Defence Postpones Rollout of Data Platform’s ‘Minimum Viable Capability’
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Summary
- The Australian Defence Force has rescheduled the launch of its OneDefence Data platform’s “minimum viable capability” (MVC) to late March or early April.
- The system is in the production phase but is currently processing only synthetic data as testing continues.
- The platform’s initial application will focus on health knowledge management.
- The project, which began with KPMG, is now chiefly overseen by Defence personnel.
- Additional specifications and technological features have been added, resulting in the delay.
New Delays for Defence’s OneDefence Data Platform
Launch of OneDefence Data Platform Delayed to March or April
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has announced a postponement of the rollout for its OneDefence Data platform. Initially scheduled for a December completion, the platform’s “minimum viable capability” (MVC) is now anticipated to be launched in late March or early April.
During a Senate estimates hearing, Chief Information Officer Chris Crozier discussed the situation, clarifying that while the platform is “in production” for both protected and secret information, it remains in the testing phase, utilizing synthetic data.
What Caused the Delay?
The postponement is attributed to the need for ensuring the system’s trustworthiness and security before it can manage live data. Crozier stated that Defence is still “shaking the systems out” to confirm that everything is operationally sound before full implementation.
A significant reason for the delay is the shift in oversight from external contractors—originally managed by KPMG—to internal Defence staff. Although some contractors are still participating, the Commonwealth has assumed complete control over strategic decisions and implementation.
Initial Focus on Health Knowledge Management
The first sector of Defence set to leverage the capabilities of the OneDefence Data platform is health knowledge management. However, live patient data will not be utilized until the system has been fully validated, with synthetic data being employed for testing instead.
“Currently, we don’t want to be ingesting live patient data until we confirm that the system is reliable, so we’re using synthetic data to validate the technology,” Crozier clarified.
Defence Taking Charge of the Project
Defence has increased its role in the project, making fundamental architectural decisions and overseeing the fulfillment of requirements necessary to achieve MVC. While KPMG and its collaborators handled the initial build, Defence is now responsible for data ingestion, processing, and supplementary system improvements.
Crozier mentioned that the transition has empowered Defence to adapt the platform in accordance with changing needs and to integrate new technological capabilities.
Previous Challenges and Adjustments
The OneDefence Data initiative has experienced prior delays. Initial due diligence efforts revealed issues requiring rectification, leading to previous schedule changes. Nevertheless, Defence remains focused on delivering the platform with enhanced capabilities.
Conclusion
Although the OneDefence Data platform has faced delays, the transition to internal management and a rigorous testing approach reflect a commitment to ensuring that the platform is dependable and secure prior to its complete rollout. The first application in health knowledge management underscores its potential significance, but the Defence team must still achieve critical milestones in data ingestion and system validation.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the OneDefence Data platform?
A:
The OneDefence Data platform is an innovative technology initiative from the Australian Defence Force aimed at enhancing data management and security within Defence operations.
Q: What is the reason for the deployment delay?
A:
The delay is attributed to continuous testing, refinement of the platform, and the shift from contractor-led development to in-house oversight by Defence personnel.
Q: When is the new anticipated launch date?
A:
Defence now expects to achieve “minimum viable capability” for the platform by late March or early April.
Q: What type of data is currently being used for testing?
A:
At this stage, testing is being conducted solely with synthetic data in order to validate the system prior to incorporating live data.
Q: What will be the platform’s first application?
A:
Once initial testing concludes, health knowledge management will be the first domain within Defence to utilize the platform.
Q: Who is in charge of the project management now?
A:
The project is now under the management of the Commonwealth, specifically Defence personnel, with limited contractor participation.
Q: Have there been previous delays with the platform?
A:
Indeed, earlier due diligence investigations uncovered issues needing resolution, resulting in prior delays.
Q: What are the upcoming steps for this project?
A:
The focus will remain on importing required datasets, finalizing system validation, and ensuring the full functionality of all analytical components.
