In business, automation means completing tasks with machines or computers instead of people. That changes when it comes to defence, where automation ranges from an automatic rifle to satellite imagery analysis.
Automation is a large part of digital transformation in defence. Taking advantage of digitalisation, rethinking existing procedures and making the most of digital assets, data and workflows are all ways automation can impact defence. Automating intelligence extraction from data provides knowledge that facilitates informed decision-making. For instance, a logistics system that analyses supply chain data in real time can use automation to reroute resources to address shortages and ensure troops receive essential supplies faster.
Let’s explore how automation can improve decision-making.
Simpler defence workflows
Automation makes work simpler. Once a process is automated, less effort is required by defence personnel to remember which tools, buttons or functions to use and in what sequence they should be run. By automating the documentation of the process, it becomes a standard operating procedure.
For example, calculating a route for a tank to use across terrain, considering land cover type and recent precipitation levels is a multistep task. Putting this into a digital workflow means the defence user simply needs to set the desired start and end locations.
Faster defence workflows
Automation makes work faster. A computer can open and execute tools in sequence much faster than any defence operator can accomplish the same task by pointing and clicking. In addition, computers can work 24/7, whereas people need rest.
As an example, air chart processing for loading onto differing airframes often includes several steps and writing new temporary files to disks. Digital data workflows can reduce this to two steps for the operator and uses computer memory to do the calculations, writing only the required files for upload.
Spatial Modeler is the graphical editor for data workflows, here showing the workflow for map preparation.
The workflow can be added to the software ribbon, such as in ERDAS IMAGINE, and the dialogue is built automatically when running the workflow.
Accurate defence workflows
When a human performs a task on a computer, there is a chance for error, whether a typo or a miss-click. The more steps there are and the more complicated the analysis is, along with task repetition, the greater the chance for mistakes. In contrast, a configured automated task makes a computer trustworthy to perform the same steps endlessly.
Automation can include tasks at varying levels, from code and scripts to apps and full workflows. As processes become more automated, the fewer variables there are and the less an operator needs to know about the process, outside of how to feed in data and how to spot incorrect results. Automation processes can include built-in quality checks to automate error correction, whereas human workflows will include numerous chances for errors. Think of recording details of vessels, occupants and cargo. Digital workflows, automated data validation, upload and form population reduce the operator’s chance of mistakes.
Besides completing tasks involving large amounts of data, operators also need assurance about information integrity and safe access when routing to an end user. Automated workflows limit the opportunities for data tampering.
As new data and information is received it can be automatically catalogued, and registered users alerted if the data falls in their area of responsibility. Data analysis, processing and publishing can be done as part of the automated workflow and allows results to be shared via web services or API. Then, access and accreditation to view or download the data and products are simpler for the end user.
AI for mission protection
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is increasing across defence. Automation and AI can take information on flight characteristics of a detected UAV and classify it as friendly or unfriendly. AI can be implemented with sensors to utilise edge processing, and specific classified alerts can be sent to the visualisation and command-and-control (C2) system. Automating the highlighting of drones based on their flight patterns and perceived intent, classified via AI, gives the operator clearer situational awareness. Automation, combined with the AI workflows, keeps military personnel safe while on missions thanks to this situational awareness.
A 3D view of AI-classified UAV tracks and the coverage areas of radar and video camera sensors – as the UAVs approach monitored air spaces, their distance to the area is shown automatically.
Learn more
Read the white paper to discover more about automation, its role in digital transformation and how it’s used to improve decision-making in defence.
