UPgrade: Space-Available (Space-A) Innovation to enable a First-Class Digital Transformation

Technergetics is please to present UPgrade, an effort to research and develop technical methods to transform the Space-Available (S/A) processes for the US Air Force (USAF). It is clear that there is a desire to improve this process as AMC has developed some Virtual Roll Call (VRC) procedures and has utilized this process in select locations with scattered results that clearly shows no concrete permanent solution. The VRCs current procedures use a hybrid of in-person and virtual processing and require manual entry of data leading to errors and pitfalls. During an analysis with our potential customer base, it is clear that a requirement exists to maximize seat utilization while reducing process resource drain by providing a means of predictability and process improvement; thereby freeing up manpower for mission essential Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). Legacy systems which are part of today’s manual process which would also be analyzed for optional future integration into a cohesive technology platform. Ultimately, an enhanced S/A traveler experience is desirable which will make the process more efficient for all involved. An analysis of manual processes along with research and technical feasibility of desired digital capabilities should be explored in an effort to develop a product roadmap which exceeds the customer’s requirements. Features such as remote mobile passenger “check-in” (i.e. true virtual roll call), geospatial verification of candidate passenger location, baggage registration and tracking, passenger travel authorization verification, and online meal ordering would support a digital process improvement that is sorely needed. Advanced features would significantly enhance the S/A process, such as automated passenger visual identification/verification, passenger history analysis, baggage/cargo tracking integration to Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK), and predictive analysis, aided by machine learning, of passenger backlogs to maximize seat utilization for higher accuracy in roll call scenarios. A product in this market demand area holds significant commercialization potential for all passenger manifesting locations and military services (i.e. Navy) which have S/A requirements.