NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
After months of training, coordination, exercises and support from across the Defense Logistics Agency enterprise, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania operations went live using the Warehouse Management System Nov. 10.
DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, home to the Eastern Distribution Center, the largest warehouse within the Department of War, is the latest facility to implement the system designed to modernize operations, optimize workflows and ultimately enhance support for the warfighter.
“The transition to Warehouse Management System at DLA Distribution Susquehanna demonstrates the dedication and resilience of our workforce and I'm incredibly proud of the teamwork displayed in preparing us for this change,” said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, commanding general, DLA Distribution. “This marks a significant step forward in modernizing our distribution network and enhancing our ability to rapidly and accurately support the warfighter.”
WMS is a key element of DLA Distribution’s modernization program and replaces the existing Distribution Standard System with a modern, off-the-shelf system that aligns DLA Distribution with industry best practices, facilitates cloud computing and seamlessly integrates with DLA’s Enterprise Business System.
Navy Capt. Andy Henwood, commanding officer, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, emphasized the workforce’s role in a successful transition.
“Having led or been a part of multiple large, complex, and challenging logistics operations in the past, I can say without pause that our workforce has performed admirably,” he said. “After working multiple 60-hour weeks to eliminate backlog going into blackout, we then asked our workforce to pivot and support what will be the largest change in the DLA Distribution enterprise in several decades. What they do every day speaks volumes to the dedication of our workforce to support the most important customers in the world, our warfighters."
One of the new initiatives to support this implementation was the creation of the WMS Task Force, a 275-member group representing various DLA components, providing around-the-clock support to address challenges and ensure smooth operations. Beginning earlier this year, the task force developed comprehensive preparation efforts, including on-site engagements, working groups and training exercises.
“The value has been decisive," stated Army Maj. James Marley, commander, WMS Task Force. "Because the site made physical, procedural and staffing adjustments in advance, the rollout began from a position of stability rather than reaction. Hyper-care has ensured continuity of that momentum. WMS coaches, IT support and process experts are integrated daily with the workforce, reinforcing correct behaviors, troubleshooting in real time and accelerating the learning curve."
Inevitably, unforeseen issues arose during the initial phase. For example, a defect in the system supporting small-parcel carrier assignment caused delays. However, dedicated "tiger teams" quickly identified and resolved the root cause, minimizing disruption. Jim Hooper, deputy to the commander, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, credited the strong teamwork throughout the entire process.
"I am very impressed with the team effort. We knew coming into Go-Live that WMS would require significant system changes or upgrades and that we’d encounter problems as our processes are different than other depots in terms of scale and scope,” he said. “The entire DLA team including DLA Information Operations, DLA Distribution Network Process Management Directorate, DLA Weapons Support, the WMS Task Force and our contractor partners, trainers and coaches from around the Distribution network have really come together to “swarm” and fix problems or develop workarounds to ensure our customers are supported."
Now that WMS is implemented, DLA Distribution experts will remain on-site to address any problems that may arise and help the distribution center return to normal production levels.
"WMS implementation has gone very well and continues to improve each day," stated Paul Fawcett, deputy director, DLA Distribution Network Process Management Directorate. "DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania is steadily increasing production toward pre-WMS levels with a focus on reducing backlog accumulated during blackout and fulfilling high-priority readiness requirements.”
WMS has been successfully implemented at 20 of the 24 DLA Distribution locations, with retrofits fielded at seven of those sites. In 2026 the system will be deployed to the remaining sites along with eight retrofits across the DLA Distribution network.