FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Several Defense Logistics Agency employees explored advanced manufacturing and sustainment models that could transform the Defense Department supply chain Sept. 18-19 while visiting Wichita State University research facilities and The Smart Factory in Wichita, Kansas.
“DLA is working to embrace a digital environment and digital ecosystem,” DLA Chief Technology Officer Kelly Morris said. “Seeing emerging technologies and innovations that are being adopted by industry helps us figure out how to incorporate them into our own architecture.”
The group, which included information technology and logistics operations professionals as well as representatives from DLA Aviation, saw how WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research breaks down aging aircraft and scans items to create a digital twin of parts that make up the system.
“One of the problems we’ve had for years is obsolete parts for legacy weapons systems. Manufacturers have shut down their production lines for them, so when DLA needs to help source replacement parts, they’re no longer being made,” Morris said.
Digital tech data packages make it easier for new vendors to supply such parts, she added, and DLA is determining how it will incorporate tech data packages into its supply structure and systems.
The group also viewed additive manufacturing machines set up to replicate parts at WSU’s John Bardo Center, which is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to create parts for manufacturers like Boeing and Sikorsky.
“They’re actually training our next generation of digital engineers from middle school and up through college to do computer-aided design and digital engineering,” Morris said. “They’re also using digital technology like augmented and virtual reality. With a set of 3D glasses, you can look around a workspace like a factory or warehouse and digitize the things you see.”
Representatives at Deloitte’s The Smart Factory demonstrated the speed and accuracy of 3D printing in an Industry 4.0 smart interconnected production system and highlighted how moving to a digital environment with tech data packages requires more IT scrutiny.
“Cybersecurity is, of course, a big concern. It’s not about reducing risk entirely, but managing the risk that’s there,” she said.
Factory officials described how they’re creating a new Smart Maintenance and Repair Facility to break down engines for Southwest Airlines. The facility is similar to maintenance, repair and operations activities run by the military services and will demonstrate how industry and government can streamline additive manufacturing processes.
“We’re all trying to match old systems with new technology. It’s not just industry, but also the military and DLA embracing this new digital environment,” Morris said, stressing that employees will still have crucial roles. A human-centered approach is essential to driving digital transformation and increasing supply chain efficiencies while delivering improvements in performance, safety and workforce transformation across the digital supply network, she continued.
“Every place we visited, one thing was clear: We need skilled people to make it all work,” she said.