Naval Supply Systems Command Business Systems Center (NAVSUP BSC) hosted a "Tablet Preview Day for Customers," Aug. 9, which showcased the vision and design for automatic identification technology (AIT).

This technology is being offered by the Navy Mobile Computing (NMC) project, sponsored by the NAVSUP AIT program office. NMC provides AIT solutions to NAVSUP, as well as Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). The AIT solutions include an accredited network and equipment solution to improve inventory accuracy with mobile devices and scanning capability.

The focus of the Tablet Preview Day for Customers was on mobile access to Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). NMC is moving to a tablet solution using Citrix or HTML to access Navy ERP and will present all transaction codes associated to the user when logged on. This is a vast improvement from the few custom coded screens delivered today.

This event entailed a two-day open house event, with formal presentations provided in the morning and afternoon, as well as three demonstration areas where the customer could log into Navy ERP and access their roles in production. NMC was hoping to get a feel from the participants on whether they would prefer an 8-inch or 11-inch tablet in their day-to-day duties. A large consensus felt the 8-inch model would be used for material handlers, and the 11-inch model would be good for analysts or supply technicians.

NMC's goal is to deliver a replacement to the Intermec CN4e as soon as possible. The first roll out is focused on:
* Ability to scan with the device
* Log into Navy ERP with Citrix or HTML
* Present roles associated to users' Navy ERP profile with a view similar to that of a desktop
* Produce Navy ERP system-generated print documents via tablet

Some accessories being piloted in this first roll out that could potentially make the tablets more user-friendly include a wedge scanner, a ring scanner, wrist straps, and shoulder harnesses. While the participants were pleased with what they saw, it is continually encouraged to look to the future and share what developments they would like to see down the road. The cameras will be disabled during the initial roll out, but many voiced the need for camera use in the future. The other ideas include more web sites, adding forms, and email.

Nelson Garcia, AIT consultant, from NAVSEA Logistics Center stated, "Thanks to NAVSUP BSC for organizing this event. It was a wonderful opportunity for users and stakeholders to be a part of evaluating and providing feedback on potential solutions before they are actually deployed. We look forward to more events like this."

While there are pending milestones to reach prior to deployment of the tablets, NMC is focused on a timely delivery to customers. For additional information about NMC or AIT mobile devices please contact Laurie Tyler at laurie.tyler@navy.mil.

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