REBA system advances mission readiness through digital transformation > Edwards Air Force Base > AFMC News
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. —
A new digital system is reducing maintenance costs and downtime at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex.
The 76th Maintenance Support Group Predictive Maintenance Shop deployed their new Remote Equipment Based Analytics system on the network, supporting predictive maintenance and aligning with the Air Force’s Great Power Competition initiatives, at the OC-ALC, Oct. 29.
Led by Allan Swartz, 76th Maintenance Support Group predictive maintenance section chief, and John Galvin, 76th MXSG engineering technician, REBA enables continuous monitoring of industrial equipment, eliminating travel time and enhancing data quality, which supports the achievement of strategic objectives and contributes to the overall mission.
“The 76th MXSG PdM shop is responsible for collecting machine health data [Vibration/Ultrasound/Infra-Red Static/Motor Oil] from industrial process equipment for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex,” said Galvin. “Using that data, we evaluate the health of the equipment to ensure optimal maintenance and performance.”
According to Swartz, the digital shift includes permanently mounted sensors that increase data accuracy, eliminating human error. The REBA system enhances both the speed and quality of maintenance operations.
The PdM shop leverages data analytics on the network to monitor equipment performance remotely. This approach reduces the need for technicians to perform on-site checks and enhances efficiency by identifying potential problems before they arise. Galvin also explained the impact of continuous remote monitoring, which allows the team to overcome travel time and scheduling concerns.
“As the Section Chief, my role is to ensure our work is completed on time, constantly search for ways to improve our processes, and set the vision for the team as we implement new and innovative technologies,” said Swartz.
With these advancements, OC-ALC’s PdM team is better positioned to support the Air Force’s Great Power Competition. The REBA system provides constant visibility of equipment health, allowing quick interventions and improving safety.
The REBA system adopted the Art of the Possible leadership model, aligning with the Theory of Constraints to target and alleviate bottlenecks, improving efficiency across operations. Commercial off-the-shelf technology on the ATHENA network enables the PdM team to collect real-time data on equipment, enhancing OC-ALC’s combat-ready power and save costs. In FY24 alone, the PdM team generated $19.5 million in cost avoidance, with the REBA initiative accounting for 5%.
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