An Evaluation of Mechanized Stock Control in Army Support Units

Analyses of periodic outputs from the Army's current mechanized stock control system - the UNIVAC 1005 'DLOGS' system and the NCR 500 DSU System - revealed apparent inconsistencies and data anomalies. These periodic outputs, in the form of demand history data and stock status information, had been processed at General Research Corp (GRC) monthly from every direct support unit under the Direct Support System (DSS) since the test of that system began in July 1970. As of early 1973, 17 DSUs were equipped with the DLOGS, and 97 with the DSU System; outputs from virtually all of these units revealed the following kinds of anomalies: wide fluctuations in stockage objectives, stockage quantities that did not relate to the demand histories, demand histories and reported asset data that were of questionable validity, and inexplicable imbalances in net asset quantities. The report describes an evaluation of the operation and programming effectiveness of these mechanized systems, aimed at determining what, if anything, is wrong with the software packages, procedures, or operator practice, and what corrective action can be taken for current and future systems. (Modified author abstract)