AFSO21 initiatives help master tool crib reach VPP Published July 31, 2009 By Lisa Mathews 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BAE, Ga. -- When David Turner first went to work as the tool control manager and section chief in the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center's master tool crib, he quickly noticed a big difference from his former workplace in the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group. "In commodities, we had already started implementing the principles of 6S," he said. Such was not the case in the tool crib. By implementing Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century lean initiatives - such as 6S - Mr. Turner has seen a transformation, both physically and culturally, within the tool crib. The change has been a positive one, both for the morale of the tool crib workers and also for their customers. Their efforts also led to the tool crib earning gold status in the Voluntary Protection Program. Mr. Turner said that a 6S event helped organize the tool crib so items could be found faster. But, he said, workers waited to see that leadership intended to be involved in the transformation. Once this occurred, the shop pulled together to standardize and sustain their transformation. Workers in the area began to believe their suggestions would be taken seriously and, after witnessing leadership support the changes, the workforce banded together to improve their work area. AFSO21 events led to such improvements as reducing the time it takes to issue a new mechanic a complete tool box. It was not uncommon to have new mechanics waiting eight months for a tool box. Because of changes made to the processes and procedures the shop can now produce new boxes in 30 days. Replacement of damaged tools used to take approximately 10 days and that is down to a three-day turn-around time, Mr. Turner explained. When the Center announced the VPP initiative, Mr. Turner said this meshed perfectly with the AFSO21 initiatives the tool crib had already been implementing. The area has posters throughout the shop with VPP information to assist workers. The shop also tracks which VPP safety training courses they have taken. Burdette Widener, an item manager in the tool crib, remembers the days when the area was congested and "unorganized." "It's much nicer now," she said, noting that it is much easier to locate items and get their customers what they need in a timely manner. The tool crib has also implemented a clean-up time each Friday. The workers, including supervisors, spend about 45 minutes each Friday for a thorough cleaning of their work space including mopping the floors. Mr. Turner said people who have not visited the tool crib in a few years are often shocked by the changes they see in the area. "The implementation of 6S and VPP it has made the work area a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable place to work," said Mike Weber, first-line supervisor in the area. "We have sort of become a model area for others to look at." "It was challenging in the beginning to get everyone involved but after everyone realized VPP was here to stay, and that their input was actually going to matter, everyone jumped on board. Our journey in VPP has not stopped; we continue to sustain and look for ways to improve," Mr. Spires said. The master tool crib provides total tool support to the entire 402nd Maintenance Wing. They provide tools for 19 satellite cribs throughout the wing. The master tool crib, while located in Bldg. 125, is part of the 402nd Maintenance Support Squadron.