Sheppard innovates Web-based self-inspections

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  • By Debi Smith
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas (AFNS) --  Innovation in the checklist industry has found its way to the Sheppard Air Force Base Self-Inspection Program through the Management Internal Control Toolset. MICT is a web-based self-inspection software tool used to manage, track and close self-identified work center deficiencies. The days of pulling out stacks of binders for inspectors Air Force wide may come to an end.

Inspector General Lt. Col. Teri Russell and her staff sought out the program in December as part of a solution to the base AFSO21 team's review of the self-inspection program and the need to standardize logging in of inspection results and open deficiencies across the wing.

"The monthly self-inspection program we implemented this year is designed to create a compliance-based culture across the wing," Russell said. "We need to verify and take the time to get in the mode of inspecting our programs, not just once or twice a year. This program provides the foundation and ability to load proof of compliance."

The cross-reference of checklists is crucial to the success of unit compliance. MICT provides access to Air Force, higher headquarters, IG and local checklists. Further, reports can be accessed by monitors, commanders and inspectors for immediate eyes-on status as data is updated by the administrator.

Additionally, units with similar programs can be given proper user rights to view other organizations and see their checklists for any potential cross-flow of problems or corrective actions. This all leads to improvements across the board for all users.

"Almost 40 percent of all inspection deficiency findings from the last Unit Compliance Inspection were from a checklist," said Tech. Sgt. Anna Mejia, the wing inspection manager. "Inspection checklists are not a surprise. A unit commander and inspection monitor have the advantage of a checklist that provides Air Force Instruction and operational guidance. This new program will be a huge timesaver for commanders, gives an overall snapshot of checklist item status and increases communication up and down the chain of command."

More than 120 personnel in the 82nd Training Wing attended training classes July 19 - 20 featuring a hands-on overview of the program which is accessed through the Air Force Portal. According to Sergeant Mejia the capability of trend analysis is a boon to the command.

"Monitors know what checklist to use, similar deficiencies can be fixed quickly, tracking closures will be easier and the commander's dashboard report increases the program's strengths," she said.

The next phase by self-inspection administrators and assessors is the data input to personalize checklists, findings and appointment letters and load proof documents to each organization's account. By loading permissions, the administrator grants access to unit personnel to facilitate the flow of information up and down the supervisory and inspection chains.

Some unit challenges and lessons learned have already been identified. Monitors were challenged with what checklists to use for what programs, so unit administrators do need to standardize which checklist each squadron, flight and office completes by utilizing all available checklists applicable to the program. In the past it was a challenge keeping checklists updated, however, Higher Headquarters and MAJCOMs will now ensure all checklists are kept current. Individuals will only need to monitor and ensure local checklists are updated.

During the training, Mr. James Brown, an MICT support contractor, advised against creating a local checklist unless absolutely necessary but recommended members submit suggestions to the MAJCOM level so the checklists can be created for access across the command.

"Ultimately, if you can access the AF Portal, you can keep up with your self-inspection program," he said. "Use this tool to mimic the process you have in place now, and you'll find the greatest benefit is that the program gives a commander real-time oversight of the self-inspection program." The self-inspection program is a commander's program, and MICT or MIC-T gives commanders an invaluable tool for monitoring their own mission essential programs.

Currently, Sheppard AFB, Luke AFB and AETC command are the first to implement MICT, but the plan is to go Air Force-wide this December.