Army logistics expert learns first-hand about DLA Distribution modernized sustainment solutions

Matthew Sannito, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Department of the Army, G4, received a briefing on Defense Logistics Agency Distribution operations at DLA Distribution headquarters, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, on September 18.

During his visit Sannito met with senior leaders at DLA Distribution to learn how modernization, warehouse utilization and network optimization can meet the custom needs of the Army.

"The way you're using data to ensure visibility and availability of material is what the Army needs moving into the future of sustainment," said Sannito.

Sannito also took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of logistics and sustainment operations in supporting the Army's mission and emphasized the need for close coordination between the G4 and the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution to ensure readiness levels of the Army.

DLA Distribution leaders were able to brief Sannito on how efforts into network optimization can save costs to the Army, and the taxpayer, by keeping high demand material in strategically located distribution centers near where the Army specifically needs it. Such is the case at DLA Distribution Red River, Texas, where the preservation and storage of tracks for tracked vehicles is a custom-tailored solution.

The other half of that is taking slower moving material the Army keeps, and moving it to sites with less activity, saving on overall costs as the material is stored in a more "dormant" state.

Leaders at DLA Distribution also explained how modernization efforts through software like the Warehouse Management System and internally built apps such as Qlik are shaping operations.

"Modernization will allow us to meet the demands of the Army in a contested logistics environment," said Perry Knight, DLA Distribution deputy commander.

Following the briefing Sannito was given a tour of the Eastern Distribution Center, the largest warehouse in the Defense Department, to see the front-line level of sustainment DLA Distribution offers and the modernized infrastructure advancing those operations.

A combination of software, automation, robotics and optimization of vertical space will allow the EDC workforce to easily process greater volumes of material while maintaining visibility through the entire process of getting items into the hands of the warfighter.