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Show 12 HJlTop Times NEWS Feb. 77. 1991 AFLC improves Storm for part tracking Col. Ron Waggoner, director of transportation for by Capt. Ann Farmer Off.ce cf Pubi.c Affars AFLC AFB, Ohio (AFLCNS)-Bei- ng able to track a spare part between the time ordered to when it's installed in an aircraft has it's always been a goal for logisticians and operators. As the Air Force flies hundreds of sorties daily 66 WRIGHT-PATTERSO- in support of Operation Desert Storm, having criti- cal spare parts on hand and knowing where they are in the logistics pipeline is essential. With ingenuity and teamwork, a handful of people at Air Force Logistics Command headquarters have developed a computer program prototype giving instant visibility of the spare parts pipeline fueling Operation Desert Storm. The prototype, called the Air Force Logistics Information File, was developed by the Air Force Modernization of Defense Logistics Standards Systems Program Office and AFLC's Deputy Chief of Staff for Distribution. Simply put, data records from the supply and transportation systems are combined, allowing the system to display a part's location at any given time on one computer screen. With the press of a button, this system can provide information on a part by requisition or transportation control number and, for the first time, by stock number. user-friendl- y All involved in this quick reaction and cooperative effort are motivated by one thought: to save lives in the desert. 99 Col. Ron Waggoner Di'ec'or o' tionipor,otion fof TocMcol Aw Commond "This is a first in the logistics arena," said Gen. Charles C. McDonald, AFLC commander. "AFLIF information on not only provides materiel, it can also locate a part in transit so that we can divert it to units with a more urgent demand. This flexibility greatly improves our logistics support for Operation Desert Storm." The system is in its infancy, having come on line in January. However, AFLC's customers, the operational commands, said they already see a difference. Tactical Air Command, is one of AFLC's customers. The colonel oversees transportation activities for Desert Storm as part of Central Command Air Forces Rear, located at Langley AFB, Va. "This prototype has tremendously increased our ability to track MICAPs and other items deemed to be showstoppers from the front line in Saudi Arabia," Colonel Waggoner said. MICAPS are those mission capable parts needed in order for an aircraft to fly. AFLC's logistics counterparts at the operational commands' headquarters have brought AFLIF on line. All of the air logistics centers' distribution functions are using AFLIF to better track their items en route to Saudi Arabia. With the capability to update information every 15 minutes, Col. Jim Sledge, AFLC director of transportation, is calling this prototype a "quantum leap" in the networking of logistics data. "All involved in this quick reaction and cooperative effort are motivated by one thought: to save lives in the desert," the colonel said. Although the fledgling system is being used exclusively for Desert Storm operations, AFLC officials believe AFLIF will rapidly expand and "define how we provide logistics support in the future." A President's Day Sale, by George! 00 OFF FREE Home Estimate! President's Day Sale! Plus FREE Installation Security Storm Doors Savings JJ The frame work of a Grisham Door has a completely welded steel frame that is ground and polished for years of lasting beauty and protection. il La A -- SD202 Silent Sentry 0" "v.m Jill ii SD201 urn SD214 SD204 SD205 SD206 HnMFSFrilPITV w " 99 mm mm ENERGY SAVINGS SECURITYSTORM DOORS LASTING BEAUTY '4? t 'ill SD207 Ogden 731-062- 1 2380 S. 1900 W. "t SD208 SD209 SD212 SD213 SD215 1 Layton Layton Hills Mall 544-062- i . I |