Pathfinders for a data-driven future

A new generation of aviators is helping shape Defence's digital future through the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Analytic Power User (APU) Course.

PLTOFF Madison Hassall is among the first Air Force personnel to complete the course, joining the inaugural cohort trained to use Defence's ERP data to support informed decision-making across the organisation.

As a junior logistics officer, PLTOFF Hassall said the course provided valuable skills that she could immediately apply in the workplace.

"As a junior officer entering my first posting as a logistics officer, this course has given me a strong understanding of an enterprise system and the confidence to support data-driven decision-making," PLTOFF Hassall said.

"It's also equipped me to share that knowledge with my peers, subordinates, commanders and managers."

Defence's ERP system integrates workforce, finance, maintenance and supply chain information into a single enterprise environment. The APU course teaches personnel how to use SAP Analytics Cloud to access this information and develop reports, dashboards and visualisations that turn data into actionable insights.

Participants act as a bridge between business users and analytics, combining workplace expertise with the technical skills needed to answer business questions using trusted enterprise data.

For PLTOFF Hassall, the training delivered practical skills with immediate workplace application.

"The APU course provided valuable skills in extracting and analysing reports from SAP Analytics Cloud, which are essential for supporting evidence-based decision-making," she said.

"The course included detailed instruction tailored to different value chains, showing us how to generate, filter and customise reports to meet specific business needs.

"I've already been able to apply those skills through my work experience with Air Force ERP at Fairbairn, helping me better understand how enterprise data can support informed decision-making."

Director General Enterprise Resource Planning – Air Force AIRCDRE Damien Keddie said the program was an investment in Air Force's future workforce capability.

"As Defence continues its digital transformation, the ability to understand and interpret data is becoming an essential skill," AIRCDRE Keddie said.

"This is more than just generating dashboards. It requires understanding how data will be used, identifying appropriate data sources, analysing them accurately and presenting information in a way that supports decision-making. 

“Initiatives such as the ERP Analytic Power User Course are helping develop the next generation of aviators capable of turning information into decision advantage."

The inaugural graduates are helping establish a growing network of analytical practitioners across Air Force. As they return to their units, they will support colleagues to make better use of data while building a culture of informed decision-making.

For PLTOFF Hassall, being part of the first Air Force-trained cohort is both a professional milestone and an opportunity to contribute to Air Force's future.

"Data literacy is becoming increasingly important across Defence," she said.

"I want to encourage others to develop a greater understanding of the enterprise system and undertake the course. By increasing awareness and participation, we can strengthen Air Force's ability to use reliable data to support decision-making at every level."

Personnel interested in undertaking the ERP Analytic Power User Course next year can learn more and register their interest via the Air Force ERP SharePoint APU page.