The Ministry of Defence is implementing digital oversight over products supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is implementing a new system to oversee the supply of preserved foodstuffs to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Under the new regulations, the supplier is required to generate an expenditure invoice in the system before shipping the products, specifying the corresponding test report number. If this number is not provided, a dedicated database in the DOT-Chain IT system will prevent the creation of the invoice, thereby blocking the supply of products without laboratory control.

The implementation of new oversight mechanisms was prompted by identified instances of misconduct on the part of unethical suppliers.

“During inspections, we discovered that the volume of preserved foodstuff supplied to the Armed Forces significantly exceeds the quantities tested by our veterinary laboratories. As a result, concerns were raised regarding the product quality. Therefore, we decided to overhaul the system for monitoring the supply of such products to ensure transparency and enhance control,” said Ihor Leshchenko, Head of the MoD’s Main Department of Quality Control.

Consequently, all laboratory test reports are now submitted to the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT), which logs them into the DOT-Chain. The system contains detailed information about the product, including the test report number, manufacturing date, manufacturer, batch size, and more.

“The DOT continues to digitalize an expanding range of processes in providing food to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Implementing a joint initiative with the Ministry of Defence's Main Department of Quality Control is another example of how modern solutions enable a swift and effective response to violations. From now on, not only will military units be able to submit online complaints about product quality in the DOT-Chain, but the system itself will also be able to detect potential threats proactively,” says Volodymyr Chuhai, Head of Product Management Department at DOT.

The system conducts a daily analysis of expenditure Invoices, cross-checking them against the database of test reports. If the supply limit is exceeded, the system automatically records the violation, and the supplier must provide an explanation. Should the violation be confirmed, the supplier will incur a substantial fine, and the excess products will be prohibited from distribution and submitted for laboratory testing.

Consequently, with the implementation of the DOT-Chain system, the supplier is paid only for verified products, thereby mitigating financial incentives for fraudulent activities.