Supply Support of Air Force 463L Equipment: An Analysis of the 463L Equipment Spare Parts Pipeline.

摘要

This thesis analyzes one pipeline within the Air Force logistics system, the spare parts pipeline for 463L equipment. This paper focuses on this pipeline for two reasons: 1) parts availability for these mission assets is essential to the Air Force; and 2) individual pipelines are more manageable than the logistics system as a whole. Through flowcharts and process descriptions this thesis describes the organizations responsible for processing MICAP spare parts requisitions for 463L Materials Handling Equipment. Pipeline management, measurement, and interactions are highlighted along with their impact on pipeline functions. The major outcomes of the thesis research were 1) detailed flowcharts of the requisition process for 463L parts from vehicle maintenance through the depots and back to maintenance; 2) an absence of responsibility for the entire pipeline by a single manager or office; 3) key pipeline measurements and management reports provided limited visibility over pipeline performance, and overlooked areas that degraded customer service; and 4) the order processing system created inherent delays in the pipeline because of outdated and indirect information systems and technology. Keywords: Materials handling equipment, Theses. (AW)