Cataloging

A supply chain manager begins the inventory planning process by identifying the discrete items managed in the supply chain. This process is called cataloging. Cataloging in the private sector is a basic process in managing inventory. It supports logistics functions from the procurement of an item to its disposal. Cataloging uses a standardized language to name, classify, describe and number supply items. Standardized cataloging procedures (including naming structures) allow companies to collaborate with each other in operating a supply chain. In DoD, cataloging provides the same function. DoD is responsible for the Federal catalog of supply items used by all the Military Services, DLA, all Federal agencies that manage inventories, and a number of allied countries. Many private sector companies also use the DoD catalog to do business with the Government. Today, nearly all item-oriented logistics information systems in DoD use the automated Federal catalog database to identify items of supply, including their physical characteristics. DoD purchases, repairs, stores, and delivers items in the supply chain using the standard item catalog numbering system and identification procedures.

 

The Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) Cataloging Directorate (DLIS-K) is the cataloging activity for DoD.  Centralization and consolidation of all DoD cataloging under one Directorate in DLIS was completed in Jan 00 with the transition of Navy cataloging to Battle Creek. DLIS performs the twelve DoD cataloging functions listed below, and provides cataloging services in support of our warfighters, DoD agencies (both at the wholesale and retail levels), and approximately 50 NATO and other allied nations.  They are responsible for operational assignment, life cycle maintenance and collaboration with each of the Services for the 7.4 million National Stock Numbers and the descriptive data associated with each item of supply.  DLIS-K provides day-to-day cataloging support (143K new item reviews and over 1.2M maintenance actions last year) to their customers, implements cataloging policies, develops cataloging procedures.

 

With the consolidation and co-location of cataloging, twelve of the thirteen cataloging tasks are now performed at DLIS. Although Item Management Coding (determining whether items of supply qualify for management by the Military Services or by DLA/GSA) remains a Service/Agency responsibility, the following tasks transferred to the DLIS Directorate of Cataloging (DLIS-K). Successful completion of these tasks helps to ensure the integrity of information in the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS) database.