Attention to detail ensures data entered properly

By Jennifer Bacchus, ANAD Public Affairs OfficeOctober 1, 2020

Attention to detail ensures data entered properly
Jeremy Boling enters quality inspection data for a cable into the Complex Assembly Manufacturing Solution, known as CAMS. Data from inspections is used to determine defect trends and correct issues. (Photo Credit: Mark Cleghorn, ANAD Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- One of the most vital parts of Anniston Army Depot’s quality assurance process is the data it generates.

Through inspections, employees in the Quality Assurance Office learn where there may be procedural or parts issues.

“One of the most important components of our data collection is that everyone inputs the information in the same way,” said Nathan Shubert, a depot quality assurance specialist.

To ensure data input is standardized, QAO established training for employees who utilize the Complex Assembly Manufacturing Solution, known as CAMS, to insert quality data into the Logistics Modernization Program.

“It’s a manual system. So, as quality people, we have to pay attention to what we are doing, in order to get good data,” said Robert Haynes, who is responsible for training employees.

The quality data input in CAMS is used to generate defect reports, which can be viewed almost in real time.

“It used to take days to manually collect forms and create the reports,” said Shubert. “Utilizing CAMS has improved the accessibility of the data exponentially.”

Haynes said he typically reviews the data on a weekly basis, to ensure there are no anomalies, which often indicate data was entered incorrectly.

“We’re making sure our data is closed out correctly and making sure we can locate it on the system,” he said.

“Most defect trends in value streams are pretty flat,” said Shubert. “If there is a spike in any area, we review it. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes.”

Each week, the defect reports generated by CAMS are given to the cost centers where the defect occurred, which allows employees and supervisors in the area to research the cause and enact changes, if needed.