Original Date: 02/24/1997
Revision Date: 04/14/2003

The Industrial Operations Command (IOC) developed a new computer-based Ammunition Surveillance Information System (ASIS) that uses commercial laptop computers, commercial software, and Compact Disc (CD) media for accessing technical data.

The ASIS had been paper based using files, micro fiche, engineering drawings, and technical manuals. This process forced field ammunition inspectors to make judgements from memory, or return to their office to perform research which increased costs while degrading the ammunition stock pile. The laptop computer enables ammunition inspectors to review and research all data associated with the DoD inventory at the inspection site. Information available on the laptop computers includes applicable engineering drawings, technical data, suspensions, safety notices, ammunition history, and inspection forms. Over 100,000 pages of text and more than 11,000 drawings have been placed on CD media for access with the ASIS (Figure 2-2).

At many Posts, Camps, and Stations, the field inspection of ammunition shipments, receipts, and storage practices are delayed because inspectors must return to their office for the needed manuals or bulletins. When research is complete, an inspection form is filled out and forwarded to an input station where the data is entered into a main frame computer. Information on the ammunition is updated and can include condition code changes, comments on packaging, movement, safety, and recommendations for maintenance or destruction. During volume movements, this loss of inspection time can be detrimental to the storage site or the retail unit.

The new ASIS provides the inspector immediate on site input capability during the inspection process. It provides the field inspector all data to properly identify, classify, package, mark, ship, and store DoD ammunition. All technical manuals, ammunition information notices, restrictions, bulletins, engineering drawings, and regulations are available on the laptop PC that is carried with the inspector. The off-the-shelf system can be safely carried and used in storage structures, buildings, ships, and vehicles. Laptop hard drive updates are provided through electronic mail; CDs are updated semiannually.

Currently, 170 laptops are fielded at Army sites, and another 21 laptops are being purchased at $6,500 each. The economic analysis (EA) on the ASIS showed benefits in reduced research time; single data entry; complete research library; more accurate condition coding; and efficient and effective inspections.

The EA also showed a $1.4 million savings primarily in labor costs. Substantial intangible benefits are realized through increased transportation safety, enhanced storage safety, and improved use of DoD ammunition. This is brought about by vast amounts of information available to the inspectors. Established ammunition sites are also expected to realize similar benefits.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.