DOD Automated Materials Handling Systems--Need To Standardize and Follow GSA ADPE Approval Process

Improvements are needed in the Department of Defense's (DOD) acquisition and management of automated materials handling systems for its supply distribution depots. DOD activities are procuring and planning to procure automated systems without adequately exploring the potential for standardizing the software used in these systems. Duplication of software is costly in both in terms of initial investment and in continuing costs of maintaining a variety of unique systems.