VA's third try at an inventory system and yet another failure, why?

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:36:09 -0400

VA had long used an antiquated inventory management system and has tried to change it twice before. The first failure was CoreFLS and cost us taxpayers over $300 million. Then they went to another commercially available system and it too failed. I recall asking where the data warehouse was going to be and the Program Manager said VA hasn't decided that yet. I don't recall how many millions wasted here. Now we have this latest fiasco and by who, no one other than the former Director of Pittsburgh VA and the former VISN 4 Director, Mike Moreland. Wal-mart, Costco, BJs, etc. have inventory control systems and they seem to work. Why is it VA can't get it right? Almost a $1 Billion spent and millions of manhours wasted.....

http://triblive.com/news/healthnews/9155551-74/system-inventory-shipcom#axzz3n7mbN9s7

VA puts controversial inventory system on ice

A controversial multimillion-dollar inventory system at area Veterans Affairs facilities will be halted, at least temporarily, after multiple complaints, including warnings that veterans health care ...

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 29 at 2015 1:46 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:46:48 -0400

Incompetence!

Response by PFC Al Sethre made Sep 29 at 2015 1:54 PM

PFC Al Sethre — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:54:41 -0400

When I worked at the VA 2 years ago, they were still using a DOS based program for shipping/receiving reports.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Sep 29 at 2015 1:57 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:57:03 -0400

Reminds me of when the FBI tried to update its databases, and that failed. First, I wouldn't try to have a national inventory system. Each VA area (IN my case Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego) should establish their own system. This way, if there is a failure in one area, then there isn't a failure to all.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Sep 29 at 2015 6:35 PM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:35:59 -0400

The easy answer is a total lack of oversight. Until somebody starts poking the right people in the eye (by firing them); things will not change.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 6:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:45:19 -0400

A simple question... but who at the VA is actually a Subject Matter Expert on MODERN Inventory Management Systems and has helped manage the successful implementation of such a system. My guess is that there are very few if any such persons in the VA. The VA is infamous for being the kind of organization where who you know is more important than what you know. If Senior management isn't smart enough to get some real expertise in place before starting a massive project like this, they can't do anything but fail.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 30 at 2015 2:23 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 02:23:54 -0400

I remember the Nightmare stories from the VA when I was a Teenager for the Vietnam Vets just returning. I'm a Grandpa now. Nothing has changed. How much have we spent to improve the Plight of our Veterans. Always looking for someone to Blame and Some Sacrificial Lamb every few years but not until we are ready to invest in the VA like we do the Newest Coolest Weapon System and or Spy Gear for NSA is anything going to change. Just the Opinion of a very old Spook and Computer Geek.