Corpus Christi, Texas –
The Defense Logistics Agency commemorated the deployment of its modernized Warehouse Management System with a ceremony Aug. 30 at DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas.
WMS uses commercial, off-the-shelf software and offers benefits ranging from improved productivity and streamlined processes to better achieve audit readiness and reporting capabilities between DLA and customers. Predictability and efficiency are also gained through automation tools such as robots that pick items off shelves and computer-controlled systems that automatically place and retrieve loads from storage locations in DLA warehouses.
“By implementing WMS, DLA Distribution has set the stage to create a modernized storage and distribution network," said Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase Jr., DLA Distribution commander .
WMS went live with its first pilot at Corpus Christi in 2018 after five months of development, testing and training by DLA employees.
DLA Distribution operates a worldwide network of 24 centers with about 8,500 employees who support the military services, geographic combatant commands and whole-of-government partners.
“Our warehouses are the strategic hub of DLA’s ever-extending supply chain in support of the warfighter,” said Karyn Runstrom, DLA’s deputy chief information officer. “The landscape has been transformed with the arrival of many different security challenges and opportunities in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, which can propel the Defense Department upward.”
The ceremony gave employees a chance to collectively reflect on their hard work, she added.
“Reaching a major milestone like this can only be achieved through incredible teamwork. So many in attendance here had the vision, dedication and persistence necessary to ensure that progress on this project continued as expeditiously as possible,” Runstrom said.
Chase highlighted significant contributions by people and departments from several teams at DLA Headquarters, DLA Distribution and DLA Distribution Corpus Christi. Lessons learned through implementation will be incorporated at other locations.