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Fleet Management Information System

Fleet Management Information System
By Robert “Bobby” Bock
NAPS Southeast Area Vice President

Recently, the Postal Service entered into an agreement with a third-party vendor for specialized software designed to streamline Maintenance operations. This system, known as the Fleet Management Information Systems (FMIS), has been customized specifically for USPS needs.

The primary function of this system is to oversee the Postal Service fleet maintenance, manage inventory and handle purchase orders. However, this merely is scratching the surface. While the program holds promise, it’s currently not up to par.

For instance, during its rollout, an essential feature failed to transfer accurately: the minimum and maximum inventory levels for each part stored in the VMF stockroom. Without this data, the system cannot automatically reorder parts when needed, leading to potential operational disruptions. Rectifying this issue requires manually configuring thousands of parts thresholds across more than 300 VMFs nationwide.

Additionally, there’s a notable deficiency in staff training for using this web-based system. Field technicians rely on tablets for access, necessitating a reliable cellular or WiFi connection. These shortcomings highlight the need for thorough preparation before fully implementing the program.

-Let’s delve into the training aspect of the rollout. Despite numerous learning sessions and growing experiences, the allocated time for training fell short. Although we had subject matter experts (SMEs) from the Postal Service for a week when going online, it wasn’t sufficient for comprehensive training.

It’s worth noting these SMEs also are navigating the learning curve while striving to support our mission. Typically, vendors would provide onsite training by sending their staff. However, the Postal Service opted for a cost-cutting approach.

Despite my efforts to address training concerns by reaching out to postal leadership via two emails, unfortunately, I received no response. With over 41 years of experience in the Postal Service, I can confidently say this rollout has been the most problematic I’ve encountered.

It’s evident this system is not ready for widespread implementation. My sentiments are echoed by VMF employees across the nation. The frustration has reached such a level that some employees have chosen to retire rather than grapple any longer with this system.

I believe in embracing change, but it’s essential that any new platforms introduced for managing postal operations are thoroughly prepared to fulfill the mission of the Postal Service, especially when frustration levels are exceptionally high.

The burning question remains: What was the cost of acquiring this FMIS software?