Also, improved awareness of enemy elements will enhance his capability to ensure the survivability of support elements. However beyond the C and security advantages, digitization leads to actual enhancements to the operational support process. Some benefits result from the increased speed and volume of data available as the system moves from analog to digital systems. However, Army operational support improvements from digitization can go beyond those obvious advantages. The most significant benefits accrue from the vertical and horizontal technological integration of digitized systems.
Vertical integration involves the passing of digital data through echelons.
Digitized data will enter the system at the lowest level possible whenever feasible. Vertical integration of fully digitized systems will eliminate the requirement for manual processing and for reentry of data at different levels as information moves from supported elements to supporter elements and through the various echelons. With this information, they will be better able to anticipate and meet the needs of the force. Enhanced anticipation and control improve the capability of support personnel to push support to forces based on projected needs. This capability is especially critical in early stages of operations before the theater base is fully established.