Interim Logistics Support Policy for Navy LOGMARS (Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading Symbols)

The bar code systems that the Navy has acquired, for use both ashore and afloat, are supported by more than 7.6 million dollars' worth of equipment. Logistics support for that equipment is currently inadequate. A program is under design to solve the problem for equipment acquired in the future, but an interim policy is needed for equipment already on hand. Four elements require prompt attention: 1) Equipment maintenance, the most critical and costly element, should be performed by contract on a per-incident basis. 2) Future training requirements should be appraised and provided for in the budget. 3) Supply support should be addressed by the LOGMARS (Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading Symbols) Program Management Office to assure that equipment users are aware of available sources of supplies. Most activities now buy parts and supplies locally. In the long term, supplies should be included in the standard Naval supply system. 4) Technical data on individual applications and technical manuals for LOGMARS hardware should be maintained in the Program Management Office. Source codes for software should be kept by application developers. A fifth matter of importance is software maintenance.