Computer system helps lower spare parts shortages at Air Force depots.

• Author: Erwin, Sandra I.
• Position: Up Front

On any given day, 15 percent of the Air Force fleet is grounded as a result of spare parts shortages. One possible way to fix the problem, officials said, is to replace outdated information systems that do not provide accurate data about supply and demand of spare parts.

Under a pilot program started nearly a year ago, the Air Force Materiel Command is testing whether a new software system that allows AFMC to share data with the Defense Logistics Agency can help cut back on the wait-time for spare parts.

The software package, known as "colt," for customer oriented leveling technique, has helped reduce the wait-time from nearly seven to about three days, said AFMC officials. The command oversees three Air Logistics Centers--Ogden, Warner Robins, and Oklahoma City.

DLA is the source of more than 83 percent of the consumable line items used to repair and overhaul airplanes at the logistics centers. Each ALC spends between $600 million and $800 million a year to buy Defense Logistics Agency-managed spare parts. Approximately 300,000 parts are stocked at the three depots.

The reason why the centers experience shortages of spare parts is that DLA is not able to set accurate levels of stocks based on...