The DEXS system is a common Oracle database that allows for existing systems integration, better WIP (Work In Progress) visibility, more efficient documentation and reporting, and most importantly, an overall reduced cycle time. DEXS Phase I was designed to facilitate the coverage of the DEXS system by developing capabilities that are needed to support additional end items (assets) and are prerequisites to automating the PMS-2 500-hour Phase Review Document and providing the foundation data for a future potential scheduling system. It also was designed to convert existing time-consuming paper Shop Travelers in the PageMaker format to DEXS.

Prior initiatives implemented an Oracle database and forms-based Shop Traveler management system (DEXS), and it provided for the capture of Pre-Shop Analysis (PSA) inspection results via either a terminal or handheld computer. Customized Shop Travelers can be printed on demand when all approvals for work have been obtained. UH-60, MH/HH-60, and UH-1N programs are supported by DEXS.

As the result of the DEXS Phase I project, the Oracle Database and the User Interface forms used by Production Support have been enhanced to support embedding graphics and tables into Shop Travelers and into Workbooks. This functionality is required to support Shop Travelers used by Engines and by Components organizations. Shop Travelers and Workbooks have been enhanced with the ability to display graphics and tables.

Shop Travelers have also been enhanced to display bar codes for National Stock Number (NSN) and condition codes to facilitate Production Control's transfer of material via the Standard Depot System (SDS) to the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).

Perhaps the most significant enhancement is the addition of Work In Process (WIP) Tracking capability. This provides the capability to collect part status and condition information once the part and its associated Shop Traveler leave the Disassembly/PSA area. Currently there is minimal visibility to part status, and no visibility to part condition once a part leaves the Disassembly/PSA area.

DEXS now provides the capability for production control to scan a bar code when a part enters a work center and when it leaves. It provides the capability for a mechanic or technician to scan a bar code when work begins on a step, whenever there is a significant delay (Awaiting Parts - AWP, Awaiting Manpower - AWM, etc), and when the step is complete. It provides the capability for Quality to scan a bar code to specify when a part transitions from Repairable to Serviceable, or to Beyond Economical Repair - BER. This Work In Process (WIP) Tracking capability has the potential, when deployed and utilized, to automate a significant portion of the PMS-2 500 hr Phase Review documentation that the UH-60 SOW requires. This currently absorbs a significant amount of manpower and cycle time to manage manually. WIP Tracking also provides a foundation upon which a scheduling system can be implemented.

Working with AH-64 Production Support, the AH-64 Pre-Mod Shop Travelers were converted from PageMaker files into the DEXS database. AH-64 Production Support is now editing the Shop Travelers in DEXS preparatory to submitting them to Quality for approval to use them on the shop floor. Working with Engines Production Support, the Shop Travelers for the T700-C engines were also converted into the DEXS database. Engines Production Support is editing these Shop Travelers in the DEXS database in preparation to submitting them to Quality for approval.

DEXS I is a step toward the support of implementation of the WLMP recommendations. It provides a platform to collect all shop level data and integrate it all into a single Oracle database or set of databases such that when WLMP is ready to implement at CCAD, there will be a single data conversion or a single interface for all shop level data. This data is currently spread across multiple systems implemented in multiple languages and environments. In many cases it is not maintained electronically at all. Deployment and management of the DEXS WIP Tracking functionality will facilitate the establishment of data discipline that will be required for a successful ERP implementation.