On March 6, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a clarion call: “When it comes to software acquisition… it is the Warfighter who pays the price.” His directive demands rapid collaboration between the DoD and industry to modernize acquisition and enhance lethality. C5MI, a supply chain IT and digital transformation leader, stands ready to meet this challenge.
Our proven successes with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), including the DoD’s first SAP S/4HANA migration and the largest SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS) deployment, demonstrate our ability to deliver swift, impactful solutions. This article outlines how C5MI aligns with Hegseth’s vision, driving warfighter readiness through innovative partnerships.
Speed and Industry Synergy
Secretary Hegseth has identified a critical flaw in DoD operations: “The current hardware-centric approach to acquisition has hindered the DoD’s ability to rapidly acquire, deliver, and iterate on weapons and business systems software.” His solution is clear: “We’re directing components to use existing tools aimed at delivering capabilities faster… pursue contracting strategies that maximize the use of commercial solutions.” This vision prioritizes speed, software, and industry collaboration to ensure warfighter support.
Hegseth’s focus builds on broader DoD goals. At the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue, U.S. leadership endorsed “breaking down national barriers and better integrating our defense industries,” a principle echoed in the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS). The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) notes that today’s DoD seeks industry to address “shifting national security priorities” and strengthen the industrial base. Yet challenges persist: slow procurement cycles and fragile supply chains undermine readiness gaps. Hegseth is determined to close. C5MI offers a proven path forward, aligning our expertise with his urgent mandate.
Our Proven Track Record
C5MI has a history of delivering results that mirror Hegseth’s priorities. Our work with the DLA highlights our ability to act fast and leverage commercial solutions. Here are some of the ways we have implemented these solutions to support the warfighter better:
- SAP S/4HANA Migration for the Defense Logistics Agency: In January 2025, C5MI partnered with DLA to complete the DoD’s first SAP S/4HANA migration, delivering the project in half the expected time despite a compressed timeline. We unified processes and enhanced supply chain visibility by integrating commercial-grade analytics and machine learning. This rapid execution directly addressed Hegseth’s directive to use existing tools to deliver capabilities faster.
- Largest SAP Warehouse Management System Deployment: C5MI partnered with DLA to lead the largest SAP WMS deployment in DoD history, to cover over 120 DLA sites and creating a Common Operational Picture. Utilizing commercial best practices, we enabled real-time logistics decisions and significantly strengthened supply chain resilience. This deployment aligns with Hegseth’s emphasis on rapid, software-driven outcomes and commercial strategies.
- Impact Metrics and Deliverables at the DLA: C5MI’s innovative methods led to substantial improvements with a 100% system go-live success rate. We achieved a 30% faster user adoption rate through engagement in a mock warehouse, enhancing operational efficiency. These metrics demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement and flawless execution.
Driving efficiencies into the DoD Supply Chain
C5MI’s successes prove we can deliver on Hegseth’s vision. Our ability to execute quickly and integrate commercial solutions positions us as a trusted DoD partner. Here’s how our solutions drive efficiencies:
- Efficiency Gain: Real-time inventory data updates via barcode/RFID scanning reduce human error and improve inventory accuracy.
- User Interface: User-friendly interfaces on desktop and mobile devices speed up task execution and reduce training time.
- Integration: Fully integrated systems eliminate duplicate data entry and streamline reporting.
- Automation: Automated task assignment and tracking speed up fulfillment cycles and reduce manual handling delays.
- Inventory Counts: Infrastructure readiness for automated inventory counts saves hours on physical counts.
- Emerging Tech: Built to support automation, AI, and IoT integrations, enabling scalable process automation.
- Turn-in Processes: Streamlined, mobile-enabled turn-in processes cut return processing time by half.
- Reporting and Analytics: Real-time dashboards and analytics capabilities provide faster insights and support proactive decisions.
- Audit Trail: End-to-end traceability of material movement and status speeds up audit responses and simplifies compliance.
- Maintenance: Standards-based, out-of-the-box, repeatable SAP solutions reduce development time and maintenance costs.
Our Framework for Rapid Collaboration
C5MI’s approach to supporting Hegseth’s vision rests on four pillars, each tied to his stated priorities:
Agile Software Deployment
We deploy software iteratively and efficiently, leveraging SAP solutions such as S/4HANA, EWM, and TM to drive rapid, accurate, and impactful results.
Commercial Integration
Our partnerships with SAP, Google, UiPath, and Tricentis bring cutting-edge industry innovation to the DoD, enhancing their overall operational capabilities.
Supply Chain Optimization
We deploy Industry 4.0 solutions, such as predictive analytics and real-time tracking, to enhance visibility and reliability across the supply chain.
Scalable Partnership
Scalability is ensured across DoD components by offering repeatable, cost-effective models that have been proven successful time and time again in DLA projects.
Our Commitment to Hegseth’s Vision
C5MI is ready to act. Our team, backed by SAP expertise and a Great Place to Work-certified culture, is prepared to deliver exceptional results. By collaborating with the DoD, we utilize commercial tools and rapid execution to co-develop solutions that echo the Shangri-La goal of “better integrating our defense industries.” We’re committed to turning Hegseth’s urgency into real outcomes, enhancing effectiveness through strategic partnerships. We invite DoD leaders to join us in this mission to drive warfighter readiness together.
