CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Maintenance Group received valuable training in Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century that will help them eliminate waste in the process.
They participated in courses taught by AFSO 21 consultants from Dover AFB here Mar. 26 to Mar 30.
The training was part of the MXG's effort to increase Charleston aircraft maintainer's awareness of AFSO 21 and continue to make their processes more efficient.
The classroom portion of the training focused on Six Sigma component of AFSO 21. The 6S concept is a staple of civilian industry and stands for safety, sort, straighten, sweep, standardize and sustain. This was the focus of both classes however, the five-day class did more than just classroom instruction.
The attendees spent the first two days learning about the basic concepts of 6S and how it can be applied in the workplace. Then they went out and applied their knowledge.
In the final stage of the training, the attendees were tasked with finding a work environment to apply their 6S knowledge. The attendees choose the aircraft maintenance squadron's consolidated tool kit section. This is where aircraft maintainers check out all the tools they use to maintain the C-17s.
Since CTK was not a workcenter for any of the attendees in the class, it was decided the student's role would be that of facilitator and that the CTK Airmen would be the ones running the show.
The students first met with CTK Airmen to identify what they wanted to achieve.
The group leadership needed to know what processes the CTK Airmen felt needed improvement and what benefits those improvements would produce. Certain CTK workers were then identified to participate in the event themselves and were given introductory training on 6S.
Once everyone understood the sequence of events, the CTK facility was divided into sections and assigned to teams. The teams were comprised of both senior leadership and CTK Airmen.
Each team was provided with a 6S audit checklist containing the six "S's" of the Six Sigma component that each team was to observe in their workcenter. After spending time familiarizing themselves with the area, taking notes, cross-talking with other teams and gathering materials it was time to get down to work.
Each team began removing unnecessary items in the work area -- "Sort." The remaining items were then arranged in an orderly manner near their points of use -- "Straighten." The entire section was then cleaned and the walls painted -- "Sweep."
After completing the "Sweep" function of 6S the teams identified a place for all items and clearly marked their location in the facility with uniform labels -- "Standardize." Finally, any broken furniture was removed and all safety equipment was labeled -- "Safety." The teams then finished up by writing job aids to remind workers of tasks to do to keep the workplace enabled -- "Sustain."
"The event was very hectic and we were changing everything," said Senior Airman James Lillquist, 437 MXS consolidated tool kit support technician. Airman Lillquist said it was interesting to see Col. Blevins-Holman, 437 MXG commander hammering and making holes in the wall.
Overall, the training and the event were given high reviews, and for good reason.
The groups said the results they saw were amazing, not only in the appearance and function of CTK, but also in the knowledge and attitude of the Airmen assigned there.
"The idea seemed silly at first," said Senior Airman Quinn Brandt, 437 MXS consolidated tool kit equipment custodian.
"I'm impressed senior leadership was willing to come here and help us make this place better. Instead of just telling us to do it, they came down, explained what we were going to do and worked with us side by side."