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Original Date: 01/26/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2003
Information : Web Based Data Collection System
(equipment: HP 9000 T600 Mid-Tier Server; 348 PCS (166MHz Pentium, 32MB RAM, 17 inch monitors, 16 bit LAN card, 1GB hard drive, 8 speed CD ROM, 2 MB video card, and Windows NT operating system); Hand held Janus 2020 RF Bar Code Readers; Network Controllers; Transceivers; Transaction Managers with laser bar code readers; Port Concentrators; Laser Jet 5L printers; Laser Jet 5SiMX printers; and Type II Bar Code Label Printers)
The Data Collection System (DCS) is a Web based intranet system, comprised of an Oracle engine with front-end hyper text markup language (HTML) for the comprehensive collection and distribution of data pertinent to all facets of production operations of Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). The system is part of an Army Industrial Operations Command (IOC) initiative to implement Web enabled technology throughout all depots and arsenals to enhance the execution of workload through improved communications, information, standardization, tracking, and control. CCAD was selected in December 1996 as the prototype site to field the first Web based DCS. The initial project prototype took place in July and August 1997.
The system hardware and software being replaced was unable to quickly and accurately status production information, dumb and non-programmable for new initiatives, and incapable of providing easy to use, simplified processes for input and output. The old system primarily serviced financial accounting operations, but was not production and shop floor oriented.
In 1996 and 1997, CCAD procured the hardware and software. The hardware configuration was specific to the requirements established by the Depot, while the software was common across the IOC. Hardware included the purchase of 348 PCS intended for the shop floor, consisting of 166MHz Pentium, 32MB RAM, 17 inch monitors, 16 bit LAN card, 1GB hard drive, 8 speed CD- ROM, 2 MB video card, and Windows NT operating system. Data collection hardware included 265 hand-held Janus 2020 RF Bar Code Readers; five Radio Frequency Network Controllers; five RF Transceivers; and 337 Transaction Managers with laser bar code readers and 32 Port Concentrators. Printers included 100 LaserJet 5L printers; three LaserJet 5SiMX printers; and two Type II Bar Code Printers. The relational database management system included an HP 9000 T600 Mid-Tier Server including Oracle full development software license for 250 simultaneous users.
The DCS is into its third month of operation and is undergoing refinements. It continues to be populated with data being converted from the old system, collected from bar-coded badges and work instructions, and manual input. The DCS is capable of performing real time entry through its bar code DCS, and is currently in its initial phase of fielding in the Rotating Electric and Blade shops. The second phase will include one aircraft line later in 1998, and the final phase is scheduled for implementation throughout the remaining Depot operations during 1999. When completed, the DCS will provide the Depot a toolbox of information for financial and personnel applications, material applications, and maintenance applications. With a completed repository of data, it will be possible to accurately report material and labor status, list open work orders, generate work orders to include procedures and routings, and update the scheduling and statement of work application components. The DCS will simplify the Work Breakdown Structure, eliminate redundant processes, and provide greater accuracy for each requirement.
The benefits projected by full implementation of the DCS are far reaching. An illustration of this is the availability of tracking open work orders at the lowest level of detail within seconds versus what would have taken months.
The project represents four strategically significant steps within systems development for the Army Maintenance community:
It provides a mid-tier relational database in an open architecture environment for its users.
The database model is being developed with the standard Department of Defense (DoD) data dictionary.
The common user interface of the HTML provides a seamless environment for the users to access information pertinent to their work instruction; it further provides management, customer, and headquarter visibility of the process that is presently unthinkable.
The bar coding and computer infrastructure being configured for the shop floor provides a basis of data collection that is needed regardless of the application being run.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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