The application of this unit includes developing distribution support plans to deliver supplies and transport to sustain an organisation. Whilst the conduct of distribution planning is conducted individually, it is also conducted alongside other logistic planners in a cooperative environment where planners share information and work together to produce a cohesive and integrated logistic support plan.

This unit of competency is applicable to logistic personnel who have a responsibility to plan and coordinate logistics support at an organisational level.

This person will bring well developed management and communication skills as well as specialist distribution skills.

The function is typically performed in the headquarters of an organisation with full access to information technology and support services. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Analyse the operational requirement

1.1 Operational task is received and analysed for distribution requirements

1.2 Information is sourced and analysed to identify the operational and technical factors to be considered in supporting distribution operations

1.3 Logistic information management systems are utilised to compile and analyse distribution planning data and information

1.4 The usage rates of different supply classes are calculated based on historical data and consideration of the operational and technical supply factors

1.5 Provisioning calculations are undertaken to develop stock holding plans and to identify the arrangements for replenishment, including reorder points and reorder quantities

1.6 Distribution estimates are produced

2Develop the distribution plan

2.1 Distribution capabilities are identified based on the stock distribution requirement and operational and technical support requirements

2.2 Organisational structure is developed to meet the distribution requirements within organisational resource constraints

2.3 The integration of contracted support is considered for inclusion in the plan

2.4 Technical control arrangements are established within the framework of operational command and management

2.5 Distribution plan is created and approved in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

2.6 Risk analysis is conducted against the distribution plan to identify and mitigate against unacceptable risks

2.7 Recommendations are provided to management regarding distribution operations and the employment of distribution capabilities

2.8 Distribution plan is communicated to stakeholders

3Integrate the maintenance plan with the logistic support plan

3.1 Liaison with other logistic stakeholders is undertaken to ensure the distribution plan is integrated into the larger logistic or operational plan

3.2 Distribution plan is adjusted in accordance with changing operational need or the need to synchronise with other logistic functions

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Logistics support concepts

Techniques to deal with opposing views and to negotiate a consensus position

Logistics support concepts including a knowledge of mobilisation, deployment, reception, staging, onward movement, integration, sustainment, redeployment and reconstitution

Specialist knowledge of transport logistics including stock distribution and transportation strategies

Environmental considerations in planning logistic support

Organisational structures and support services

Legislative and regulatory environment as it pertains to distribution and logistic support

Required skills:

Interpret instructions and apply this to the development of own actions and tasks

Analyse the complexities of a task

Identify the operation's intent and recognise how own planning contributes to mission success

Work cooperatively as a member of a team

Communicate complex ideas and arguments in a persuasive manner

Read and write at a level to cope with a range of complex workplace materials

Undertake analysis to determine where internal and external factors impact on the logistic requirements

Use numeracy skills to accurately analyse and validate information

Use organisational skills to manage planning tasks in concert with other stakeholders

Use problem-solving skills to apply a broad range of problem-solving strategies to planning outcomes

Move forward despite the difficulty of the planning task

Interpret technical policy and doctrine

Make decisive, informed decisions that align with organisational requirements

Use appropriate information technology and software

Prepare and issue written instructions

Use planning tools

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency should be demonstrated on at least one occasion covering the scope of the unit of competence

Resources for assessment include:

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Operational and technical factors may include:

transport operating environment, including the distance over which dependencies must be supported, the terrain and climate over which transport modes must operate, the location and capability of material handling equipment, partner and local nation support and own capabilities

threats, including local population/gangs/military forces, environmental, logistic threats and driver fatigue

constraints, including timings, routes and route classifications, driver fatigue, load capabilities of vehicles, priority of load, destination and tempo

composition and locations of organisations to be supported

range and quantities of equipment held by each organisation

identification of mission essential equipment

identification of operational viability period for which the organisation is likely to be self-sufficient

availability of local resources

repair policy, including preventive maintenance requirements for materiel in stock

service level required at each line of stockholding (this is usually between 65 and 85 per cent, but may be higher for repair parts)

effects of terrain and climatic conditions on personnel and materiel

arrangements for the provision of supplies and services by a local supply agencies or partners

expected duration of operations

predicted usage rates

expected losses and delays within the logistic network and distribution system through adverse weather, fire or other hazard

predicted need to relocate stocks during operations

Distribution planning data may include:

cargo dimensions

vehicle dimensions

cargo throughput

forecast demands

environmental data such as routes, climate, terrain and traffic

surge capacity

Supply classes may include:

Subsistence items. This class includes foodstuffs, combat rations and packaged water

General stores. This class includes tents, tarpaulins, minor equipment, stationery, and administrative and housekeeping items

Petrol, oils and lubricants. This class includes petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL)

Construction items. This class includes construction materials and engineer stores

Ammunition. This class includes all types of ammunition and explosive ordnance (EO)

Personal demand items. This class includes personal items and canteen stores

Principal items. This class includes major items of equipment, such as vehicles, together with major assemblies and included accessories

Medical and dental stores. This class consists of medical and dental stores, including pharmaceutical items, medical and dental equipment and associated repair parts

Repair parts. This class includes repair parts for maintenance support

Provisioning calculations may include:

supply margin

minimum stockholding

maximum stockholding

reorder point

reorder quantity

total liability period

assets and liabilities

surpluses or deficiencies

Distribution estimates may include:

transport estimate, including:

equipment availability reports

cargo dimensions

vehicle dimensions

anticipated and actual cargo throughput

routes, climate, terrain and traffic information

future demands

supply estimate, including:

provisioning of materiel and services

establishment and operation of supply installations

stockholding requirements

supply control measures

Distribution capabilities may include:

heavy road transport

specialist road transport (water/fuel/special cargo)

air transport

sea/river transport

warehouse

transhipment depots

food storage

fuel storage

material lifting equipment

specialist advisors

Distribution plans may include:

Replenishment process. A description of the replenishment process by stock, type and level of support

Target stocking levels. Includes operating and reserve stocking level policies. Usually supported by a target stocking level matrix

Specialist equipment stockholding levels and locations for resupply

Petrols/oils/lubricants stockholding levels and locations for resupply. Includes details of local providers where necessary

Rations. Stockholding levels and locations for resupply. Includes details of local providers where necessary

Water. Stockholding levels and locations for water resupply. Includes details of the provision of water, that is local resources, bottled etc.

Distribution control to identify authority and control issues

Local purchase policy and approved vendors

Reports and returns policy

Details priorities and tasks for distribution assets to conduct in order to support the operation

This unit contains employability skills.