Background    |    Approach    |    Benefits

Background: The Need for TIDE

Changing threats to national security, shifting defense budgets, and the consolidation of the defense industry are fundamentally changing defense manufacturing. In addition, new improved design methods, manufacturing processes, and manufacturing facilities with production surge capacity are needed to enable rapid system modifications and provide additional inventories in times of crisis.

The defense manufacturing industry must take advantage of the advances in commercial technology to address the changing national defense needs for 2010 and beyond (see Defense Manufacturing in 2010 and Beyond). However, small manufacturers have been reluctant to adopt new software technologies, often because they lack the resources they need to explore and integrate them. In addition, small manufacturers must provide a sound business case to investors before they can acquire the investment capital they require.

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Approach: How TIDE Will Address the Challenges

The TIDE program helps small defense manufacturers to adopt advanced technology by demonstrating the cost savings and efficiency benefits it can provide. Increasingly, small manufacturers need to use computer technology effectively to succeed in the DoD supply chain. The TIDE program consists of three primary elements:

1. Technology Demonstration projects
2. Workforce Development
3. Technology Development projects

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Benefits: What TIDE Can Provide for Small Manufacturers

The TIDE program demonstrates software technology practices that are repeatable and provide measurable benefit. Specifically, the TIDE program supports DoD and small manufacturers by

• developing best practices for using software technology to reduce cost and improve productivity
• developing case studies focused on the measurable impact of investment in software technology (which will provide needed return on investment data)
• helping manufacturers create flexible and scalable manufacturing environments through the use of software technology

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