Improved Methodology for Engineering Repair Process

The objective of this proposal is to develop new techniques for addressing the engineering change requests (202"s). These techniques include new processes and workflow management techniques designed to streamline the process and minimize the response time. The 202 process is essentially a network efficiency model where information is shared among various nodes. Once all nodes have completed their assignment, the process is resolved. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC) has several initiatives focused on this effort; however, many are still based on the manual, paper based system. This research will focus on several areas. First, clearly identifying the full stream data needs of the entire process. Second, identify techniques to simplify the data collection process, and third design utilize network modeling theory to development work flow management processes to ensure minimal flow time. This research will utilize human based processing theory, network modeling diagrams, and optimization / scheduling strategies to enable the OC-ALC to reduce its lead-times while providing high quality engineering solutions. BENEFIT: The ultimate goal of the research is to increase maintenance throughput by minimizing the impact ETS requests have on the production schedule of the aircraft. The research will achieve this goal by: Streamlining the existing ETS process by ensuring complete, standardized data is captured when the request is submitted Prioritizing requests to improve customer service rates Improving communication; thereby, decreasing engineering response time Minimizing the variation; thereby, simplifying planning Within DoD there is a huge opportunity to expand the impact of the research due to the long service hours and battle damage equipment. Within the private sector, there is also a large opportunity due to the aging infrastructure within utilities such as electrical, gas, and water.