The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) provided a solution for fleet users that increases product data availability, accuracy and accessibility for fleet systems by launching a website repository Nov. 30, 2010. The SPAWAR Acquisition Integrated Logistics Online Repository, known as SAILOR 2.0, was developed in response to feedback from fleet users about their inability to access hardware and software configurations. Further, users said their relevant product support documents were difficult to find and even acquire after new systems had been installed.
"The SAILOR 2.0 team designed and created an easy to use command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) enterprise tool that addresses the core issues in helping the fleet gain access to critical documents and configuration files for their C4I products on demand," said Margaret Fellenbaum, SPAWAR's technical director for product data management.
SAILOR 2.0 also allows fleet users to exchange technical knowledge with subject matter experts (SMEs) through its blogs and technical exchange forum, which increases response time and transparency, Fellenbaum said.
"SAILOR 2.0 is a critical and invaluable tool for the fleet," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Bush, from the Commander, Naval Air Forces/N6, Network Requirements office.
"The fact that it offers one-stop shopping, tailored specifically for each ship, is a major breakthrough, and it will do more than just benefit the ships, but [it] will [also] make the type commander's job easier," Bush said.
SPAWAR's Fleet and Logistics Readiness competency worked with the Program Executive Office (PEO) C4I to architect a solution to deploy critical logistics, configuration files and technical documentation enterprise-wide and provide a single point of entry to retrieve system support information for nearly 40 programs of record.
As part of this critical tool, SAILOR 2.0 provides all the documentation tools necessary to properly operate and maintain equipment and software so the fleet can improve system performance and support. This translates to increased fleet readiness, reduces total ownership costs and improves information sharing.
Previously, critical documents and configuration files were stored in disparate locations, which often led to decreased efficiency and user frustration. But now, SAILOR 2.0 eliminates stovepipe systems making all data secure and accessible across all domains in a collaborative, joint environment. SAILOR 2.0 makes it easier for the fleet to meet its mission and achieve operational excellence.
SAILOR 2.0 improves effectiveness by delivering the following requirements:
• Provides the fleet with a self-help capability reducing distance support and on-site support requirements;
• Delivers real-time access and updates for system-specific configuration, final issue technical and logistics documents, the latest security updates and baseline templates;
• Deploys interactive electronic technical manuals in their native XML format, significantly reducing distribution time and reducing the cost of compact disc production and postage;
• Minimizes system downtime and troubleshooting for support agents by providing the fleet a mechanism to exchange technical knowledge with SMEs through its blogs and technical exchange forum;
• Reduces the need for on-site technical visits;
• Diminishes technical documentation hard copy production and delivery to shipboard users; and
• Decreases help desk infrastructure support for technical documentation issues.
Last September, Capt. Pat Leary, Assistant Chief of Staff for C5I (N6), Commander, Naval Air Forces, received a demonstration from the SAILOR development team. To Leary, it was very informative, and he reported back that SPAWAR is on track to provide a capability to the fleet that has been needed for years.
“In particular, the quick links section for documentation will help the afloat Sailors,” Leary said. “Bottom line: Please press on with SAILOR 2.0.”
And that’s exactly what the team did. Team SPAWAR’s SAILOR 2.0 deployment team will continue to provide the most technologically advanced data sharing capabilities to the fleet.
To learn more about SAILOR 2.0, visit https://sailor.nmci.navy.mil or e-mail sailor@spawar.navy.mil.
Andrea Houck is a former communications specialist with the SPAWAR corporate communications office.