Munitions Data Analytics
Figure 1. Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Integrated Approach Informs Decision Makers.
“The rapid transformation of data into information, which reduces decision time and risk, is essential for sustainment in large-scale combat operations.”1
Munitions, like most items, have data that can be harnessed for decision-making. Two of the most powerful data analytics platforms are Advana and Vantage. Data sources such as the Total Ammunition Management Information System (TAMIS) and the Standard Army Ammunition System (SAAS) can and are used. Data analytics platforms have been able to harness these and other data sources. However, this now requires a bit of creativity, education, and training throughout the force to utilize data for informed munitions sustainment capability. Ensuring that the line between disorder and order, where logistics lies, can be analyzed, visualized, and shared through interactive dashboards and reports. The integration of Microsoft 365 and Power BI services, specifically designed for U.S. government customers, offers commanders a robust suite of tools designed to enhance data-driven decision-making and operational capabilities significantly.
ADVANA
Advancing Analytics (ADVANA) is the DoD multi-domain, enterprise-wide data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) platform that provides military and civilian decision makers, analysts, and builders at all levels with unprecedented access to authoritative enterprise data and structured analytics in a scalable, reliable, and secure environment.
Website: https://advana.data.mil/ (CAC Required)
Army Vantage
Army Vantage is an enterprise data analytics platform enabling Army users at every echelon and across classification levels to view comprehensive Army-wide data, analyze trends, and make data-driven decisions.
The Army Data Platform is based on Palantir’s Foundry software and includes tools such as Ontology, Workshop, and Contour, to name a few.
Website: https://vantage.army.mil (CAC Required)
Conclusion
Effectively managing munitions in large-scale combat operations centers on rapidly transforming data from sources like TAMIS and SAAS into actionable decisions, a capability significantly enhanced by powerful analytics platforms such as the DoD's Advana and the Army's Vantage. These platforms, complemented by visualization and collaboration tools like Microsoft’s Power BI, enable comprehensive analysis and sharing of logistics data. However, realizing the full potential of these technological advancements requires education and training, empowering soldiers to leverage data for improved decision-making in combat operations.
References
1-Sustainment Enterprise Analytics Modernization with Microsoft BI
https://www.army.mil/article/284095/sustainment_enterprise_analytics_modernization_with_microsoft_bi
Advana 101 Briefing Deck
ARMY VANTAGE
https://www.eis.army.mil/sites/default/files/2020-12/PEO%20VANTAGE_EC_Fact%20Sheet_FINAL.pdf
Enterprise Data Management Data Sharing Team
Munitions Sustainment | Data-Informed Munitions Allows Leaders to Make Better Choices
Palantir Foundry 101
https://unit8.com/resources/palantir-foundry-101-2/
Palantir Expands Army Vantage Partnership with $618.9M Contract
Vantage Quick Start Guide