Strengthening Military Supply Chains with Real-Time Visibility and Governance

Original Broadcast on Innovation in Government on 4/29/25

Presented by SAP Public Services & Carahsoft

Maintaining resilient and agile supply chains is mission-critical for today’s sea services. Dan Miller, Director of Defense Solutions at SAP Public Services, discussed how multi-tier visibility and secure real-time data sharing are helping defense organizations strengthen supply chain operations and support forces at sea.

Miller outlined two transformative capabilities revolutionizing military logistics: deeper multi-tier visibility into supplier networks and near real-time connectivity between ships and support systems. With modern digital business networks, defense agencies can now track parts and materials beyond their prime contractors—down through subcontractors and their suppliers—gaining insights into where materials are and when they’ll arrive. This level of foresight is vital for accurate planning and risk mitigation.

At the operational level, enhanced computing power and improved bandwidth are enabling ships to communicate their supply needs more effectively. Units at sea can now request resources in near real-time, reducing operational delays and enhancing readiness. This evolution is made possible by establishing secure networks for collaboration between supply chain entities—not just technical infrastructure, but also process trust and data integrity.

However, Miller warned that successful implementation hinges on governance and adherence. The best systems fail when data is taken offline, siloed, or altered through unmonitored channels. Everyone in the supply chain—from subcontractors to fleet commanders—must input and maintain accurate data in the system of record. Leadership also needs to validate and correct that data continually, not just annually.

To address these challenges, Miller pointed to the rise of automation in the supply chain. AI tools, automated data cleansing, migration utilities, and built-in testing protocols now support governance goals by suggesting actions, flagging anomalies, and ensuring continuous system improvement. These tools shift systems from reactive to proactive, with the software prompting human decision-makers to take timely action.

As for the future, Miller emphasized continuous evolution. Legacy enterprise software cannot remain stagnant—solutions must be regularly refreshed, much like the apps we update weekly on our smartphones. Agile, scalable platforms that allow for seamless updates and AI integration will be key to sustaining supply chain superiority.

Key Takeaways:

• Multi-Tier Supply Visibility: Modern business networks are enabling unprecedented insights deep into the defense supply chain.

• Governance is Critical: Real-time success depends on disciplined, continuous data entry and correction by all stakeholders.

• AI & Automation Drive Speed: Intelligent tools are transforming how supply decisions are made—prompting users rather than waiting on them.