Organizational Structure and Information Systems Used To Manage the Army's Depot-Level Maintenance Programs

Citation
General Accounting Office, Organizational Structure and Information Systems Used To Manage the Army's Depot-Level Maintenance Programs (R13904) (Sept. 19, 1977) (full-text).

Overview
A review of the operational structure and information systems used to manage the Army's depot-level maintenance programs revealed that the prompt processing of maintenance data is a significant problem for the Army.

The GAO found that the Army Aviation Systems Command (AVSCOM) used data on the application of modification work orders to determine the status of the various approved aircraft modification projects. A large data processing backlog existed at the Maintenance Management Center in January 1977 causing data submission delays of up to 12 months. There was a similar data backlog at the Army Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center, which handles data on aircraft items to prevent items in poor condition from being used in the repairing or overhauling of an aircraft.

An 8-month backlog also existed at an aviation maintenance unit at Fort Hood. AVSCOM is sent aircraft operational readiness data by various Army field units. It receives the same data in different formats from separate sources, when only one source and format would appear to be sufficient.

The GAO recommended that the Army continue to emphasize high standards for prompt and accurate maintenance data. The Army's consolidation of the responsibilities for depot administration and management with the reponsibilities for monitoring maintenance workload planning and execution appears to offer the potential for more effective management of depot operations. The consolidation should also result in a more efficient use of the maintenance capability which exists within the Army's depot maintenance system.