Millions of Dollars Can Be Saved by Storing Air Force Inventories Nearer the User and Improving Distribution Practices

The Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) has not positioned its spare parts inventories at the air logistics centers which could best serve customers while still minimizing distribution cost. Most of this inventory is first stored at an air logistics center with item management responsibility and then shipped long distances to using activities located at or near other air logistics centers. The Air Force can save money on inventory investment costs and in handling, transportation, and inventory holding costs by storing spare parts at the air logistics center located nearest the ultimate user. More can be saved by eliminating reshipments of reparable items to repair centers.

Air Force Logistics Command managers already have data at hand to aid in correcting the problems which GAO noted. The key is management emphasis to assure continual attention to the problems of positioning and routing. Positioning all stocks at the center nearest the customer may not be practical because of varying use rates, and increased transportation and handling costs when prorating some shipments. However, future investments in inventory can be substantially reduced and supply responsiveness improved by better positioning of stocks. Misrouting the shipment of items needing repair results equally from the lack of instructions and from lack of compliance where instructions are provided.

Recommendations

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