MacDill communications squadron prepare for tech refresh

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tori Schultz
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 6th Communications Squadron recently renovated, re-vitalized, and reinvented their information technology asset management office to ensure the accountability of information technology assets and better prepare for technology refreshes.

 

Through innovation and hard work, the wing records managers and ITAM office created a workspace to fulfill their needs.

 

“We realized the need for space and process improvement for preparing new devices so that they can be delivered to our customers in a timely manner,” said Elizabeth Trask, chief of life cycle management assigned to the 6th CS.

 

The wing records managers digitized their 1,700 square foot staging area over the past two years, freeing up the necessary storage to house future accountable equipment received.

 

This allowed the ITAM office to utilize the freed space and repurpose the area.

 

“We built shelves around the room in preparation for Air Force technology refreshes that will allow the stand-up of 84 computers, at one time,” said Johnathan Murphy, communication specialist technicians (CST) assigned to the 6th CS. “This is extremely important because of the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection in August 2017, and in January 2018 all non-Windows 10 compatible machines will no longer work.”

 

As a result, the only paper records left in the base staging area will expire before hurricane season next year, which provides MacDill Air Force Base, Florida with a more efficient way to protect vital records in the event of a disaster.

 

The ITAMs are working hand in hand with the CSTs to develop and streamline processes for the new Windows 10 machine deployments.

 

To date, more than 2,000 machines have been delivered to begin the technology refresh.

 

“The room we've created could set the standard for all Air Force life cycle management offices,” said Trask.  “While the room will have the ability to set up those machines, it also serves as the warehouse for the equipment as it is received.” 

 

The asset managers are also working toward the purchase of a radio-frequency identification inventory system, which they believe will save countless man-hours during the inventory process. 

 

“To compensate for less manpower, we must reduce the man-hours necessary to accomplish the task,” said Trask. “The new system will allow the custodians to literally stand in a room, pull the trigger on the RFID readers and gather all data from "chipped" equipment at once, eliminating crawling under desks, trying to read serial numbers, etc...”

 

By revitalizing their processes and discovering new and innovative ways to accomplish their mission the 6th CS has saved crucial time and manpower, further increasing their capabilities.