Original Date: 08/20/2001
Revision Date: 12/14/2006

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems developed the Action Item Database, making it possible to assign and track action items in an efficient manner. This database, along with its overall process, eliminates misconceptions as to who is assigned actions and whether or not the actions are completed and approved.

Previously at Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems (NE&SS-SS), a manual method existed for assigning and tracking action items. This antiquated approach involved memos and paper lists to maintain the tracking, often leading to duplicated efforts in the assigning and performance aspects of the actions. Multiple individuals, unknowingly, might be working on the same action item since items were often assigned multiple times under different names. To resolve this situation, Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS developed the Action Item Database, a formal open/closure procedure for handling action items.

The Action Item Database utilizes Microsoft Access to streamline the overall process; assign and track action items; and automatically send out e-mail notifications at each step. Any team member can identify an action item by recording it on an electronic form and e-mailing it to the Action Item Manager. The Manager reviews the item and submits the information to the Originating Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead. This Lead can either disapprove or approve the action item. If the Originating IPT Lead disapproves the action item, the team member who initiated the item is notified as well as the Action Item Manager who logs the response into the Action Item Database. If the Originating IPT Lead approves the action item, the Action Item Manager is notified to log the item into the Action Item Database. Notifications are then automatically e-mailed to the Responsible Individual (RI) and the Responsible IPT Lead. After performing the action item, the RI fills out a response form which is e-mailed to the Originating IPT Lead, the Responsible IPT Lead, and the Action Item Manager. If all concur, the Originating IPT Lead approves the completion and notifies the Action Item Manager to close out the item. Weekly reports on action items are distributed and discussed at weekly IPT meetings.

The Action Item Database provides Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS with a seamless procedure for assigning and tracking action items. This software structure, along with the overall process, streamlines the action items so personnel can concentrate on performing the assigned action and not concern themselves with the validity of the action item. IPT Leaders have a fast and easy way of checking on actions assigned and determining their status. Performance requirements are met by identifying and tracking potential problems and issues in the beginning stages, thereby saving time and money.

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