The Materiel Master Data Team
SCMS morning tea
By SQNLDR Shauna Graham
The Materiel Master Data Team is a small but dedicated, specialist team within Supply Chain Management Squadron in Ohakea, responsible for creating and maintaining master records in the Stores Aeronautics Programme (SAP). If you’ve ever ordered, installed, broken, or repaired an aeronautical component, we’ve played an important role in setting up the information and maintaining it ever since.
Codification is critical to mission success, interoperability with all nations, and provides a standardised set of procedures which allows language barriers to be broken down. National Item Identification Numbers (NIINs) are used by over 50 countries and by both military and civilian organisations. The MMDT is involved in the initial research of an item to ensure it’s not already codified. We then prepare paperwork and send this on to the National Codification Bureau (NCB). Once a stock number has been assigned and it appears in NCORE (previously DIDS system), we are able to create it in SAP for all to view or purchase. We are also responsible for any changes to these records – anything from simple description amendments to more complex material type changes or number changes. We create the codified record in SAP, so we deal with a wide range of technical experts including original manufacturers, NCB and end users, as part of our daily work. We also talk with our Navy and Army equivalents, so no two days are ever the same. For those that want a more in-depth idea of MMDT, you’re welcome to visit us in the DAC building on Ohakea (Friday mornings are the best). We’re known for our great morning tea’s on a Friday which have evolved from a packet of biscuits to a full blown eight course meal, which must include something you can put tomato sauce on. We’re there at the start of a SAP record and at the disposal stage, so we don’t do anything by halves!