Implementation of the USAF Standard Base Supply System : A Quantitative Study.

A quantitative analysis of the installation and subsequent operation of the USAF Standard Base Level Supply System. In 1965-1966, 110 bases were converted to the Standard System, which was intended to provide standardized computers (UNIVAC 1050-II), programs, and external procedures for base supply operations throughout the Air Force. The data used in the study came from 103 bases, 69 belonging to ADC, ATC, SAC, and TAC. The analysis shows that conversion to the new system was easier than expected. The time required was related to the size of the operation and the date of conversion: by the end of the program, conversion time averaged two weeks, 40 percent less than at the beginning. Learning appears to have progressed rapidly. The error rate (input error and record inconsistencies) increased with the amount of activity: The larger the base, the higher rate of the errors. SAC, with minimal training, had higher error rates for one month, but fill rate (percentage of item requests filled) did not suffer measurably during the first year. Average fill rate did not show changes as a result of changing the system, although the month-to-month fluctuations were greater, suggesting that perhaps a better performance measure than fill rate is needed.