Implement Data Models

The CITIS concept has been in existence and use for some time. Originally it was thought that a system could be specified and it was learned that this approach was not flexible and too costly. The concept was again refined to reflect a standard set of generalised services, and while the flexibility and cost issues were resolved, the implementations varied by individual program, causing inconsistencies that are difficult to manage when the product becomes operational, multiple programs must be supported, or if a change of supplier is made.

Several NATO nations are investing heavily in major infrastructure programs to provide logistic support for their armed forces. It is not feasible to seek a specific hardware or software solution that all the various parties would be required to adopt and integrate with their existing infrastructure systems.

A basic premise of CALS is that the areas that can be standardised are data definitions and digital "languages" (e.g. SGML, Express, EDI). These two are used in combination to form a data architecture that conveys meaning such as a document, product model or financial transaction. The NATO CALS Data Model (NCDM) and its included Dictionary (NCDD) use standardised data definitions and the Express data modelling language which together can be used to achieve consistency of interfaces at the information level without requiring standardisation of hardware or software. The NATO CALS Data Model is a powerful tool that supports an integrated approach to through life product identification, configuration and logistics support requirements (maintenance, technical documentation and provisioning). It is used to integrate logistics information with product information into a SDE to enable the processes supported by that information to operate efficiently by having the information available when it is needed, where it is needed and in the form it is needed.

A major value of the NATO CALS Data Model and Dictionary is that together they can – either as the whole or by defined subsets of the whole for support of specific (groups of) functions - serve as an interface specification that - when implemented - can support remote access by any application that can operate with the NCDM and Dictionary. The potential for this is significant in that it can support interoperability without standardising systems, and obviate the need for much of the physical data exchange and transfer that occurs today. This is the foundation for the evolution of a NATO-wide CALS Shared Data Environment.