This paper examines data for management within the RAN preparedness management system. The paper also discusses where the appropriate application of technology can assist in the collection of data and the transformation of data to information for the management process. One of the most significant difficulties is knowing what to manage and what data to collect to enable the management of naval capability.

Data for management presents a significant challenge, and in this paper we explore some of the issues that we consider need to be addressed up front before the Navy preparedness management system is architected to achieve quantitative and objective cost/capability decisions. We examine how data are exchanged in the management process, the operational view of the preparedness management systems and the nature of date used in the management process.