Army Logistics Base Trip by Jasmine

28 November 2008 I joined my class and board the coach at Temasek Polytechnic. We headed to the Singapore Army Logistic Base (ALB) at Chua Chua Kang for our DCM one and only field trip.




The ABL is Singapore’s first centralised logistic base. The warehouse space is about 34 hectares of land or an equivalent of 45 football fields.
The Army Logistic Base (ALB) is jointly developed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and Singapore Technologies Logistics.


In recent years, the private sector logistics operators have focussed on greater integration with its suppliers and third party logistics agents to further optimise its supply chain. Hence the development of the ABL is built and operated on a novel Design, Build and Operate concept whereby the commercial contractor, Singapore Technologies Logistics, is not only responsible for the warehouse's design and construction but also its full operations for the contractual duration.

By working with ST Logistics, the Army is able to tap into the ideas of the latest commercial best practices. ALB have clocked a labour productivity improvement of 25% and an 80% reduction of stores collection time during mobilisations. Annually, the base will also save the SAF about 25% in warehouse management fees.


In this dynamic logistic based, to achieve high productivity, effectiveness and utilisation, they use high technologies such as RFID, multi-storey warehouse architecture including an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), a Mobile Racking & Shelving system, a modern wireless radio frequency identity system, Automatic Guided Vehicles, and Vertical Carousels.

This field trip was enriching and exciting as it was my first time to visit a real warehouse. It definitely enhanced my understanding in distribution centre management!