Original Date: 05/23/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport has implemented the Interactive Computer Aided Provisioning System (ICAPS) to automate a paper intensive provisioning system that relied on manual data entry of Ships Provisioning System and did not provide concurrent provisioning. The provisioning system was extremely error prone, labor intensive, and inconsistent. A new system was needed to eliminate unrealistic Material Support Dates (MSDs) that resulted in the need for release of preliminary Allowance Parts Lists (APLs) to the fleet.

The ICAPS is comprised of two software packages for use on PCs and mainframes. The PC version runs on any MS-DOS compatible computer, and the mainframe version runs on the Navy Ships Parts Control Center (SPCC) production system. The software is designed to support and accept data in both MIL-STD-1552A and MIL-STD-1388-2A formats.

The ICAPS enables efficient and reliable provisioning data processing. Remote site activities can use the PC version to generate new or modify existing Provisioning Technical Documentation (PTD). The PC version provides powerful validation capabilities in addition to fast update response times. Through direct telecommunication lines, the PTD can be electronically uploaded from the user's PC to the mainframe ICAPS at SPCC. Electronic submission of PTD improves response time and eliminates format and shipping problems. Mainframe ICAPS has the capability to accept tape and floppy diskette input since not all users have direct access to the mainframe.

The ICAPS also provides for comprehensive administrative data validations. The software validates data as it is entered and returns error on-line messages. Identifying errors at the source results in more administratively accurate PTD. If PTD is PC-generated with on-line validations turned off, the PC software can accomplish a batch validation at completion of the project or the mainframe can run a validation routine at the time of upload.

A powerful update capability is provided that allows the user, at his option, to perform global updates of large ranges of data with a single transaction. This can be accomplished within a project or over several projects which comprise a system, allowing the user to quickly and accurately correct PTD with minimal manual effort.

Users are able to request standard reports such as Provisioning Parts Lists or Depot Level Repairable Lists, or user constructed ad hoc reports on-line. Reports can be viewed on screen, sent to a text, file or printed immediately to a printer. The data printed is timely and accurate since it comes from a real-time database.

As a result of implementing the ICAPS at Keyport, manpower costs associated with provisioning have been reduced in addition to providing earlier MSDs and improved initial APLs. The implementation of the ICAPS has reinforced the benefits that can result from properly designed and engineered software. Using the ICAPS, data entry of a new towed array handling system was accomplished in seven weeks with minimum difficulties. Without the ICAPS, it was estimated that it would have taken from three to nine months. The system has also demonstrated that con-current provisioning is possible and has allowed for the standardization of the method of operation.

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