# Eastern Distribution Center modernization to culminate in trifecta go live

/ Published Oct. 24, 2023
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Leaders gathered in the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Headquarters Oct. 17 for an update on the eastern distribution center modernization project. The more than $250 million project kicked off in 2020 and is set to go live in 2025 to improve efficiency and surge capability within the EDC.

“In May 2025, three different systems will simultaneously go live to modernize the largest order fulfillment center within the Defense Department,” said Joe Faris, acting DLA Distribution director of Future Operations.

                The Defense Logistics Agency Distribution eastern distribution center modernization project began in Sept. 2020 and is slated for go live in May 2025.                            EDC Modernizaton Project Recap                            The Defense Logistics Agency Distribution eastern distribution center modernization project began in Sept. 2020 and is slated for go live in May 2025.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Submitted photoVIRIN: 231017-D-D0441-0004

The three systems include the automation, as well as a new commercial warehouse execution system that directs and manages the flow of material and the new warehouse management system that is currently live at ten DLA Distribution centers worldwide. These software and user-interface enhancements will help prioritize workload to meet customer demands more efficiently. In addition, recent value engineering efforts are increasing storage capacity and throughput capability to support future network optimization plans.

“The EDC went live in 1991 as a cross docking operation for the Gulf War. Today, it continues to receive, store and issue 55% of military service repair parts,” Faris said.

While the initial plan was to integrate modernization with the current distribution standard system, when the team realized how many modifications the DSS system would need, the decision was made to launch WMS alongside WES and the modernization efforts. WMS and WES are both systems applications and products-based systems, reducing the complexity and technical risks with integration.“It’s like an arranged marriage between WMS and WES. They’re not married yet, but they’re making their way to the alter,” Lyndsey Grill, DLA Information Operations, said.

EDC modernization efforts have been underway for almost 600 days, with no safety incidents. So far, 65 functional areas of the EDC have been identified for software integration, equipment installation is complete in the parcel unloading and tote filling area and five of the 13 work areas have been installed. In addition, a new auto store system will be installed in the previous pick area. This space will add an additional 800,000 automated locations in support of network optimization. More than 3200 requirements are being tracked across workstreams, and over 450 standard operating procedures, guides and training documents have been developed.

“The key to every happy marriage is communication,” Grill said.

                Zhou Wang, Accenture Federal, describes how augmented reality training will work at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania’s eastern distribution center, as Joe Min demonstrates the system during an EDC modernization leadership update presentation Oct. 17, 2023.                            Eastern Distribution Center modernization to culminate in trifecta go live                            Zhou Wang, Accenture Federal, describes how augmented reality training will work at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania’s eastern distribution center, as Joe Min demonstrates the system during an EDC modernization leadership update presentation Oct. 17, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dawn BonsellVIRIN: 231017-D-KL823-0002

Just like in a traditional marriage, communication efforts continue to ensure the workforce is engaged and aware of the changes going on in the EDC, while DLA Information Operations, Future Operations, Installation Management and DDSP’s modernization teams continue to collaborate across directorates.

In addition to a new EDC modernization video, banners, posters, quarterly newsletters and information booths are keeping the flow of communication moving alongside the intense, historical modernization effort.

The EDC virtual training warehouse is currently being updated to the new WMS/WES systems. Both hands-on and augmented reality training will bring employees up to speed with the modernized warehouse. Using the AR system, technology experts will be on-call to interact with employees as they navigate the new processes.

                Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna Commander, Army Col. Sam Miller, left, Paul Finn, eastern distribution center division chief, center, and Josh Woodworth, DLA Distribution acquisitions operations, discuss the EDC modernization project following a hands-on exercise demonstrating tools used to communicate change to the workforce.                            Eastern Distribution Center modernization to culminate in trifecta go live                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna Commander, Army Col. Sam Miller, left, Paul Finn, eastern distribution center division chief, center, and Josh Woodworth, DLA Distribution acquisitions operations, discuss the EDC modernization project following a hands-on exercise demonstrating tools used to communicate change to the workforce.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dawn BonsellVIRIN: 231017-D-KL823-0001