Logistics Transformation – Configuration Management

In early September, the Commandant issued an ALCOAST on configuration management.  In the last post, we reiterated that CG-LIMS exists to support logistics modernization.  Today the point we’ll be driving home is that logistics starts with configuration management.

I’ll share a few highlights, but I encourage each of you to go read the whole ALCOAST here.

CM is the discipline through which we document, communicate and control the who, what, when, where, why and how of our critical capabilities (assets, systems, units, and people). CM ensures a baseline is established and any change is properly documented and captured, ensuring they are consistent and repeatable throughout the life cycle of the capability. Configuration control, through the configuration control board (CCB) is the agent used to manage proposed changes to these capabilities. Unauthorized changes are undocumented, unsupportable, and may severely impact crew safety and mission performance while draining Coast Guard resources.

Summary. Successful life cycle management is predicated on a sound CM program. Effective CM, along with total asset visibility (TAV), bi-level support system, and a single point of accountability through a product line manager are fundamental to the overall success of the new logistics business model.

CG-LIMS will start with CM requirements.  From the CG-LIMS PORD:

CG-LIMS will follow a spiral development methodology. System configuration requirements for the first increment are already scoped in this PORD and will be fully defined in the ORD. The implementation strategy is to first replace the configuration management and maintenance management functions of the legacy Asset Logistics Management Information System (ALMIS). When fully implemented, the first increment will allow the Asset Computerized Maintenance System (ACMS) subsystem of ALMIS to be retired. Future increments will replace remaining ALMIS subsystems with a system that will scale to meet the enterprise requirements for assets not currently managed in ALMIS.

Configuration management is called out in the “functional integration” Key Performance Parameter (KPP) in the PORD.

Configure CG-LIMS to support the basic principles of maintenance driven supply: CM, MM, and SCM must be integrated, such that configuration data drives maintenance and maintenance drives supply according to Coast Guard business rules.

It all starts with establishing and maintaining configuration.

Configuration drives maintenance. Maintenance drives supply.