Mincom develops mobile solution for ADF

Mincom is applying mobile logistics solutions developed for commercial users to Defence's needs.
Mincom Limited has developed a new suite of software applications for the Australian Defence Force that could help the ADF substantially improve the efficiency of its logistics and equipment maintenance operations.

The Mincom Mobile suite would allow personnel to communicate with key information systems from remote locations rather than have to return to a base or leave a workshop to connect to a network.

Initially, the solution would be used by maintenance technicians in workshops but over time it could be rolled out to front-line support personnel and eventually to other parts of the supply chain, including warehouses.

Personnel would access key systems via rugged hand-held devices loaded with tasks to perform or 'wizards' that guide users on data input based on the type of task to be performed or the equipment.

Users would follow a scripted set of instructions which takes them along a path, ensuring a consistent process is followed each time. They would enter data as needed and upload it when next connected to their network.

The Mincom Mobile suite would also give personnel access to information in databases and other applications irrespective of their location.

Mincom already offers a mobile solution to transport industry customers in Britain but this is the first version supporting the defence industry.

Mincom Chief Executive Officer Alan McElrea said the solution could make the ADF a world leader in mobile computing among defence forces.

He said the mobile solution could enhance the timeliness and quality of data in the Australian Department of Defence's key procurement and supply chain system, the Standard Defence Supply System (SDSS).

The SDSS is based on Mincom's suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications.

A cornerstone of the ADF's efforts in reducing its fleet through-life-support costs is the wider adoption of predictive maintenance in preference to the more labour intensive and costly preventative maintenance regime.

Mincom Mobile would allow the condition of equipment to be determined faster and more accurately; link the operating history of equipment with its maintenance history; and provide a more automated means of processing repair information. The system also introduces signature capture technology to provide complete accountability of work performed.

The ADF hopes to reduce the $250 million it spends each year on repairable items.

Initially the solution will apply to maintenance technicians in workshops who will be able to spend more time working and less time at a desktop connected to the back-end system, the SDSS.

"Up until now, field staff have been required to check-in regularly for a batch of printed work orders, which define their equipment needs and other requirements for jobs in the field," Mr McElrea said.

"Mincom Mobile frees them up so they can get more work done."

Mincom Mobile leverages Mincom's traditional strength in understanding the business processes of asset intensive industries.

"We have analysed the requirements of our customers and pooled that information to build a standard application that will give us a 90 per cent fit across all of our customers. That allows us to rapidly develop the application for each individual customer without having to start from scratch," Mr McElrea said.

"By working with customers to understand their specific needs, we can deliver our solution via the mobile device that best matches their business processes."

Eventually, the solution could be deployed at the front-line, such as in a tank needing repairs in the battlefield.

If, for instance, a tank broke down, the driver could call a technician located several kilometres back in a support vehicle. He would be carrying a hand-held computer, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), loaded with Mincom Mobile.

The technician would receive details of the job by radio, including the problem and the location, service the equipment using a parts manual which had been downloaded onto the PDA, and enter details of the work performed into the PDA. When the technician returned to base, he would connect to his network and update the relevant records.

This is an improvement on the current system where forms are completed, passed on and given to data entry clerks.

The Mincom Ellipse suite of applications have been available in a mobile form for several years.

Customers using the mobile solution include Metronet Rail, operator of the London Underground, and other entities in Britain.

The ADF's recent decision to adopt the Mincom Ellipse maintenance management modules means it can take advantage of a mobile solution and offer these applications to field personnel.

The solution is being "localised" for defence industry use via a configuration change which means the benefits of a commercial off-the-shelf solution are not lost.

A trial of the solution is currently being negotiated and if successful could result in a roll-out late next year.