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Original Date: 08/10/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Information : Engineering Data Management System
Prior to June 1998, Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), Lakehurst used an engineering data management method which relied on hardcopy master files. These files took up space and were susceptible to damage whenever a change was made. Although the drawings were scanned into a computerized system using Computer Aided Filing for Engineering Drawings (CAFED), users could only access them through dumb terminals, whose availability needed to be coordinated and scheduled. Configuration management procedures lacked clear revision control, and CAFED would not recognize any other information except the drawing number. The drawing approval cycle took two to five days, and consisted of routing the hardcopy master file to various authorities for signature, scanning it back into CAFED, and then comparing it to the hardcopy master drawing for verification. Transferring a drawing into the Joint Engineering Data Manufacturing Information Control System (JEDMICS) required six to 12 weeks. Here, the process called for photographing the hardcopy master file; creating aperture cards; generating an index data report from CAFED; mailing the information to the JEDMICS repository center; scanning it into the JEDMICS; and keying-in the index data. Only then could the drawing be accessed through the JEDMICS by other users.
NAWC, Lakehurst’s Engineering Data Management group wanted to establish an integrated data system that tightly incorporated all technical competencies and activities, and an infrastructure which fostered process improvement, business partnerships, and information sharing. Using an integrated desktop approach for easy accessibility, the group developed the Engineering Data Management System (EDMS). This system is electronically connected to all necessary interfaces so data can be transferred quickly. The EDMS operates as a single point of entry for all official engineering data and is accessible via the Internet. Activities like work breakdown structure, access rights, and responsibilities can be identified within the system to maintain control. Drawings are searchable via drawing number, project number, activity code, or other pertinent data. Related information is now tied to the drawing and available for review by the user. Electronic signatures, improved workflow, elimination of duplicates, and faster transfers have decreased the drawing approval cycle (Figure 3-1) to just a few minutes. The JEDMICS can be updated the same day via electronic transfers.
NAWC, Lakehurst relies on the EDMS for rapid access, accurate configuration control, and unlimited storage. Since implementing the EDMS, Lakehurst significantly improved the efficiency and quality of its engineering data management functions.
Figure 3-1. Approval Process
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