|
USPS - Homeland Security Procedures for Commercial Air
|
|
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) was considering mandating that the US Postal Service (USPS) conduct explosive screenings on all mail to be transported by commercial air that exceeds 1 lb in
weight. Working closely with USPS, staff from decision/analysis partners developed operational models to evaluate the cost and performance degradation resulting from the impending FAA
regulation. We modeled a number of detection technologies in terms of their cycle times and error rates into the mail processing and transportation network, including scenarios such as
centralized vs. distributed scanning, transportation of suspect mail by road or rail, etc.
|
Understanding obstacles and drivers for postal market growth in Jordan
|
|
The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology of Jordan contracted with decision/analysis partners and MMIS of Amman Jordan to perform a market study designed to
evaluate the current and potential postal market in Jordan to guide policy development, restructuring and possible privatization. This study includes the determination of how the postal market might
respond to key initiatives.
- Developing a clear understanding of the market dynamics and identifying current opportunities and obstacles for growth based on market-wide data collection and economic
analysis,
- Predicting growth segments and assessing the current and future impact of product substitution,
- Developing a comprehensive understanding of the needs of key industries for postal services,
- Assessing the role and contribution of the postal sector to e-society
- Reviewing preliminary findings in the context of the announced postal policy, and making recommended changes.
- Building a framework for and defining mechanisms to maintain a central repository for data on the postal sector.
|
Legal and Regulatory Framework Restructuring for Postal Sector Privatization in Jordan
|
|
A decision/analysis team reviewed the postal and commercial laws in effect in Jordan and determined the modifications that would be warranted to the laws and the regulatory
frameworks in order to encourage private sector participation in the sector, as well as establish an environment that would stimulate privatization of the national postal operators through a phased
transition from a governmental agency, to a state-owned corporation, to a private entity with joint partnership between the government and a strategic partner.
A sectorial analysis for universal service scenarios was also conducted. Various alternatives were considered, each varying the level of the universal service
obligations, and evaluating the repercussions that these would have on financial, human, and operational resources. ModelPost, was used to provide fact-based evidence of the repercussions of the
USO on the national operator, and to help the Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies devise a performance contract that is balanced towards the
operator, but that is also aligned with the growth vision laid out in the national postal policy.
|
Diagnostic and Restructuring of Gabon Poste
|
|
Gabon Poste, a recently formed government-owned corporation, was launched in conditions of financial duress, absence of leadership, lack of growth plans, and in an
unregulated market left at the mercy of private and informal operators. The project was to conduct a diagnostic of the organization, assess market potential, conduct an audit of the financial
conditions, and recommend a re-organization structure that would lead to renewed growth and market share acquisition.
The project was also responsible for reviewing legislative and regulatory texts in order to recommend revisions that would protect Gabon Poste, enforce universal service,
without stifling private sector participation.
decision/analysis partners led a multi-functional team of experts specialized in the postal sector as well as th restructuring of public enterprises. A through process
of data collection and analysis, interviews with a very diverse spectrum of stakeholders, and coordinated workshops with key players, led to a consensus-based approach for defining a strategy for
restructuring. A plan was developed and addressed all critical dimensions, including regulatory/legal, financial, organizational, and operational and product strategy.
This effort concluded in the creation of a new government-owned corporate entity, led by a new leadership and driven by a performance contract to accomplish measurable and targeted progress in a
relatively short time frame. Meanwhile, the assets of the initial postal organization were re-assessed and transferred, if appropriate, into the newly formed company.
|
Network Operations Center
|
|
decision/analysis partners consultants led the design and development of a Network Operations Management Systems (NOMS) system to deal with daily contingencies and
manage mail flows in a dynamic way. NOMS started with a single center then expanded to others networked together. These centers help measure airline performance, identify opportunities for
value-added services, provide plant managers with additional flexibility, and help prevent service failures before they materialize. The network operations management system enable USPS to
monitor and redirect mail flows by generating alternatives and then updating and changing the transportation plan on a real-time basis.
NOMS provides important benefits to the USPS, particularly during the Christmas holiday season when mail volumes soar and weather delays often disrupts the planned
flow of mail. In addition to providing guidance to operators for problem resolution, and real-time status information to managers and USPS executives, NOMS has created a library of information
that helps in planning, management review and long-term process improvements.
|
Air Scheduling System
|
|
Air Scheduling System The USPS buys over $2 billion worth of surface and air transportation each year, and is the largest civilian purchaser of transportation
services in the United States. During the Christmas holiday, the USPS charters over 150 aircraft for a period of 10 days to carry the large volume of priority mail, consisting mainly of gifts
delivered to individuals. Some aircraft are very large (Boeing 747 Cargo) and some are smaller (DC 9) decision/analysis partners staff together with its technology partner developed a
sophisticated air scheduling system (AirNet) designed to develop an optimal schedule taking into account the forecasted volume and weight of mail, the capacity of each aircraft and the capacity of
airports.
|
|
