CALS was adopted by the US Department of Defense (DoD) to support weapons through efficient operation, management and exchange of digital information. The purpose of CALS is to eliminate manual tasks and paperwork using an integrated system that can perform automatic data processing of technical data and information. This includes everything from generating to distributing to obtaining. Automated information should be integrated into a common system to prevent "islands of automation."

Digital information includes: engineering sketches, product definition, logistics support analysis, technical manuals, training material, technical plans, and operating procedures, feedback reports, etc. The objectives are to:

• Reduce data space, weight, and storage requirements

• Increase opportunities for automated processes

• Improve the process to reduce Life Cycle Costs

• Modernize the infrastructure

• Improve information quality

• Acquire data digitally