By Martin Birchmeier, DLA Information Operations
FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Federal and military logisticians will soon find it easier to search for supply item information, thanks to enhancements to the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Federal Logistics Data application known as FED LOG.
FED LOG allows users from DOD and other federal agencies, government contractors and NATO or NATO-sponsored countries to obtain official-use-only supply information, including approved item names, manufacturer and distributer data, unit prices and performance characteristics. Later this week, users will notice enhanced features such as new search filters, a simplified batch search and access to historical data. “On the 25th anniversary of the FED LOG application, we are excited to not only offer all the great capabilities we have offered in the past, but now have a new modern interface with some great new features,” said Jason Rogers, program manager.
A scroll format replaces the tabs previously used to navigate FED LOG data, making it compatible with a multitude of platforms as it is scalable to each user’s screen size, Rogers said. Additional features of the new version include single line search requests, one-click spreadsheet export, ranked searching, favorites and recent searches, maps for addresses (when approved) and a broader computer operating system compatibility including 64-bit. The data sets in FED LOG will remain the same.
The new search feature gives users the ability to enter data, such as a National Stock Number (NSN) or Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code, into a single search bar, providing output data to assist in the logistician’s research. The filter option, featuring the four military seals, allows users to select service-specific management data elements. The updated version also allows users to click options to print, open into a spreadsheet or add to favorites. As part of the enhanced search, FED LOG will keep track of the user’s recent search criteria to aid in future searches.
FEDLOG will soon feature new search filters, a simplified batch search, and months of historical data. (Photo by Paul Henry Crank)
A simplified batch capability allows for a more intuitive experience in getting information on multiple NSNs. When looking up CAGE information, FED LOG will supply the user with maps for supplier locations, when applicable. FED LOG will display changes to NSNs from the last 12 months to let customers know if those changes could affect them.
Users with an active DOD EMALL account can download the application for free (after registering and logging in) at https://dod.emall.dla.mil/acct/ by selecting the “Tools” tab at the top of the page. To ensure that users have the most current information, the file must be downloaded at the beginning of each month. Users can also subscribe at http://www.dla.mil/HQ/InformationOperations/Offers/Services/CustomerOutreach/subscriptions/OrderFEDLOG.aspx to obtain monthly DVD/CDs for installation on their computers. Once installed or downloaded, users do not need internet connectivity to use FED LOG, making it useful for remote locations.
Current FED LOG subscribers and users downloading FED LOG files from DOD EMALL can select to install either the new or the old version. Users wanting both versions will need to run installs twice and select the two variants. Users with a newer computer will be able to access both versions while users with an older computer will receive the old version only.
“We think that users will be happy to see that the full version of classic FED LOG they’re used to is still there and we have only added to the product,” Rogers said. “The user has the option to install and utilize either the classic FED LOG or new FED LOG. We like the concept of giving the warfighter the capabilities and allowing them to choose what is best to help them complete their mission.” Army’s Logistics Information Warehouse will continue to see the standard load unless they have a FED LOG DVD/CD subscription or download from DOD EMALL.
For more information about the new FED LOG, please contact the DLA Customer Interaction Center at dlacontactcenter@dla.mil or 877-352-2255.
This article was originally published on the DLA website.
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