---------------------------------- SCALP AND THE TEMPLATING TECHNIQUE ---------------------------------- I. The SCALP Story. "SCALP" stands for Scenario-determined Computer Assisted Logistics Planning. It is an automated tool originally dev- eloped for use in rapidly planning logistical requirements for a deploying force. SCALP is also an ideal tool for doing "What-If" analysis of contingency plans. In December, 1983, the CG, US Army Logistics Center, LTG R.L. Bergquist, directed that a microcomputer-based program be developed to provide logistics requirements for a task- organized force deploying on short notice to any part of the world. The SCALP Task Force was organized to develop this planning tool. The target customer for the prototype SCALP product was the 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. It was delivered in June 1984, and feedback was very positive. Since that time SCALP has been developed for 1st Special Operations Command (SOCOM) units, and is being developed for Mechanized and Armored Divisions as well. SCALP has undergone several enhancements since the original version. With SCALP, a logistician now accomplishes, in an hour or two, the same tasks that would take days to do in a manual mode. The SCALP template uses a commercially available program, LOTUS 1-2-3, to manipulate data from the organization's MTOE, other unit-specific information (such as the prescribed basic load of ammunition and CTA 50-900 issued on station) and selected planning factors. It varies according to the mission scenario and commander's guidance. The current version of SCALP can provide specific requirements for Class I, III, V, water, and CTA 50-900. It can also provide selected information on Class IX, Maintenance, Medical considerations, and region specific guidance for the deploying force. The user identifies those units scheduled for deployment, the number of days before resupply (by class of supply), ration mix, climate and geographical area, and basic load adjustment. This input is provided in the form of typed responses to menu questions. Thus, little understanding of the commercial program, or for that matter, of computers, is required. During the development of SCALP a few key points were apparent: o Any logistician is able to easily use this kind of tool to make his job easier. No "programmer" is required to translate the logistician's thoughts into "computer" language. o Using industry-standard hardware ensures that there is a continual stream of new, "state of the art" software being developed to make automated tasks even easier to accomplish. o By developing "templates" for popular, commercially available software (as opposed to writing new software from scratch), we can harness the power of industry-leading software such as LOTUS 1-2-3 and dBASE III, and can provide that same capability to any other user of these programs. II. The TEMPLATING Technique. A template is a set of prearranged formulas, algorithms, menu choices, and/or automatic keystrokes which tailor a commercial program such a LOTUS 1-2-3 and dBASE III to a specific useful application. Because the formatting of the necessary data, and the program commands, are already "built- in", what is initially a relatively user-friendly program has become an even more simple yet powerfully structured tool. The user needs only to provide answers to topic-oriented menus and questions; the template controls the execution of the program to produce the necessary outputs. As a result, the need to learn the commercial program, or to setup the program for specific, routine applications is virtually eliminated when templates are used. When non-routine applications become desirable for the intermediate user, the benefit of having the program itself becomes apparent because of the relative simplicity of commercial, off-the-shelf, software to the user, especially when compared with a programming language. The reason programs such as LOTUS 1-2-3 and dBASE are so popular is that they are at the same time very powerful and very easy to use. Sophisticated templates such as SCALP require a considerable investment of time and talent to learn how to develop from scratch. However, most applications, and most of your daily tasks, require only simple calculations or manipulations of data and variables. Because of this, you or members of your staff can easily develop templates of your own. Also, when the need to change a more complex template occurs, a user of intermediate experience can make changes, again without having to consult (or become) a computer programmer. This template represents at most an intermediate level of complexity as far as LOTUS 1-2-3 templates are concerned. III. THE LOGISTICS MANAGER Series. This series of templates addresses many of the recurring tasks performed by S4/G4 officers and their staff subordinates. They have been selected from a virtually unlimited field of candidates for automation, with several objectives in mind: o To free up the S4/G4 staff for "higher-order" thinking, planning, and LEADERSHIP tasks, by taking over many of the routine, time-consuming, MANAGEMENT tasks. o To make the S4/G4's life a little easier. o To actually improve the S4/G4's effectiveness, and thereby improve the effectiveness of the command. Major areas covered by the LOGISTICS MANAGER are: o SUPPLY MANAGEMENT o MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT o BUDGET/RESOURCE MANAGEMENT o FACILITIES MANAGEMENT o FOOD SERVICE o TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT This project began in early 1985, and additional templates, when completed, will be provided on request. For a complete listing and further information, call or write (just a hand-written note will do) to: Mail: Commander US Army Logistics Center ATTN: ATCL-LE (SCALP TF) Fort Lee, Virginia 23801-6000 Phone: AUTOVON 687-5339 FTS 927-5339 Commercial (804) 734-5339