Report shows possible FSS problems

[manOman]

Gotta head out, so I didn't have time to read this all:

http://www.uspsoig.gov/foia_files/DA-AR-08-006.pdf

[scola]

I read this - but realized it was dated back in June???? why is it news now?

[manOman]

http://www.uspsoig.gov/foia_files/DA-AR-09-012.pdf

<clip>


Although the FSS did not meet some key performance parameters, Postal Service
management concluded the system’s progress from the first FAT test warranted
continuing with the next phase of the FSS program which consists of installing and
accepting 10 additional FSSs at four locations. While the FAT 2A production machine at
the Dulles P&DC received hands-on support from Postal Service and supplier technicians,
the 10 FSSs scheduled for field installation and acceptance will not have the same level of
support.  Until a system outside of the Dulles P&DC achieves the minimum performance
requirements under field acceptance test conditions, we believe deploying multiple FSSs
is premature. Hence, the OIG recommends the Postal Service install and test only one
additional FSS until the identified system demonstrates operational stability and
successfully passes the field acceptance test.

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So, it looks to me as if we may see a delay in the FSS roll out at the very least.

In response to the OIG recommendation, the Postal Service said it would do a test
in Columbus (Aug 30 - Sep 11, so it should be done by now), and have the supplier
(Northrup Grumman) provide a "recovery plan".


Looking at the results of the latest test, one thing that stands out to me is the
"Operational Availability Rate" - the machine was only running about 65% of the
time, due to "jams" & "corrective maintenance". LOL

[manOman]

http://deadtreeedition.blogspot.com/2009/09/can-flats-sequencing-system-be-fixed.html

Some clips:

The system was designed under the assumption that flats volume would continue growing into the future. Large postal rate increases, competition from other media, and the economic recession have reversed that trend, causing flats volume to decline at an annual rate of about 11% the past two years.


Insiders say postal executives have already concluded that the machines are too big and need to be tweaked in other ways. But estimating the level of flats volume 5 or 15 years from now, or what type of machine could best handle that, could be quite a challenge.

Failure of the machines to meet contractual standards so far might be a blessing in disguise for the Postal Service: That could give it leverage to force Northrop Grumman to make desired changes to the design. Or even grounds to cancel the contract and go back to square one.

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We can only hope that they cancel the contract - LOL!

My take is that the USPS will fudge the figures to make it look like the FSS system is saving money, when in fact management has poured $$BILLIONS$$$ into a system which doesn't work, is too big, and was designed for flats volume which the Postmaster General has been saying that we DON'T have!!

FIVE DAY DELIVERY MY PATOOTIE!!

[idomail]

In my 30 years with the Post Office, I have seen them time and time again, force the "round peg in the square hole"! Just like when they award a position to an obvious candidate who is under-qualified, and won't admit their mistake, come hell or high water they will make these machines work!! The P.O. has always been about "what does it look like on paper"? If the numbers don't jive, no worries, we'll just fudge them! Sad state of affairs.....

[Vax]

   My whole district rushed into to FSS, they dont care if its a good product, its there to cut our pay, flats damaged, but during count 80% flats put on machines, rest of the time Im lucky to get 35%, its cutting my pay and thats all they care about, they ordered machines after study said flats going down, now have to justify the fact they are here and more on the way, if they save enough at this count, in my district, Marylan next and theyll count in Feb under our new standards!   Flats up in Sept, letters down, and this was explained to national , and the fools still went along with feb, march counts, we are run by crooks and dopes in office to support us!