Basic Issues
Logistics planners will need to determine, within the available budget, materials and equipment to be provided to observers. Materials and equipment planning should follow a needs analysis, in relation to office equipment and supplies, furniture requirements, communications equipment, and observer materials and provisions. Effective acquisition and distribution of observer materials and equipment requires administrative systems for approving acquisitions, inventory control, and allocation.
Equipment needs will vary according to available technology and conditions in the environment. The provision of sophisticated equipment without local or observer group capacity for maintenance support should be avoided. As for vehicles, consideration should be given to the most cost-effective method of providing observer equipment, through purchase and later resale, lease, or hire.
(For a full description of observer reference material requirements, see Observer Reference Materials.)
