Summary: A migration system is an automated information system that replaces several systems that performed similar functions. Defense transportation systems support common-user transportation needs in the armed forces. As part of its Corporate Information Management initiative, the Defense Department (DOD) plans to migrate from an inventory of about 130 defense transportation systems. DOD has little assurance, however, that its transportation migration system choices are cost-effective. In April 1994, DOD developed a structured approach to identify, select, and implement these systems. In its haste to meet a March 1997 deadline, however, DOD selected transportation migration systems without fully analyzing the alternatives, such as acquiring new systems or contracting for services. In making a quarter of its transportation migration system selections, DOD relied on incomplete and unverified data. Moreover, DOD did not assess how making significant changes to transportation operations--through reengineering and outsourcing--would affect its migration systems. The upshot is that DOD has no guarantee that it will reap the savings anticipated from migration.
