Implementation challenges for DoD logistics Enterprise Resource Planning IT systems

Abstract

In the summer of 2008, the Global Combat Support System Marine Corps (GCSS-MC) breached both cost and schedule in development of their ERP system. In addition, Navy ERP has had problems, GCSS-Army has been delayed, and the Air Force Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) is currently rebaselining their program. Why are all of these DoD ERP system development efforts having difficulty and is there a better way to implement ERP systems in the DoD? This research focuses on DoD ERP implementation efforts ongoing in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. A macro-level review of six DoD ERP implementations provides a historical perspective reflecting the difficulty all have had in developing their respective ERP systems. A micro-level review of the GCSS-MC program identifies systems engineering challenges the program has faced. The conclusion is that all Service Components have similar requirements and all struggle with development of their respective ERP solution. Much money has been and continues to be spent on ERP implementation and each implementation has taken much more time than was originally planned. It is important for the DoD to take a hard look at how the current ERP solutions have been developed and determine alternate ways to develop similar systems in the future. The DoD cannot afford the billions of dollars that have been spent on multiple system developments and needs to figure out a way to consolidate efforts between the Service Components. These consolidated efforts may provide not only an expedited system development effort but also a common system that can be centrally managed and used to breakdown the unique stove pipe processes within each Service and transform logistics chain management as it is known today.