Asset, Tracking, Logistics and Supply System (ATLASS)

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Asset, Tracking, Logistics and Supply System (ATLASS) is an information system (IS) that is utilized by the US Marine Corps to offer an excellent platform on which supply management is conducted (Blackledge, 2003). Using the system, it is practical for thousands of users to access and work on data and information that is crucial for making decisions.

Previously, the system used by the US Marine Corps was not effective at improving effectiveness because it did not incorporate dynamic technologies. As a result, the leadership recognized the urgent need of using a system that could provide data that would be exemplified by low levels of end-user errors. It is important to note that highly skilled persons in the field of information technology develop ATLASS.

However, thorough training is conducted so that marine-based military personnel, who form the primary users, can understand its uses and features. The primary function of the IS incorporating supply, maintenance and readiness, which improves performance outcomes of marine personnel (Blackledge, 2003).

In fact, it is based on a client-server platform. Its primary features are the following: Windows NT, HP servers, SyBase database, and local area network (LAN).

In order for the IS to achieve its objectives, it is based on a number of hardware and software requirements, which are based on both the server-side and the client-side (Angheluta & Costea, 2010). With regard to the server-side, many forms of hardware and software are required. It is important to note the importance of linking software and hardware on the server-side so that system usability is improved.

The server-side physical requirements are composed of crucial file servers that are found on local computers and servers that are found on the internet. Within the context of an effective IS, a platform of servers is required offer a solid support to multiple networks, files and software.

Due to the huge volume of volume of data that is shared between different locations of the US Marine Corps, the system utilizes a supercomputer, which is characterized by an excellent computing capacity that supports fast and reliable applications.

Primary users of ATLASS use mainframe computers to support computations. Technicians working for the contracted firm, which develops and maintains the IS, use workstations (Angheluta & Costea, 2010; Blackledge, 2003).

Central processing units (CPU’s) are important hardware on server-side that aid in tracking and performing numerous computations. In addition, random access memory (RAM) is required to enable customers to access information that is stored on servers.

The server-side customized programs (software) are required for data processing and information outputting. However, it would be important to note that the software are updated on a frequent basis, so that newer versions for improved performances can be used. In order to ensure that computers look for information on the internet as required, the IS utilizes Internet 7.0.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is used to support some reports that are generated for various uses by the US Marine Corps. Other updated software include WinZip and MS Office Standard Edition. The MS Office Standard Edition is important in supporting multiple versions of reports. For example, ATLASS has the ability to generate files in the forms of excel and word (Blackledge, 2003).

There are evident differences that can be noted in the client-side programs and hardware. With regard to the client-side hardware, personal computers are used for various applications. Notably, desktop PC’s are the most common personal computers that are used by the end-users. In order for a desktop to be complete, it should have the following components: a CPU, a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor.

Within a CPU, there is an adequate storage capacity that is equal to or less than a gigabyte (GB), which makes up the primary storage component, while the secondary storage component is composed of about 2 terabytes (Angheluta & Costea, 2010). The memory requirements are critical in fast applications of the IS.

In order for a US Marine Corps worker to use programs that are stored in CPU’s, he or she is required to use the military Common Access Card (CAC). The level of convenience is increased by connecting a CAC to a card reader that can be either internally or externally accessed via the keyboard.

In the context of ATLASS, the client-side and the server-side program requirements are similar (Blackledge, 2003). For example, MS Office Standard Edition is utilized to support multiple forms of files. It is worth noting that browsers that are needed to access ATLASS should be enabled via 128-bit encryption.

An example of such a browser is Internet Explorer 7.0. In addition, all users should have Citrix Online Plugin and a certificate of authentication in order to utilize CAC. A certificate of authentication is important in preventing misuse of the system by non-registered users. Finally, WinZip and PureEdge programs are necessary for ensuring that users generate features with a significant number of features.

One of the most important features of ATLASS is Federal Logistics Data (FEDLOG) that is utilized in ordering events. In fact, the feature is common throughout the US Armed Forces. It presents items in the form of a catalog, which can be used to retrieve more details about items for requisition. The feature obtains inputs (raw materials) from the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS).

Some of the data to be processed might include codes, certain measurements, freight data, and components of final items, among others. Users of the system are able to obtain screen shots of the feature, but they do not appear in a specific report form.

An output of FEDLOG is national stock numbers (NSN). Users of the IS use the feature to gain more information about the NSN, which could be a portion number, nomenclature of an entry and details of suppliers, among others. Other outputs of the feature include product durability, shipping dimensions and disposal requirements (Blackledge, 2003).

Another feature of ATLASS is the US Marine Corps Integrated Logistics Analysis Program (ILAP). Users utilize the feature to follow their orders through multiple systems of the organization. It obtains inputs about the status of an order and gives output that describes an order based on its current ordering system. This is particularly crucial because users can access the amount of time that would be required for a requisition to go through ATLASS.

In addition to providing information about the current ordering system, the feature can be printed in excel format that gives codes that represent the time and date of releases of orders, cancellation of items and information whether an item has been re-ordered (Blackledge, 2003). Finally, the feature is important in enabling a user to know whether a generic code can be utilized to know that an order has been canceled.

References

Angheluta, A., & Costea, C. (2010). Utilization of e-Logistics in multinational companies to overcome difficulties of today’s economic environment. Management & Marketing, 5(1), 93-110.

Blackledge, M. W. (2003). Professionals talk logistics. Marine Corps Gazette, 87(8), 40-43.

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Asset, Tracking, Logistics and Supply System (ATLASS)

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