Introduction
After World War II, the US Government faced the challenge of managing a complex and rapidly expanding military supply chain. This led to the adoption of the National Stock Number (NSN) system in the 1970s, which aimed to streamline procurement and logistics processes. However, a centralized repository for NSNs was missing, and it wasn’t until the development of the OpenFLIS online catalog that this gap was filled. This blog article will explore the historical background, development, and significance of the NSN system and OpenFLIS online catalog in modernizing the Department of Defense (DoD) logistics operations.
The Birth of the NSN System
The NSN system emerged as a response to the need for a standardized method of identifying and tracking military supplies. It was crucial to have a single, comprehensive system that could be easily updated and shared among various branches of the armed forces. The system uses a 13-digit code to assign a unique identifier to each item within the military supply chain, enabling better management and organization of supplies.
The Development of the OpenFLIS Online Catalog
In 2007, the DoD issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a single source of approved parts, accessible to all Supply Officers worldwide. The resulting system would need to accommodate millions of products, connect them to authorized vendors, operate on various platforms, and adhere to strict security protocols. In November 2007, Synergetics was awarded the contract to develop this comprehensive system, which became the OpenFLIS catalog, at the time only available on desktop and known as IMD for “Integrated Mobile Database”.
OpenFLIS was first released in 2008 containerized on physical CDs and DVDs to cater to remote locations, including theaters of action. These media were reissued every 30 days and functioned as self-contained systems. The catalog quickly adapted to support various procurement environments, including DOS command line, C/C++, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers, JAVA libraries, Python scripts, and UNIX programming libraries. Legacy DoD software was rewritten by Synergetics to use OpenFLIS as the database source.
Widespread Adoption and Impact
Following the successful implementation of OpenFLIS, the DoD mandated its use for all recurring procurement that did not require contracts. Adoption steadily increased, and now-obsolete processes were redesigned around it. The DoD continues to support OpenFLIS as a vital modernizing influence on logistics operations and is pushing to consolidate the entire Federal Logistics Information System Portfolio.
Today, 90% of registered government agency users access OpenFLIS at least weekly, and 63% use it daily. Despite several attempts to identify alternative solutions, the DoD has consistently renewed the contract with Synergetics on a sole-sourced basis, reflecting the deep integration of OpenFLIS within the DoD’s technology and culture.
Meeting the Cloud Hosting Standards: FedRAMP
On December 8, 2011, the President issued a memorandum prescribing the standards of effective cloud hosting for federal programs, known as FedRAMP. OpenFLIS has recently received a FedRAMP JAB P-ATO and is on active on the FedRAMP marketplace.[CB1] This makes OpenFLIS a unique consumer-off-the-shelf (COTS) offering for agencies working to migrate and maintain their data products in the cloud.
Conclusion
The NSN system and the OpenFLIS online catalog have revolutionized the way the DoD manages its complex supply chain. From its inception in 2007 to its continuous adaptation and modernization, the system has become an integral part of the DoD’s logistics operations. With OpenFLIS’s recent FedRAMP certification, it is well-positioned to meet the ever-evolving needs of federal agencies and continue streamlining procurement processes in the future.
As we look ahead, the success of the NSN system and OpenFLIS online catalog serves as a testament to the importance of innovation and collaboration in tackling complex logistical challenges. By embracing modern technology and continuously adapting to changing requirements, the DoD has set a strong example for other organizations and industries to follow. The lessons learned from the evolution of the NSN system and OpenFLIS can inform future endeavors in supply chain management, logistics, and procurement, ultimately enhancing efficiency and supporting mission success across various sectors.