Description:
Commodity Managers (CMs) within the South African Navy (SAN) need<br />new and innovative ways to achieve effective supply support to their customers. A<br />look at international trends and what other organisations are doing, presents supply<br />support options that will help in formulating an effective commodity management<br />process. The survey, although not an exhaustive benchmarking exercise, does<br />conclude that the process must be clearly defined, visible and comprehensible.<br />Recommended options are presented within four category levels due to the<br />level at which the change or decision can be authorised:<br />? The national strategic level – Automatic Inventory Replenishment (AIR)<br />and Cost Centre Accounting (CCA).<br />? The military strategic level – Transportable logistic support and standard<br />containerisation.<br />? The operational level – Anticipated service life, commercial equipment<br />supportability and outsourcing.<br />? The tactical level – Repair as a source of supply, Life Cycle Costing<br />(LCC) and critical replenishment procedure.<br />The implementation of any of the recommendations proposed should<br />enhance the supply support activities carried out by CMs. A combination of<br />approved recommendations promises to lead to the formulation of an effective<br />commodity management process that will enhance end-user service delivery,<br />utilising fewer funds and with a reduced staff requirement.