Osan trains to adopt upcoming Air Force logistics ECSS Published Aug. 21, 2011 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Osan leaders get their first taste of the Expeditionary Combat Support System, an upcoming Air Force-wide logistics management tool, during a Pacific Air Forces ECSS introductory briefing Sept. 14. ECSS is a major initiative to better support the warfighter by transforming the way the Air Force performs its logistics business. It's expected to replace multiple logistics programs found at each base with one enterprise-wide system. The program isn't scheduled to go live until February 2013, but Maj. Ryan Bakazan, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander said it's never too early to be prepared. "While it will be years before ECSS reaches full operational capability, the implementation process is already underway," he said. This change won't be easy because many old processes will either dramatically change or completely disappear, Bakazan said. In order for this to succeed everyone who performs Air Force logistics processes across all functional communities must personally engage, and fully accept the transformation. "Two primary goals of eLog21 are to increase equipment availability to match aircraft availability targets and reduce annual operations & support costs by 10 percent," he said. This new system will be the cornerstone enabler of the wider logistics transformation effort, Bakazan said. And this change won't only affect LRS but all unit vehicle control officers and equipment custodians as well. Using an Enterprise Resource Planning software solution, ECSS applies best commercial practices and uses industry-proven tools to establish the Air Force's first capability to globally view and manage its logistics resources. "ECSS is more than a web-based information technology system. It will change business processes, personnel roles and jobs across the Air Force logistics community," Bakazan said. "Locally, it will drive dramatic changes and improvements to everything LRS does." For example, today Air Force logisticians rely mainly on hard-copy forms and enter data into multiple base-level systems. This labor-intensive effort will be replaced by entering data once into one on-line system. When fully implemented, ECSS will replace hundreds of logistics information systems and will be the single source for logistics information. "ECSS will drive changes in the way we do business," Bakazan said. "The result will be an Air Force enterprise better enabled to provide its warfighters the right materiel at the right time." The result: A standardized system and process, which decreases the amount of time it takes to process information, improves the quality of information, and significantly reduces the costs of accomplishing the mission. To help those who navigate these changes, the ECSS program will provide education and training for future users of the system. An Air Force-wide change agent network, supported by an ECSS program team, will share information on ECSS activities, schedules, lessons learned, and conduct local problem-solving meetings to help smooth implementation at each installation. This same network will support the sustainment of ECSS after fielding is completed. "As with any new endeavor there will be hurdles to overcome. But given the improvements ECSS brings to the table, it is an effort well worth it," he said. To learn more, visit the ECSS website at https://www.ecss.wpafb.af.mil or contact Maj. Ryan Bakazan at 784-6610 or 1st Lt. Lisa DeWalt at 784-5252.