Visibility Applications Licence Management

1.1Background

1.1.1The Logistics Information Systems (LOGIS) Branch as part of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) acquires and sustains Defence Logistic Information Systems to support Defence Logistics.

1.1.2The Logistics System Program Office (LOGSPO) as part of LOGIS manages the Directorate of Logistics Systems Sustainment (DLSS).

1.1.3DLSS is responsible for the sustainment of approximately 37 x Logistic Information Systems.

1.1.4Of these 37 x applications, the following are designated as "Visibility" applications:

a.Radio Frequency Identification (RFID),

b.Cargo Visibility System (CVS), and

c.Defence Transaction Processor (DTP).

1.1.5DLSS sustainment support is conducted under an IT Service Management (ITSM) framework noting that DLSS is an ISO 20000 certified organisation.

1.1.6RFID. The formal name for the RFID capability is RFID enabled Cargo Visibility System (CVS). The capability is comprised of four components, namely the deployed RFID Field Service Extension (FSE) kits, the RFID fixed infrastructure, the CVS, and servers and applications which support RFID enabled CVS on the Defence Restricted Network (DRN).

1.1.7CVS. CVS is sponsored by the SO2 Joint Distribution Joint Logistics Command (JLC). CVS is predominately used by JLC units throughout Australia and overseas on operational deployments (Freight Distribution Centres - FDC).

1.1.8CVS currently provides freight visibility between FDC by tracking the movement of freight objects (known as packs, multi-packs, containers or non CVS packs i.e: people, through the Defence or civilian freight system.This is achieved through the use of barcode technology, which provides in-transit asset visibility.Using the Waybilling module in Visibility via an interface allows CVS to track down to requisition level i.e: what is inside the box.

1.1.9CVS currently comprises of several executable applications which are written in Ingres Applications-By-Forms (ABF), the data is stored in an Ingres Relational Database which resides on a UNIX server.Each FDC site has one or more Defence Standard Operating Environment (SOE) computers loaded with CVS PC software (known as the CVS PC).Each workstation connects to the CVS server via TCPIP using a terminal emulator loaded on the PC as part of the CVS PC software.

1.1.10This CVS configuration is being reviewed, and the executable applications may be updated in the near future.

1.1.11CVS can be used from any location equipped with a computer which is connected to the DRN.CVS requires a constant communications link from the computer to the CVS server.

1.1.12The main functions CVS provides include the following:

·Consignment Management

·Multipack Management

·Container and Container Contents Management

·Manifest Management

·Trip Management

·Visibility / CVS Interface functions

·FDC Management functions

1.1.13CVS allows users to make enquiries on consignments, manifests, etc, to make changes if required and to produce a number of printed or visual reports.Suitably authorised staff are able to add, remove and maintain details, as well as reference information such as Location details, Package Code, Carriers etc.

1.1.14CVS is designated to be replaced later in the decade.

1.1.15DTP. Defence Transaction Processor (DTP) is an enabling application linking technology devices to the Visibility.DTP is designed for vertical carousels, DRN workstations, Portable Data Entry Terminals (PDET), barcode and RF Technologies to interface with Visibility.

1.1.16DTP Version 7.1 has recently been rolled out to Defence users. Future extensions to DTP are planned and may be included under this contract (as part of a formal Contract Change Proposal activity).

1.1.17BT-WAR is a DTP extension activity that utilises DTP and for the purposes of this requirement is included as part of DTP.