Digital Transformation Lessons for Defense sector

Xavier Mongin

August 14, 2024

What the Defense Sector Can Learn from Public and Private Sector Digital Transformation.

In my previous blog post, On the Road to Defense Digital Transformation: The Obstacles and the Drivers, I spoke about the roadblocks defense organizations face in embarking on a digital transformation journey and the major drivers for doing so. In this post, I share key learnings from public and private sector organizations that have already transformed and how that can be ported to the defense sector.

While there are many external drivers for change, many defense organizations are still slow to adopt digital transformation strategies. Yet, many public and private enterprises that have undergone digital transformation are already realizing improved efficiencies and operations. And since many defense workforces aren’t combat personnel, the approaches to transformation and the lessons learned apply equally to defense administration buildings and military bases.

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) have matured to the point where many of the technological concerns of the past are no longer an issue. Cost-effective, easy-to-deploy digital solutions built on standard protocols are available today to support digital defense workplaces with efficient communications and collaboration. Many also provide the high level of cybersecurity defense organizations need.

An effective transformation will create a secure digital environment in which all available data can be moved faster and more securely to support and enable personnel in every domain. And to create that environment, defense organizations can apply proven approaches to digital transformation from the private and public sector.

Key takeaways from smart buildings and hyperaware infrastructure

Smart buildings have become part of urban centers around the world and can easily be created at defense administration centers and military bases. These buildings leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to intelligently monitor and manage everything from lighting and heat to surveillance systems at key access and exit points.

IoT technologies have made it possible to create hyperaware infrastructures. These digitally connected structures combine operational automation with contextual space management to intelligently adapt how the building operates to meet traffic patterns in key areas and the comfort and security needs of its occupants and environment. The results are smart spaces that make workplaces safer, healthier, and happier, enhance the employee experience and increase productivity.

A lesson in smart city concepts

Since military bases are similar to self-contained cities, smart buildings and hyperaware infrastructures play an important role in creating smart bases built on proven smart city concepts. Smart bases harness the data available on a base and create “a secured intelligent infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, efficient transportation, cost-effective operations and higher quality of life for the inhabitants.”

The network infrastructure that enables a smart base can also be used to create a more effective security posture that not only protects data on the base but also the physical security of personnel and facilities. This can be achieved with advanced security systems, such as perimeter surveillance and intrusion detection systems created with IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions connected to security centers.

Creating smart bases is all about integrating all existing and new technologies and processes into a coherent ICT network framework built on the most advanced technologies and deployed through strategic digital transformation. And that transformation can also be applied to other areas, including: 

• Field operations: ICT technologies are used as the backbone of the information networks on military vessels and vehicles, and as the link for a connected warfighter that leverages sophisticated wearable sensors and equipment
• Command and control centers: ICT technologies make it easier to support civil defense operations or conduct crisis management efforts with other government agencies during natural disasters 

Harnessing the power of advanced ICT

With the most advanced ICT technologies in place, defense organizations will be better equipped to share information, coordinate strategies and manage joint operations everywhere.

The key to an effective digital transformation is a purpose-built strategic communications and network framework that is optimized for the smart base.

That network must be secure, robust and engineered to support all connections at all times to more efficiently move huge volumes of data. And it must be built with ICT solutions that support the integration and interconnection of administrative operations, military bases, deployed personnel and assets on land, air, sea and space, and the containment of escalating and malicious threats being generated in cyberspace.

Interested in how advanced ICT technologies can accelerate the digital transformation of your organization? Get started with our full range of defense solutions.

1. “Smart Buildings Get Hyperaware,” John Hatcher, Smart Buildings Magazine, August 2020.
2. “Building the Smart Base of the Future,” Laura A. Nolan, National Strategic Research Institute, March 2020.