All eyes on transit

In logistics, the health of the entire supply chain depends on In-Transit Visibility (ITV), an ever-evolving ability to track the identity, location and status of orders. Its influence over decisions from suppliers to customers drives a constant search for faster, better ITV systems to remain competitive.

Military logisticians also use ITV and constantly seek ways to improve them.

USTRANSCOM hosted an ITV workshop, which brought in 70 Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise (JDDE) experts from the Office of Secretary of War, each of the military service branches, the Coast Guard, the Defense Logistics Agency, the Combatant Commands and the National Defense Transportation Association.

In his opening comments, USTRANSCOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Jered Helwig challenged the workshop to think far beyond the capabilities of current ITV systems.

“From what I've seen in the group you are up to that challenge, so I'm excited to hear how this workshop sets conditions for future opportunities,” said Helwig.

Following Helwig’s guidance, participants began discussing topics ranging from secure core data and technical tagging needs to an implementation plan.

“We need great ideas,” Helwig said. “We need to build this in a way that isn't overly prescriptive, considers our requirements, but propels us beyond 2030.”

At closing, the workshop defined requirements for a future ITV system that integrates data to provide visibility of all modes and nodes across the department, with an aggressive timeline for procurement in fiscal year 2027.

The workshop’s findings will be used to solicit feedback from logistics leaders at the upcoming Joint Deployment and Distribution Executive Board meeting.