US Air Force adopts Oracle AI cloud suite to boost efficiency
The United States Department of the Air Force has deployed Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications as part of efforts to improve its core business processes and drive digital transformation.
The new suite, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is intended to help the Department of the Air Force (DAF) allocate resources more efficiently in support of Air Force readiness and the needs of airmen. It covers key functions including finance, human resources, and supply chain management.
Security and compliance
Deployment of the applications follows the achievement of a new Authority to Operate (ATO) at Defence Information Systems Agency (DISA) Impact Level 4 (IL-4). This authorisation is designed to ensure enhanced security for the DAF's operations, especially for sensitive and mission-critical workloads.
The applications are accessed through a newly established Boundary Cloud Access Point (BCAP), which was set up by the DAF's Business and Enterprise Systems Directorate (GBH), DISA, and Oracle. The BCAP provides a secure, dedicated connection to Oracle Fusion Applications on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), intended to help DAF and other US Department of Defence (DoD) agencies comply with software modernisation strategies and cloud adoption objectives.
Optimisation of business functions
The Oracle Fusion suite brings together several modules. Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) aims to support the DAF in increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving financial controls. Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) is expected to provide broader business insights and support better decision-making.
For human resources management, Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) will allow the DAF to access detailed workforce data and enhance services for airmen and their families. In supply chain operations, Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain & Manufacturing (SCM) will support efforts to streamline operations and foster supply chain resilience.
The suite includes embedded AI capabilities alongside a programme of continuous updates, with new features being introduced every 90 days.
Mission support and modernisation
"Oracle is committed to helping government customers achieve their modernization goals without compromising security or efficiency," said Kim Lynch, Executive Vice President, Government, Defence & Intelligence, Oracle. "Our collaboration with the DAF exemplifies this commitment. With Oracle Fusion Applications, the DAF now has access to a secure and scalable AI-powered cloud applications to help transform critical personnel services, reduce administrative burdens, and empower airmen to focus on completing their core missions."
The adoption of Oracle's solutions aligns with the DoD's plans to increase use of cloud infrastructure and advance its broader digital transformation strategy, aiming for increased operational efficiency across departments.
Scalability for the wider DoD
The new BCAP sets a pathway for other DoD agencies to adopt similar secure access to cloud applications, enabling them to host and manage sensitive data at scale. The infrastructure and security measures in place are tailored for the requirements of mission-critical government workloads.
With Oracle Fusion Applications now authorised at DISA Impact Level 4, the DAF and other DoD agencies can accelerate the adoption of modern cloud systems while maintaining compliance and security objectives. The suite may also support additional operational and administrative functions as cloud adoption continues within defence agencies.
