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Working Problem

innovation
NEW STATEMENT: The lack of reliable network access prevents units from using the latest digital systems to quickly distribute technical orders, forcing reliance on outdated methods like CDs and external hard drives. This leads to critical delays, errors, and coordination issues, directly threatening aircraft readiness and mission success.
Examples (use-case):
Inaccurate use of technical orders could lead to degradation of mission readiness, planning, and execution such as use of AME (alternate mission equipment), mission planning, and aircraft capabilities.
like burning CDs, airport data transfers and external hard drive transfers, leading to frequent errors and potential failures such as incomplete technical order libraries or outdated technical orders.
Some wings use their own non-standardized approach, complicating coordination and reducing reliability during active deployments.
Technology can be used to automate and standardized processes that will eliminate human error and to give AMN time back.
Stakeholders/Beneficiaries:
TODOs
Maintenance
Pilots
QA
Unit & Wing Leadership
Ops & Test Ops
Decision Makers:
Maintenance Group CC
Current Process Flows:
TODO > 10 MacBooks > Shop Sections > 322 iPads
NIPR-ETIMS (website) > Hard drive (or script to shared folder) > MacBook > iPad
Desired Process Flow:
TODO > managing 322 iPads split between 32 sub accounts
iPads upgraded to primary devices running ETIMS client
iPads update overnight automatically using WiFi between 12pm and 4 am every day

MUST - Most Uncertain Scenario Test (If (Action) > Then Outcome 1, 2, 3)
We will run an experiment to omit WiFi on the flight line.
We will install ETIMS Client on a few iPads to test the functionality and update capability.
Sustainment costs for continuous use
Legal constraints for communication
Credentialing for devices
Training for use

MUST # 2 - Most Uncertain Scenario Test (If (Action) > Then Outcome 1, 2, 3)
We will test ETIMS Client on 5 iPads to test the functionality and update capability using automatic WiFi enabled updates
Sustainment costs for continuous use (RDW in work with Comm)
Legal constraints for communication(Comm approval for WiFi use)
Training for use ( TODO’s and TODA’s to identify missed updates for sub accounts)

Files 🗂️

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RE_ TODO Questions_189th.pdf
229.7 kB
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RE_ TODO Questions_TODO FAM.pdf
181.2 kB
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RE_ TODO Questions_189th_2.pdf
234.3 kB
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RE_ EFBs for Fighter Aircraft.pdf
202 kB
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VISION CONTACT_MSgt Borst.log
278 B
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Deployment Chklist ETOOL (1).pdf
25.3 kB
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Links 🔗

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HEYMANN, EMMA L MSgt ANG 162 MXM/MXQ: Home - AFTOFST HOME (dps.mil)
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HEYMANN, EMMA L MSgt ANG 162 MXM/MXQ: TO-11 eTO Content Management
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Acronyms:

TO: Technical Order
TCTO: Time compliance technical order
TODO: Technical order distribution office
TODA: Technical order distribution account
ETIMS: Enhanced Technical Information Management System
ECA: External Certificate Authority
FSA: Functional Systems Administrator

Reference: TO: 31S5-4-ETOOL-1 (p.49)

Output & Attempts

10/15📧 - Reached out to MSgt Jennifer Frisina (TODO FAM) , 2024; response received 16 Oct
10/15📧 - TODOs for 189th MXG ; response received 16 Oct
10/15📞 - Frank Fontana - Buckley SFB - advised to seek feedback from the section shops; utilize AFTO FST SharePoint for guides and other resources
10/16📞📧 - Reached out to TSgt Scott Tinklenberg, 162nd W CS/SCXP via email and phone call for COMM’s Input regarding options for automated updates.(ideas are still in work)
10/16📞📧 - Reached out to MSgt Thurston, 158th MXG and MSgt Alex Benckert 158th MXG via text and email to see what they are using for technical data. (legacy T.O.’s are on iPads and JTD is on tough books)
10/18📞 - Spoke with TODO FAM
11/03📧 Reached out to Britney Reed CIV AFMC 96 TW, Lt Col Plilip Downing AFMC 370 FLTS/ DO DFLT, and Cherie Head CIV AFMC 412 TW in regards to their Vision project for electronic flight bags.
11/03📧 Reached out to Nazan Ogru USAFE 39 FSS, and Lynette Wright USAFE a589 in regards to Vision project 2884
11/05 reached out to TSgt Scott Tinklenberg, 162nd W CS/SCXP via email and phone call for COMM’s Input regarding options for automated updates.(ideas are still in work)
11/06 Meeting with MX Group Commander, Col James Murphy to go over our problem statement and plan of action.

Pretotypes

Used AppleScript to automate TO updates. Was able to transfer 800 of the 1300 TO files. Iterating on this pretotype may yield an automation solution that can save Emma one full day of work.
Successfully ran complete auto-updates to iPads.

Questions❔

Why use iPads vs. another (possibly more ETIMS-co44-048234404823
mpatible) system?
info
Before deciding on iPads, the Air Force considered several other devices for managing technical data. Some of the devices evaluated included:
Laptops: Traditional laptops were considered, but they were often heavier and less portable than iPads.
Tablets from Other Manufacturers: Various other tablet brands were evaluated, but iPads were found to have the best combination of performance, security, and user-friendliness.
Specialized Handheld Devices: Devices specifically designed for military use were also considered, but they often lacked the versatility and ease of use provided by iPads.
Ultimately, iPads were chosen due to their lightweight design, ease of use, and the ability to support a wide range of applications and security measures.
ref:
www.fedweek.com
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www.acc.af.mil
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Is WiFi available in the IPad storage locations?
info
Yes, but each building will need permissions granted (possible new network for this purpose )
Can WiFi be implemented on the flight line?
info
Yes. It is a matter of funding. WiFi connectivity is only required in the iPad storage areas/docking stations.
What are the best known field practices?
info
ETIMS Client. WiFi connection required at docking station for updates. PKI certificates are required for each iPad, which will need to be renewed every 36 months. Reach out to Comm or research how to obtain the certificates. (update required on the process and its tests)
Is there any interest from other bases concerning this issue?
info
Our contacts would benefit from a less manual way to update. A few have noted interest but are limited by network issues
Are there any units not using iPads?
info
There are units using Microsoft tablets and GTACS
How does a unit identify the number of devices are required to meet operations. Is the number of iPads based on number of aircraft?
info
5 for each aircraft possessed, 2 for back-shop
Is there a more efficient way to mass delete technical orders from iPads?
info
This issue is resolved by the autonomous updates from ETIMS to iPads as primary devices.
Do we have a way to autonomously load TO/TCTOs to tablets from ETIMS?
info
Yes

Old problem statements:

TODOs cannot mass delete outdated technical orders from iPads.
TODO managers have guidance for how to complete TO and TCTO updates; however, technological constraints prevent many of them from completing the updates in a more efficient and accurate manner.
Maintenance Commanders and Unit Technical Order Managers do not have autonomous process for managing the distribution of Technical Orders as evidenced by direct contact with other units.
Utilizing the ACE concept on an operational base with multiple aircraft types do we have the capability to obtain technical orders at point of use to prevent mission degradation or mission failure?
The lack of reliable network access prevents units from using the latest digital systems to quickly distribute technical orders, forcing reliance on outdated methods like CDs and external hard drives. This leads to critical delays, errors, and coordination issues, directly threatening aircraft readiness and mission success.
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