Photo By Tech. Sgt. Lynette Rolen | NOTIFICATION: Beginning Oct. 1, the Kadena Base Post Office will be switching over to...... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Beginning Oct. 1, the Kadena Base Post Office will be switching over to an email notification system for package arrivals rather than the slip system.
This change comes with the Air Force’s initiative to become a paperless Air Force.
In following with this paperless initiative, the change will be saving the Air Force both money and man hours.
“It’s a little bit smoother for us,” said Senior Airman William Sherrod, 18th Communications Squadron postal clerk. “It takes up man hours for us to print up all those slips, and also cut the slips because they print two to a sheet. Then, pitching them into each and every single box we have, about 17,000 boxes, that we have working at one time, so pitching all of those slips does take up time.”
This change to the email notification system will eliminate at least three hours of manual labor that were previously spent with the slip notification system. It also allows for increased customer interaction and specificity.
“The email itself has evolved,” Sherrod said. “It now has a lot more information than it originally had, so we can get all the information we need for that box from the email. Previously, the slip system just notified the individual that they had a package, it didn’t specify where it was or what kind of package it was. The email would have such details as shelf location and all the details that we need to get your package.”
This change comes about with the new technological age, where many people are presently using their phones to receive their packages.
“This wasn’t even supposed to be done until later, but so far everybody’s bringing the email,” said Master Sgt. Frizi Anthony, 18th CS postmaster. “As soon as they receive that email about the packages, they’re coming over, ready for those packages.”
Sherrod stated that this change will result in quicker turnaround times. As soon as customers receive the email, the package is instantly ready to be picked up. With the slip system, the customers would receive the email, but it would state that three hours needed to be allotted for processing. There would be a delay in package reception because customers couldn’t receive their package unless they had the slip.
In order to pick up packages, customers need to have with them a form of identification that indicates they hold a position with the Status of Forces Agreement. Only individuals with SOFA status may use the Kadena Post Office facility. Dependents are allowed to use their Dependent ID to pick up packages because they do indicate a SOFA status.
“That’s making sure they receive the correct package and alleviate mishandling of the mail,” Anthony said.
In addition to accuracy, now more time can be spent with customers. Because of the elimination of man hours, post office personnel will now have time to ensure proper delivery of services to customers. The satisfaction of its customers is a primary concern of the post office.
“We are here for the customers,” said Anthony. “I know there are a lot of different processes coming into play for them, but we are here for them.”
| Date Taken: | 09.03.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2015 09:28 |
| Story ID: | 175130 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Post Office going electronic, by TSgt Lynette Rolen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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