I’ve met with many Air Force and Space Force programs that are faced with the critical challenge of achieving FIAR compliance and establishing connectivity with the Enterprise Logistics Management System (ELMS). In seeking a solution, some initially pursue what seems like a tailored approach: developing a custom, one-off system from the ground up or heavily customizing an existing platform. However, this seemingly direct route often introduces complexity and risk, making it a costly trap of both time and money for these well-intentioned organizations.
A primary pitfall of going custom lies in the extended timelines, which frequently span years. Delays are often due to encountering obstacles; the complexity of ELMS connectivity and FIAR compliance is rarely understood at the outset. ELMS integration is not a simple transaction—it demands a specific architectural foundation in the code, a deep understanding of governing DLMS message principles, and an appreciation for the fact that the integration process is unique to every program. Additionally ELMS connectivity is still a dynamic target as processes and requirements are periodically updated to accommodate specific programmatic needs in order to support the broadening pool of supported programs. Attempting to navigate this intricate process without prior experience results in a long, resource-intensive learning curve.
Beyond the time investment, these custom-built solutions carry substantial financial and mission-critical risk. Programs frequently face cost overruns as evolving requirements necessitate changes or as original contractors cycle out. More critically, they create severe sustainment challenges in the long term. It is a common scenario to find programs dependent on outdated tools whose original developers/maintainers retired years ago. Without the proper expertise, these systems turn into a virtual "house of cards" that programs are left unable to modify or even support properly. As a result, these systems suffer functional decay, unable to keep pace with modern requirements, which ultimately places the entire inventory management system and mission at risk.
This is precisely where a proven, production-ready solution provides a distinct advantage. Scope Mission Support avoids these pitfalls by offering a compliant, pre-built foundation from day one. We eliminate the typical lengthy development timelines and stabilize costs through dedicated, embedded sustainment support. Scope Mission Support already has programs connected and compliant, proving its capability and leveraging the hard-won price of experience to build the required architecture and attain the necessary expertise in governing FIAR compliance and ELMS connectivity principles. With Scope Mission Support, you acquire more than just an inventory management system; you gain a dedicated support team that provides the essential experience, expertise, and commitment to navigate the complexities of FIAR and ELMS, ensuring your program can focus on its core mission without the fear of system failure or obsolescence.
