At the heart of our supply chain transformation is a commitment to operational excellence and gender inclusivity. Through pioneering initiatives, we’ve reimagined how peace operations are supported—from the way food is delivered and fuel is tracked, to how vehicles are procured and accommodations are designed. Each system and upgrade reflects our dedication to transparency, efficiency, and human-centered design.
Notably, the Elsie Initiative has set new standards for gender-responsive logistics, while digital platforms like digital rations and fuel management systems, and a vehicle acquisition system, are streamlining processes across missions. These innovations not only improve day-to-day operations but also remove barriers to participation, ensuring our missions are more equitable, accountable, and future-ready.
The Elsie Initiative for Field Missions
Since its launch in 2019, the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions has been a catalyst for change in peace operation environments, pioneering gender-responsive infrastructure/facilities, equipment – like female body armour – and logistics, including vehicles. With 95 human-centered engineering design recommendations, the Initiative has redefined standards for privacy, wellbeing, social interactions and inclusivity in field accommodations.
Some of these recommendations have been embedded into global contracts and engineering manuals, influencing procurement practices and removing barriers to women’s participation in peace operations. Other recommendations are in the process of being integrated.
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Electronic Rations Management System
Managing food rations for peacekeepers is a massive logistical undertaking—one that OSCM has revolutionized with the electronic Rations Management System (eRMS). Launched in 2015, eRMS digitizes the entire rations supply chain, from menu planning and order placement to delivery tracking, invoicing, and performance monitoring.
With about 230,000 meals served daily, eRMS ensures consistency, transparency, and efficiency across missions. The system’s recent enhancements include a fully automated quality management module, further streamlining operations. Currently deployed in all peacekeeping missions, eRMS continues to expand, setting a new standard for food logistics in peacekeeping.
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Vehicle Acquisition System
In 2023, OSCM unveiled a major upgrade to its Vehicle Acquisition System (VAS), transforming it into a centralized, digital platform for fleet procurement. Originally designed for peacekeeping, the new VAS is positioned to serve the entire UN system, offering a user-friendly catalogue interface for selecting and ordering vehicles.
Key innovations include real-time workflow automation, integration with other UN catalogues, and a vendor portal for up-to-date procurement opportunities. With advanced analytics and global accessibility, VAS empowers UN entities to make informed, efficient, and environmentally conscious fleet decisions.
Electronic Fuel Management System
The introduction of the Electronic Fuel Management System (EFMS2) in 2013 marked a significant transformation from manual fuel data collection and accounting practices. This digital system now supports all UN missions, capturing data from over 700,000 fuel transactions annually. EFMS2 enhances transparency, control, and monitoring of fuel resources, ensuring efficient and accountable usage.
Recent upgrades to EFMS2 have further improved data input controls and introduced 33 tailored management and operational reports. These reports cover stock levels, consumption patterns, and fuel fraud alerts, providing comprehensive insights and strengthening the UN’s ability to manage its fuel resources effectively.
