Smart, efficient communication is critical in the armed forces. Solutions not only have to be fit for purpose to address present-day challenges, but ready to respond to future problems too. The entire lifecycle, from the planning stage to decommissioning, needs to be managed smoothly and securely to ensure systems are future-proof and able to deliver impact throughout the entire roadmap.
The challenge
Our client, the Swiss Armed Forces’ Cyber Command, was struggling with its existing telecommunications system, which was heavily fragmented and beset by silos. For example, network planning software, fiber optic infrastructure, and tactical radios each existed as separate, isolated entities. This hindered overall efficiency and created complexities in managing the client’s diverse communication assets. As such, the client was looking to introduce a new telecoms system that would enable a more holistic approach.
In order to implement a new telecommunication system, the client first needed to develop a plan for comprehensive lifecycle management (LCM) covering the many different interfaces involved in the journey from the civilian supplier to logistics base and, ultimately, the soldier. This initiative encompassed not only the technical aspects of deployment and operation but also the underlying processes, roles, and governance within the Swiss Armed Forces’ Cyber Command.
The approach
After the client requested the creation of a new, unified LCM framework, we began conducting a thorough analysis of all its existing telecommunication systems and developing a Target Operating Model (TOM) to identify the critical areas requiring attention. This foundational work led to the creation of three distinct work streams, designed to align with the existing structure of the Swiss Armed Forces:
- Warehouse stream: Focused on logistics and supply chain management.
- Network management stream: Dedicated to software and network-related aspects.
- Hardware stream: Addressing the physical components of the telecommunication systems.
This tripartite division was essential because logistics and hardware/software management are handled by different units within the Swiss Armed Forces. From the TOM, we developed a generic use case for the entire tactical communication landscape, which then informed the specific requirements and processes for each individual system, delivering bespoke impact for all stakeholders.
The result
With the new telecommunication systems expected to be fully operational next summer, we anticipate several significant advantages. The new framework aims to considerably shorten and simplify existing processes, leading to greater overall efficiency and streamlined processes.
Another key focus has been making the processes more pragmatic and user-friendly for the Swiss militia, who constitute the majority of the country’s Armed Forces personnel. This includes empowering them with new tools and systems to identify and resolve incidents autonomously, reducing their reliance on centralized support.
Finally, the new governance structure we created alongside the client will define roles and responsibilities more clearly, leading to improved clarity and coordination. These improvements will have a tangible positive impact on the daily operations of the Swiss Cyber Command and its personnel.
About the client
The Swiss Armed Forces consists of approximately 20,000 active personnel, in addition to thousands more reservists. Encompassing both land and air services, the army regularly takes part in international peacekeeping missions.
