste (DCP) supported by Australian Department of Defence is currently investing to revolutionize the FFDTL logistics. Commissioned by the DCP, Similie designed cloud-based modern logistics and asset management system ushering FFDTL in the modern technological era. In addition to deploying the system, Similie also provided extensive training to achieve tech adoption and FFDTL’s independent operation of the system.

Existing Problem

Currently, FFDTL uses traditional paper-based logistics and asset management system resulting in inventory mismanagement. The changing personnel creates communication breakdowns and sluggish handover process. Resulting in a system that has high cost, organizational challenges, human errors among others.

To tackle these efficiency issues FFDTL required user friendly, sustainable and low-cost digital management solutions. The digital transformation will then eliminate much of the manual order handling and by aligning the silos, reducinge both costs and time.

Similie's Solution

After consultation and in-depth understanding of the FFDTL needs, Similie deployed a digital system to simplify, integrate and standardize all the logistical activities and processes grounded on people-centred approaches to technology and innovation. In addition to adoption of digital technologies, enabling personnel to navigate and troubleshoot new systems are equally important. Training FFDTL officers are therefore at the heart of the LMS solution chain. This unique blend of technology and training requires intensive follow-ups, refresher training, assessments, evaluations, listening and observing how the FFDTL officers are responding to the new technology. As a result of this approach, all the LMS trainees scored 100% on the diagnostic tests – leading towards a successful tech adoption.

With the new system chances of human error will be minimized and miscommunication between staff will reduce, especially during handovers.

Managing logistics will achieve efficiency because communication will be faster between different hierarchies and speeds up the work flow.

Organization will be easier with the new system due to accurate and instant information. In addition, accountability among responsible parties also increases.