AFSC’s ‘high-tech’ vending solution relied on for mission success

  • Published
  • By Bill Orndorff
  • Ogden Air Logistics Complex
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  As part of Air Force Sustainment Center's efforts to standardize the Air Logistics Complexes and provide cost-effective readiness to the warfighter, AFSC stood up a new Point of Use Section within each maintenance support group.

This new section's mission is to standardize, install, deploy and maintain a high-tech parts and material vending solution across the three ALCs, enabling greater depot maintenance and supply chain efficiencies.

"The high-tech vending solution will give technicians access to a variety of materials at the right time, the right place and at the right cost to complete the mission," said Trevor Hood, 309th Maintenance Support Group Point of Use section chief. "The Point of Use concept reduces travel time, resulting in increases in touch time."

The vending solution will also allow a level of planning and forecasting fidelity for indirect material that the Ogden ALC has never had before, enabling material procurement in a timely manner and at a reduced cost.

Benefits of the new technology include:

· Improved parts accountability (with initial issue of items and the ability to return unused quantities)

· Real-time inventory

· Material availability

· Reduced travel time for technicians

· Standardized items and criteria between the three Complexes

· Demand data

In late July, the first machine was installed for the 573rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and stocked with parts related to depot maintenance for the F-16 weapon system. The machine's installation is part of the Industrial Product Support Vendor High Tech vending solution "Proof of Concept" being conducted at the three ALCs, which installed one automated IPV bench stock vending solution at each ALC.

The IPV Proof of Concept is an initiative to provide bench stock material to the technicians at the work center with fewer material outages, at a reduced cost and at the same time improve material control and accountability, Hood said. The team is led by the 76th MXSG at the Oklahoma City ALC. Oklahoma City ALC has 520 high tech machines running that vend a variety of tools, office supplies and personal protective equipment.

"The Ogden ALC Proof of Concept team, with membership from the ALC's Business Office, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group, and 309th MXSG, is using the 76th MXSG's vast experience in industrial vending and installation support," Hood said. "It has proven invaluable in the successful installation at the other ALCs."

Now that all three ALCs have IPV locations installed and running, the AFSC Proof of Concept team will begin refining the data and processes, while applying lessons learned to prepare for the next locations.

While industrial vending is not new to Ogden ALC, the new technology and AFSC standardized approach will allow efficiencies not realized with the outdated systems currently in use.

"The two biggest problems with the old process were the needed items aren't always there and the infrequently used items are in excess," Hood said.

In fiscal 2014, a rapid improvement event was conducted to refine the required bench stock materials and create an improved binning solution. This also created a new baseline for the F-16 Proof of Concept.

The new red and gray machines (nicknamed "The Red Box" by 573rd mechanics) feature a computer terminal that is accessed by a Common Access Card. The user requests the needed part, and a small door opens out of the 1,700 configurable parts bins. After the required amount is removed, the bin is weighed and the computer prints a ticket with the part information, increasing material control at the work center. Unused parts can later be returned to the machines with the ticket and be restocked, eliminating waste.

Jim Weeks, Production Support Branch Chief, said that while they conducted the prep work to install the technology, F-16 technicians were observed searching multiple bench stock locations to find the needed parts.

"Three bench stock locations, including the automated solution, are being consolidated to several work area locations," Weeks said. "So if you're working in a specific area, you can walk to your location and find the part you need. So far, we haven't had any complaints."

At Hill, the next IPV location planned for the machines is in the 309th Electronics Maintenance Group. The team, with 309th EMXG added membership, has already begun refining the material requirements and is developing a "virtual kitting prototype" for installation by the 309th MXSG Production Support Branch. With virtual kitting, a mechanic selects a pre-loaded job and the machine opens each door consecutively, providing all parts needed for that job.

"The 573rd AMXS is excited about the improvement," said Leroy Sykes, former 573rd director. "Hardware is often overlooked, but is a critical component in any aircraft repair operation. Few things generate more frustration than lack of common hardware for a technician attempting to accomplish a repair to a jet on a tight critical path. The technician's input was aggressively sought out to ensure it was stocked with the right material and it will begin to reap benefits in the form of reduced flow days quickly. "

Hood agreed, adding that the Proof of Concepts and their installation are an example of "The AFSC Way."

"Cost effectiveness is the key, but quality will improve as well," Hood said. "Most importantly, the ALCs Proof of Concepts would not have been successful without the collaboration between all parties involved at the ALCs and within Ogden ALC, which demonstrates the Leadership Model's end objective -- creating the environment for success."