Navigating defence projects with agility and flexibility
Tony Copley is the current Integrated Logistics Support Manager at Systematiq. A former soldier and armoured corps officer with over 14 years of military service, Tony has worked in a diverse range of roles, both in the Australian Army, and as a civilian in defence industry. His extensive background includes training roles, operational support, and aftermarket ILS support for defence primes.
Since joining Systematiq 11 months ago, Tony has been instrumental in shaping how the company delivers value to clients in the ILS space. Tony’s diverse experience across different areas of defence, including vehicle maintenance and logistics, enables him to understand the unique requirements and constraints faced by stakeholders.
“My varied operating background allows me to engage with different stakeholders, understand their requirements, and the restrictions they face,” Tony explains.
“This helps me in delivering solutions that are well-rounded and effective”
His broad background provides him with insight across the wide diversity of operations and functions that occur within defence, which is particularly valuable for managing ILS.
“The nature of ILS is holistic,” Tony comments. “It’s about maintaining capabilities with a variety of backgrounds and skillsets, working together to create a solution that is sustainable and enduring.”
Tony reflected on how his background allows him to evaluate problems, create solutions, and deliver solutions in a holistic manner.
“ILS is about the structured and holistic approach to maintaining capability for the lifetime of that system or piece of equipment.”
Managing a pro-active team to deliver solutions
As the manager of Systematiq’s ILS team, Tony is involved in all stages of a client’s project lifecycle, from initial client conversations to tendering, pre-contract support, through to project delivery. His role is critical in ensuring that Systematiq remains responsive to the evolving needs of its clients, and Systematiq’s ILS practitioners are supported and pro-active.
“We don’t just sit behind an inbox or register requests for information,” he notes.
“We have an appetite for flexibility and being pro-active, depending on client needs; a willingness to be on site at the convenience of the client if and when necessary.”
This approach is not limited to simply delivering logistics solutions. Tony notes that one of the company’s key strengths is its ability to position itself as a long-term partner to its clients.
Looking ahead, Tony acknowledges the challenges facing the defence industry:
“It’s not just in meeting needs of the Commonwealth and our nation’s national security priorities, but also the challenge of political and geopolitical influences making it difficult to see what’s on the horizon.”
He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in navigating these uncertainties and responding to changing defence priorities and requirements.
“It’s always a rough sea in the defence industry,” Tony notes. “The best we can do is be a sound solid ship in that ocean for our clients, to provide reliability.”
“We need to be agile to meet the needs and demands of our clients, because any rough seas we’re in, they’re traversing as well. We need to be adaptive to understand their constraints, and work alongside them to deliver successful outcomes.”
If your defence project is currently on choppy waters and requires dedicated ILS support, reach out to one of our Systematiq sales managers today. Our dedicated ILS team is ready to support your defence project needs, and help you move your business forward.
