Original Date: 05/01/2000
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

In 1993, Northrop Grumman Defensive Systems Division (DSD) first implemented an electronic documentation system to establish controlled versions of documents and reduce the cost of maintaining a paper-based system. Although initially limited to management policies, procedures, organization charts, and revisions, this first electronic system evolved into an Intranet-based documentation system known as the Command Media Web. This centralized controlled system provides site-wide access to the most current versions of corporate, sector, and departmental command media; forms; and other general interest information.

The Command Media Web is continuously evolving, and the reduction of redundant documentation is a key objective. Operations is currently reviewing and condensing all of the documentation into two categories: Auditable Operations Process Documents and On-The-Job-Training Documents. The use of process mapping techniques on the Stores and Staging Consolidation Pilot Project resulted in a 71% total reduction in documentation. This consolidation effort is planned for implementation throughout the organization to minimize detail, process time, and audit findings, and improve process understanding.

The Command Media Web recently began featuring an e-learning program (formerly computer-based training), which offers hundreds of on-line software training courses for employees. A wide range of topics is available including basic computer skills, programming languages, networking, and business applications. Employees register using an on-line form, pending manager approval. An annual license fee of $215 is charged to the employee’s organizational budget for participation in the e-learning program.

The Command Media Web is accessible to all Northrop Grumman Defensive Systems Division employees and contractors through unclassified network computers. The Intranet site is currently receiving more than 8,000 hits per day, which is up nearly one-third from last year’s numbers. In addition, the number of visitors and the amount of time spent on the website has increased by about 30% over last year’s averages. Information on the Command Media Web is updated daily to ensure the latest version of documents is available, reduce the chance of using obsolete documentation, and eliminate the costs associated with maintaining hard-copy manuals. Hyperlinks and search capabilities enable users to quickly locate data, thereby minimizing redundancies and conflicts between documents. The implementation of the Command Media Web has resulted in the development and publication of higher quality documents for use throughout Northrop Grumman Defensive Systems Division.

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