The MAPS Defense Suite is a highly configurable and modular software platform. It consists of three core components; Optimizer, Manager and Administrator, along with a series of tools, modules and applications. Please refer to the diagram and description below for more details.

MAPS Optimizer
Designed to support time-based management of the Force Elements at readiness within a military force structure, Optimizer is a key component within the MAPS Defense suite. It presents current and future commitments over time, whether operational or non-operational, allowing Force Elements to be assigned simply and quickly.

Within the Optimizer component, a number of tools and wizards are included. These have been specifically developed by Allocate Software to meet the requirements of MAPS Defense users involved in capability management across the J1 – J9 functions. The Optimizer tools and wizards include:

• Force Finder - decision support tool; enables military operation planners to identify optimal Force Elements, at the necessary readiness, in order to meet operational requirements. Users can determine the specific criteria and weighting so Force Finder will find and rank suitable Force Elements held within MAPS.
  
  
• Head Hunter - decision support tool; provides planners with rules-based searches to identify the most appropriate individuals to meet particular posts. Users can determine the specific criteria and weighting so that Head Hunter will find and rank suitable candidates held within the personnel database.
  
  
• Job Hunter - decision support tool; enables planners to run rules-based searches to identify posts with specific requirements, in order to plan individuals’ careers more effectively. Users can determine the specific criteria and weighting so that Job Hunter will find and rank suitable posts for people held within the personnel database.
  
  
• Trouble Shooter - allows users to identify any future problems during the planning phase. These could include shortfalls in capability (e.g. in competencies, equipment, or vacant posts), Optempo/Harmony violations, unit assignment clashes or events running over budget.
  
  
• Analyst - enables users to perform ad-hoc queries and reports against the MAPS database, providing targeted information across the entire organization. With a graphical interface that drills down into increasing levels of detail, Analyst is a powerful module for answering specific questions and highlighting trends.

MAPS Manager
The Manager application provides the ability to manage all MAPS data items relating to individuals, training, events or an organization’s units, posts, postings, people and competencies. The application includes:

• Communications Center - automates the production of communication resources; from letters of application, interview invitations and reminders, to travel authorizations. Generated from templates, the module provides a complete audit trail of activity.
  
  
• Training Manager - manages courses, training providers, locations and attendance. The module recommends training to fill skills gaps and on completion, assigns skills to participants’ records. To aid in the planning, adjusting and communication of training events for the year, it also includes an event diary view.

MAPS Administrator
The Administrator component provides console-based tools for system administrators to configure the MAPS suite. The Administrator tools include:

• Security & Authority - managing the individual access rights of user groups and individuals. This ensures administrators can oversee the functions that other MAPS users are able to perform.
  
  
• Replication - MAPS can replicate information to another part of the organization by sharing data across distributed MAPS databases.

Event Management Budgeting (EMB)
EMB is a web-based application that is used for collective event planning. EMB provides MAPS users with the ability to create and edit events, and manage the allocation and tracking of cost of resources to events.