Usable Synchronisation Matrix?

The aim of this report is to summerise the usability of a computerised decision support tool "Synchronisation Matrix" that was evaluated by observations during the experiment DEMO 06 Fail. This work was funded by the Swedish Armed Forces project Effects Based Command and Control. The Synchronisation Matrix tool evaluated in the DEMO 06 Fall experiment to support both the tactical and the operational levels. It was too complicated and too full of redundant information for the Force Headquarters (FHQ) at the operational level to communicate Commanders intent. The synchronisation matrix also lacked the requisite granularity in both the time and resource domains to be useful for the component commanders at the tactical level. There were nevertheless several users that wanted a tool like the Synchronisation Matrix provided that it would have the necessary functionality. It is therefore recommended that the Swedish Armed Forces suspend the development of the Synchronisation Matrix used by both the FHQ and Component Commands during DEMO 06 Fall. The Swedish Armed Forces need to develop user requirements in an iterative process before trying out a fully functioning cooperative tool for the operational and tactical levels. Work should therefore continue in an iterative manner with more flexible prototypes that initially would be used in experiments or on operations on either the operational or the tactical levels to be able to find both user requirements and new standard operating procedures.