Dover receives another tool to streamline work processes Published May 29, 2008 By Master Sgt. Melissa Phillips 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Enterprise Information Management was recently implemented at Dover Air Force Base as part of an Air Mobility Command initiative to streamline work processes. EIM is an information tool that provides a collaborative user-friendly environment. Although EIM isn't mandatory to use, Major Wayne Roach, 436th Communications Squadron deputy commander and Dover AFB EIM coordinator, said it can help streamline and automate processes. "EIM isn't meant to be applied to every work process you have," said Major Roach. "You shouldn't dump all your old information into EIM and expect it to help your workcenter. You'll just be duplicating effort without gaining anything." Class is in session One of the first things users should do is take the tutorials on how to accomplish basic functions in EIM. Users can find the tutorials by clicking on "User Tutorials" at the top right side of their screen while in the program. The tutorials show members screen shots of how to navigate sites, create calendar inputs, announcements, meeting workspaces, upload documents and how to set alerts. "One of the most basic and user-friendly functions in EIM is creating a calendar entry," said Major Roach. "It's very similar to creating an entry in Microsoft Outlook. What makes EIM great is that it is powered by Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Server, which is compatible with the other Microsoft programs you are used to working with on a daily basis." As an information management tool, EIM can also give leaders an easier way to sustain oversight on unit members' changing schedules and work priorities. "Sometimes when we introduce a new program, people become so overwhelmed with all the options, they immediately feel like it's too big of a task to take on," said Major Roach. "EIM is a great tool to help users get their arms around all the information they create on a daily basis. Squeezing more time out of the workday In accordance with the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century mindset, EIM is another great tool to trim down work processes and get more out of the workday. "The single biggest thing EIM does for me is it empowers site owners to develop information the way they need to and retain access to the information without third party permission," said Joe Harrison, Programs and Resources Flight chief, 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron, whose office oversees the 436th Maintenance Group's mobility readiness, facility management, safety processes and more. Due to the transitory nature of the military, Mr. Harrison has run into difficulties with sharing information and getting new people mapped to base drives. With EIM, this process is made easier because each site owner, at the unit level, now grants approval to unit members who require access. EIM also helps eliminate duplicate work effort. "EIM is one-stop shopping for information," said Mr. Harrison. "With this new program, you don't have redundant information all over the place." A search engine with muscle One of the useful functions EIM provides is enhanced search capabilities. "The search capability inside EIM is absolutely incredible," said Master Sgt. Lisa Collins, EIM team superintendent from Air Mobility Command headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., whose team implemented EIM at Dover recently. "You can search by a category, date, description, keywords and more," she said. Sergeant Collins points out that the search function also searches inside documents not just in the document title. The "announcement" area is a favorite feature on the site which allows process owners to post information one time versus having multiple members of the same squadron send out duplicates of the same document. "I like EIM," said Mr. Harrison. "It lets me get mission essential information to the people who launch airplanes and monitor that process. It's a significant leap ahead of anything we have currently. "