Systems Engineering in Support of Defence Logistics

摘要

The paper examines the application of Systems Engineering (SE) principles to the complex system that is Defence logistic support operations. This system exists at a hierarchy level above that usually considered by SE and is distinct from the more traditional project or product view of a system. The establishment of a unified Defence Logistics Organisation in UK and its ambitious programme of change are described. Central to this programme is the gathering of information to understand and to manage the system more effectively. The paper proposes a programme of modelling and simulation should be established to make best use of the information. This would enable a more accurate understanding to be developed of the dynamic behaviour of the system. If this were achieved, then measures for change and improvement could be introduced, using the principles of systems engineering, thereby making a successful outcome in this complex setting more likely.