A-76
Documentation Generation Optimizer (ADGO©)
The primary tool we use to collect and analyze data is a database application
we built called the ADGO©. This database application is built
upon an expanding tree structure with:
- Pre-defined and custom data fields
- Query screens
- Report generation formats.
The ADGO© is essentially a data warehouse,
containing historic PWS-related data from every A-76 study completed
by Abacus Technology. This PWS data is categorized by specific service
areas (e.g., Communications-Computer/IT, Public Works, Supply, Transportation,
Aircraft Maintenance, Mission Support) and can be used to "jumpstart"
the data collection efforts for studies of identical or similar activities.
Specifically, it facilitates data gathering and compilation, work process
analysis, and equipment and facilities assessments.
ADGO© also yields significant cost and
time savings in PWS and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) development
by structuring and organizing the data from the outset, and provides
an added measure of document control by preventing any misplaced/duplicated
information. Reports from the database aid greatly in validating the
data and in publishing the required supporting documentation.
Virtual
Office Concept
Abacus Technology employs the use of a Virtual Office to facilitate
information sharing in support of A-76 studies. This tailorable, web-based
information platform permits real-time progress monitoring by key personnel.
Through a secure Internet site, approved contractor and government study
team members, can review A-76 work products and technical exhibits as
they progress. Proven benefits include:
- Readily accessible comments/feedback for appropriate
action, incorporation, and management report generation
- Direct links to the PWS, QASP, CCTP, and all
technical exhibits,
- Collaborative work environment, promoting
the free flow of information between Abacus Technology and the government,
- Reduced review times and travel costs.
Best
Practice and Performance Standard Indexing (BPPSI) Database©
This database application contains over 2,000 search-by-service BPPSI
data points. It allows real-time search, comparison, and injection of
commercial best practices/standards into the PWS, QASP, and MEO study
documents. Continuous public and private sector research is conducted
to keep the database as current as possible. To that end, we also subscribe
to several private-sector benchmarking associations (e.g., American
Society for Quality, The Benchmarking Exchange).
Manpower,
Process, Organizational, and Workload Requirements (ManPOWER)
Database
While collecting workload data (for both the PWS and MEO), the Abacus
Technology A-76 team members use our ManPOWER database to gather
and enter all workload tasks, frequencies, conversion factors, and per
accomplishment times. This information forms the basis for an operational
audit (OA) and assists in the development of staffing requirements for
the MEO. In addition, our ManPOWER database application automates
the use of other measurement techniques such as minimum manning equations,
work sampling, man-hour shift profiles, flow procedures charting, and
work distribution analysis, as required. This database can incorporate
data from a variety of sources and has proven to be an invaluable tool
when determining manpower requirements for the new organization. Much
of this data is gathered through interviews and questionnaires; physical
observations and past experience are also used to address any known
impediments to efficiency concerning workflow or facilities/equipment/tools.
Interview
Questionnaires
We have well-tested questionnaires to facilitate the data collection
effort. All of our team members have completed facilitation training
and are skilled in interview techniques. These questionnaires, in conjunction
with a detailed training handout that we provide upfront, are an integral
part of our facilitation/education/data collection approach.
For further information about
our A-76 Support Services, please contact
Scott Rawls, Director of
CS&P Services,
at 800-488-7654
