SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Every day, hundreds of parts are delivered across Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina by members of the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron. With a limited number of drivers, keeping a tight schedule is essential to ensure each part arrives to its destination on time.
Thanks to an upcoming upgrade, the Cargo Movement Team will be able to deliver packages more easily and efficiently.
“During our four-day testing period, the hot spot we used gave us service at all of the locations and greatly increased our productivity,” said Capt. Sande Penuliar, 4th LRS deployment distribution flight commander. “By the end of the fiscal year, CMT is planning on having four, or hopefully five, internet hot spots.”
A single driver and hot spot saved the Cargo Movement Team an average of two hours per day during the trial period. After being fully implemented, the hot spots are estimated to save over 2,000 hours a year. But man hours aren’t the only thing affected by the current issue.
At each stop, the drivers use a tablet to scan the packages and record the signature. The tablet needs an internet connection to verify the delivery, and while most of the base has Wi-Fi, the tablets can’t always connect. This, in turn, complicates the deliveries.
“When there’s no internet available, the drivers have to either wait for a connection or fill out a receipt by hand, which normally adds 10 to 15 minutes per incident,” said Staff Sgt. Micah Butler, 4th LRS vehicle operator. “If the program doesn’t have enough of a connection, it will accept the delivery and later on will realize it didn’t go through.”
According to Staff Sgt. Elisha Bryant, 4th LRS operator records and licensing manager, the issue doesn’t just affect LRS, but can affect the base and its mission as a whole.
“If our driver needs to go back to the site to have them reaccept the delivery, it cuts into our time as well as theirs,” said Bryant. “The Airman who signed for the parts previously now has to step away from what they were doing to track down every part which was received and ensure they are signing for the correct items.”
Going back to the site wastes gas and puts more wear and tear on the vehicles added Bryant.
“After seeing hot spots being used successfully when I was deployed, I knew they could fix the problem here,” Bryant said. “They’ll help us complete our mission faster and help the rest of the base complete its mission.”