Logistics Master Plan
This is a two-dimensional view of a multidimensional system. For
example, to simply the illustration, these functions are shown
without regard to the facility types (boats, ships, aircraft or
shore facilities) they support. Likewise organizational levels are
not shown; e.g., maintenance can be performed at the operational,
intermediate or depot levels. Finally, each of the functions
actually represents a collection of numerous sub-functions and
processes. For example, supply support includes provisioning,
cataloging, warehousing, transportation, inventory management,
reparables management, disposal, etc.
As the figure demonstrates, each of the subsystems (the small boxes)
relies on various others for its success. The "customer-supplier"
relationship which exists between these subsystems is complex and
dynamic. The maintenance function, for example, has a very long
customer-supplier chain and is a customer of the information
management, training, procurement and supply support functions.
On the other hand, while the training function may not depend upon
the functions of supply or maintenance, it has a larger number and
variety of customers, including the end customer and various support
functions in between.
Another way Coast Guard logistics can be categorized is into
component subsystems which parallel the Coast Guard's definition of
logistics..."to provide the right persons, things and
information...." We call these subsystems personnel, engineering
and information logistics, respective [figure (3)]. For example,
engineering logistics includes those elements of the total system
that are inherently engineering in character. The major elements
of this subsystem are design, maintenance, configuration management
and supply support Personnel and information logistics can be
similarly categorized. Elements of personnel logistics include
work force planning, recruitment, training, assignments,
compensation, etc. Information logistics includes information
systems, telecommunications, data administration, IRM standards, etc.
As the Venn diagram at right shows, there are
overlaps (the shaded parts of the figure)
between the various components of the total
logistics system. An example, of the overlap
between engineering and personnel logistics
is force management of technical rates (EM,
DC, etc.). Both engineering logistics and
personnel logistics have roles to play in force
management. Similarly, there are overlaps
between engineering logistics and information
logistics, such as the development of
Logistics System
information systems to support engineering
logistics process.
C. Scope
Coast Guard doctrine mandates integration of the logistics functions.
Implementation, however, is difficult. The Coast Guard has chosen to
attack the problem incrementally by first addressing engineering
logistics. This "Logistics Master Plan," therefore, describes the
initial efforts at improving Coast Guard engineering logistics.
Final - 2/15/93
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