text: Chapter 4
  Control
  4-58. Control of the distribution system is the focal point of centralized management. Sustainment command
  headquarters and staffs control distribution by providing direction and oversight of distribution processes and
  flow of materiel. Logisticians performing theater distribution functions exercise control through the
  identification of shipments and the monitoring of their location as shipments move through the distribution
  system.
  Visibility
  4-59. Visibility is the ability to see forces and commodities moving within the distribution system. Visibility
  includes asset visibility and in-transit visibility. Asset visibility provides situational understanding of the flow
  of materiel, including arrival and departure of unit personnel, equipment, and all cargo at all nodes, from
  origin to destination on all modes. In-transit visibility provides visibility and near-real-time status on the
  movement of all classes of supply.
  Capacity
  4-60. Capacity includes the measure of personnel and materiel that can move through the distribution system
  and the capability of the infrastructure to support a two-way flow of forces and materiel. The theater’s
  infrastructure (roadways, sea and aerial ports, warehouses) will determine the capacity of its distribution
  system and logistics support framework. Availability of transportation assets, materiel handling equipment,
  air and ground transportation, and watercraft determine the capacity of the distribution system to deliver and
  accept materiel.
  Optimized Infrastructure
  4-61. Optimizing the theater infrastructure (roads, railways, waterways, structures, seaports, airports and
  open staging areas, other structures, distribution nodes, and warehouses) means synchronizing the movement
  of forces and materiel moving over or through the existing infrastructure. Planners must maintain a balance
  between distribution capability and the infrastructure capacity to support operations. The available vehicles
  (air, ground, and watercraft), sustainment units and personnel (Army and contractor), and assets (physical
  and organizational) affect distribution system optimization.
  Maximized Throughput
  4-62. Throughput refers to the quantity of cargo and passengers that can pass through a port or a
  transportation terminal on a daily basis. An efficient distribution system maximizes tonnage, minimizes
  handling, and improves velocity using containerization, pallets and flatracks. Maximizing throughput reduces
  the surface traffic on the physical network and therefore reduces Soldier risk.
  Rapid and Precise Response
  4-63. Rapid and precise response is the ability to receive, prioritize, and fill supported unit requests in the
  minimum time possible, and in the exact quantity, quality, and point of need requested. The effectiveness of
  rapid and responsive distribution can be measured by assessing the following attributes, or key performance
  indicators:
  • Speed is moving requirements according to priority at the rate that meets “the right time” condition
  of distribution.
  • Accuracy is delivering requirements while meeting the “right thing” and “right place” conditions of
  distribution.
  • Continuous, seamless, two-way flow of resources.
  • Continuous and seamless pipeline.
  Continuous, Seamless, Two-Way Flow of Resources
  4-64. The continuous and seamless two-way flow of resources describes the flow of sustainment materiel
  and retrograde cargo between the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. It ensures transportation assets